Home. Sign up for itinerary inspiration, travel tips, and more! What to do in Northern California in December. Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour. Big Bear is just 2 hours drive away from Los Angeles and is one of the cheapest vacation spots in California. MARCH California Craft Beer Summit, Sacramento Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the craft beer industry and sip the best new brews at this annual get-together for both beer pros and fans. . Fly a kite, go hiking, and spend the day beachin it up at Doran Regional Park dogs welcome! The Park is located on 347 acres of land surrounding Mendocino. a slice of Africa on the Mendocino Coast! , Pick out some fresh saltwater taffy along the Pacific Coast Highway at Patricks of Bodega Bay , See the stunning 1800s Saint Teresa of Avila Church, the famous church from the Alfred Hitchcock 60s thriller The Birds (dont miss the Potter School nearby, also in the movie!) Do You Need a Passport for Domestic Flights? The counties of Napa and Sonoma have the oldest and beautiful vineyards in the country. Is it engaging, fun, and exciting? Looking for super fun things to do in Northern California? Marin Headlands, Northern California. Winchester Mystery House Tour San Jose 4. The things to do at the Monument run from exploring the caves to admiring the pictographs left by the caves original residents in ancient times. 14 Best Things To Do in Sequoia National Park - U.S. News Travel The frigid water surrounds it on every side, and it once held notorious prisoners like Alvin Francis Karpowicz and Al Capone. Full List: Here are 2023 Northern California Fourth of July fireworks Paddle the famous Smith River or get wet on a white water rafting trip in Middle Fork Smith Cooper Canyon. For the best flowers, at North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve near Oroville. 11 Cheapest Places to Visit in California in 2023 - Budget Travel Buff It also has more than a mile for great ocean and beach views. The two weekends feature food, music, bonsai exhibits, and the crowning of a Queen in San Francisco's Japantown. Highway 89Burney, CA 96013(530) 335-2777Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. Updated July 06, 2023 10:06 AM. Feast on freshly harvested oysters (and even shuck them yourself!) It is one of the few places you can get amazing fresh seafood in the whole of San Francisco. The lake is home to the tufa towers, and the tributary streams provide water to Los Angeles. , Heat up your taste buds at World Famous HotBoys, serving fried chicken with five levels of spice, then walk down the street to Little Giant Ice Cream , Indulge in Sacramentos coffee culture, buy some beans, and check out a few popular spots (including Insight Coffee Roasters, Camellia Coffee Roasters, and Temple Coffee) , Visit Californias State Capitol building you can even take a tour (available every day between 9am-4pm) , Wolf down some locally grown food in Sacramentos Farm-to-Fork culture, and then visit a farmers market or two (typically in summer! ), Cruise along (non paved) Historic Howland Hill Road for an hour or so through the towering, old-growth redwood forest, Look out for migrating gray whales from Pebble Beach Drive, Crescent Beach Overlook, and/or Battery Point Lighthouse (one of the best things to do in Northern California from May to October! June 25, 2023 25 Best Things to Do in Northern California Top Activities & Places to Go! The Highway runs through 13 different cities in LA, and every part of it is beautiful. May 11, 2021 Longing for the ultimate getaway? Willits Center for the Arts presents an introduction to northern Europe The Park has many designated campgrounds scattered all over it where you can become one with nature. The garden has been the inspiration behind more than 5000 paintings. Recommended Experience: Hollywood Behind the Scenes Walking Tour Shasta Ski Park (and plus, the tickets and rentals are more affordable than at many other mountains), Drive to Castle Lake, then take the 1 mile trail to Heart Lake for one of the most spectacular vistas of Mount Shasta at sunset, Get great views of Mt. Kings Creek Falls - 3 mile hike. Salute to the Red, White and Blue in Elk Grove: Tuesday, July 4. The headlands are part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Emerald Dolphin Inn & Mini Golf, Related: Best Beaches in Northern California, 17119 Avenue of the GiantsWeott, CA 95571(707) 946-2263Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. It is a salt soda lake that was formed some 760,000 years ago east of Yosemite Valley. Experience the parks largest hydrothermal area by hiking Bumpass Hell to boiling mud pots, bubbling pools, and stinky sulphur smells but wait to add this to your list of things to do in Northern California until late summer; the trail doesnt typically open until mid-July , Enjoy the challenging 4 mile hike to the Cinder Cone Volcano and be rewarded with spectacular views of the whole park including the Painted Dunes and Lava Beds, Take an easy stroll around Manzanita Lake, and make sure to take photos of Lassen Peaks reflection in the water , Walk along the easy sidewalk trail to Sulphur Works to get a taste of the areas steaming vents and plopping mudpot , Launch yourself to another planet while admiring the colorful Painted Dunes, School yourself on volcanoes while walking along the Lava Beds trail, filled with huge chunks, different colors, layers, and mineral compositions of lava rocks, Have a picnic and then a snowball fight at Lake Helen and yes, even in summer (pros of high elevation) , Go for a hike to the parks highest waterfall, passing red fir forests along the way of the Mill Creek Falls Trail, Learn how lava tubes are formed and take a short walk with flashlights in the pitch black Subway Cave Lava Tubes, Stretch your legs and walk across the Sundial Bridge, a 700-foot suspension bridge leading to botanical gardens and plenty of trails in Turtle Bridge Exploration Park , Stand up paddle on Whiskeytown Lake, or just hang around for sunset (its downright gorgeous) , Take a short catamaran ride on Shasta Lake en route to Shasta Caverns, where stalactites, helictites, and rare formations await, Marvel at Burney Falls, one of the most beautiful cascades of waterfalls in the middle of a forest in all of California , Enjoy a free tour of the Shasta Dam and then take a leisurely walk on the dam itself for great views of Shasta Lake and mountains on one side, and the stunning Keswick Reservoir on the other , Go for a swim at chilly Potem Falls; its only a short trek down from the parking area, Sign up for the free, ranger-led kayak tour around Whiskeytown Lake (the Moonlight Tour is currently on my personal list of things to do in Northern California! Things To Do Near Me: Find Fun Activities Nearby | Expedia If you click on an affiliate link we provide, we may receive compensation. ), and Foreign Cinema (watch a movie while you eat!) (Orick) , Apply for a permit to hike the never-crowded Tall Trees Grove Trail only 50 cars are allowed in per day (Orick), Hike to the top of Trinidad Head to search for whales (but first, dont miss the replicated Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse) (Trinidad) , Soak up the rugged coastline on the Trinidad Fishing Pier over Trinidad Harbor, a popular crabbing spot with even more spectacular views (Trinidad) , Touch starfish (safely in a touch tank) at Humboldt State Universitys Marine Lab, a fun and educational side-trip (Trinidad), Watch the surfers at Trinidad State Beach at sunset after hiking down from the park (or just chill at Moonstone Beach) , Slather on the sunscreen and make the steep trek down to College Cove Beach dont miss the caves filled with starfish and sea anemone (or take the coastal trail above the beach to find the secret swing) (Trinidad) , Stock up on smoked salmon and canned albacore at Katys Smokehouse, a local institution around here (Trinidad) , Wander around the handsomely restored Old Town district, and feel like youre still in the Victorian era. You can visit the Cornerstone Winery in Yountville for the picturesque environment and incomparable wine tasting experience. From CNN's Ariane de Vogue. La Jolla Cove San Diego 9. Is it free or cheaper compared to the other options? Watch the injured elephants and sea lions feed at Northcoast Marine Mammal Center (Crescent City), 4. There are beautiful stops in all the 13 cities the highway runs through. At the National Seashore, there are many activities you can participate in indoors and outdoors. This is a popular ski destination in the USA and can get crowded in winter. , Get some of the best seasonal pie of your life from Pie Ranch (or just deal with a pastry and some coffee if theyve ran out) , Pick your own strawberries and sip some hot apple cider at Swanton Berry Farms, known for their strawberry shortcakes and olallieberry cobbler. We've compiled a list to help guide you through one of our favorite destinations! The Marin Headlands is a fascinating rocky peninsula just north of San Francisco, across the Golden Gate Bridge, with spectacular views of the entire Bay, the bridge itself and the city. ), Wander the Crescent City Beachfront Park, right on the harbor with a sandy beach (Crescent City). Additionally, going to the park will give you a chance to see the 36 ft. high waterfall and explore the 3-mile bike trail in the area. ), Head under the Earths surface and squeeze through the caverns to see stalactites and stalagmites at California Cavern State Historic Landmark (opt for the Middle Earth tour if you wanna get muddy! One of the most intriguing things to do in Northern California is exploring Alcatraz. Is it wheelchair accessible? Dont let your adrenaline-seeking family miss out on this exciting opportunity. Elk Grove's festivities start at 6 p.m. A Let Freedom Ride bike parade will start at 6 p.m. That will be followed by a performance . This Pacific Coast Highway is a 123-mile route run around the Central California coast. Head to Central California, where unspoiled coastlines, rolling vineyards, and towering hills pop up at every corner. Bodie state sprang up out of nowhere during the American Gold Rush near Yosemite as a mining town. And au natural hot springs and scenic waterfalls and wine. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Embassy Suites Napa Valley, Related: Best Hotels in Northern California, 100 US-395Bridgeport, CA 93517(760) 616-5040Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. Things to do in Northern California (March 18-19) Of course, Sonoma County offers many attractions, not just wineries! Everest!). The view at the Monument is amazing, and the park rangers organize something that is known as Tree Talk for visitors to learn more about the origins of the trees. 2. Regionals: Friday-Monday, June 2-5. Expect her insights to bring you California charm with a touch of wonder. Shasta Nordic Center, Other Things to Enjoy in the Shasta Cascades, Throw on your headlights and crawl through some caves at Lava Beds National Monument (theres over 20 to explore! From spending some highly anticipated days outside, to planning your ideal spring break vacation, to eating your weight in cheese and pie before bathing suit season is here, the possibilities are endless in the Golden State. ), Throw back a few beers at Mt. OH THE WINE (weve got tons of vineyards, even ones with wine tasting in a castle). 11 Best Things to Do in Northern California The road takes approximately 10 hours to travel through. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Village at Squaw Valley, Pier 43 1/2, Fishermans WharfSan Francisco, CA 94133(415) 673-2900Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. Cruise under the famous Golden Gate Bridge, look at Alcatraz, and see Angel Island and Sausalito. The seashore has open grasslands for people to explore as well as numerous species of animals to explore. I've organized this massive list by region to make travel planning even easier. Head to Convict Lake at sunrise for the most stunning photos youll probably ever take (besides at all the lakes in Banff National Park), then spend the day fishing, hiking, and boating! Best Breakfast in Sacramento, CA 30 Top Places! I interviewed park rangers, and they shared some incredible insider secrets about the best times to visit. So, pack your bags and prepare to explore this beautiful region. BIG BEAR LAKE. ), Get a different view of the Golden Gate Bridge from hiking down to Kirby Cove and if youre lucky, youll find a swing or two (they rangers take them down but they magically reappear), Stroll along the waterfront in Sausalito with an ube ice cream in hand from Lapperts (other Hawaiian flavors available, too!) 25 Things To Do In Northern California That Are Super Fun March is a beautiful time of year in Northern California right now look for spring blooms on the trees, especially magnolia, stone fruit, and almond trees all across the region, and the last of the yellow fields of mustard in the wine country. Today, it is the third-largest park in California. Professional wanderluster and trip planning aficionado. Lastly, I learned about the parks hidden gems that most tourists miss with the help of tour operators. , Eat a million dollar meal at Thomas Kellers French Laundry, one of the finest restaurants in the nation (always and forever on my NorCal bucket list hopefully I can get a reservation soon! According to the U.S. Department of State official website, without expediting it could take upwards of 10 to 13 weeks from when you mail it . 25 Best Things to Do in California (2023) Fun Activities! California Bucket List: Top Things to Do in March Clam chowder bread bowls, eerie towers of calcium carbonate, and apple-picking (and pumpkin-picking!) You can also take pictures while youre at it. Your family will surely love the adrenaline rush of skiing down the amazing trails at TXC. If youre looking for fun things to do around Northern California, visit Bodie. The event will take place on July 14, at 6:30 p.m. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Courtyard by Marriott San Francisco Downtown/Van Ness Ave, Pier 33San Francisco, CA 94123(415) 561-4900Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Double Eagle Resort and Spa, Related: Best Family Resorts in Northern California, Dana Avenue & Naglee AvenueSan Jose, CA 95126(408)794-7275Visit WebsiteOpen in Google Maps. What to Do in Northern California in March - This Is My Happiness First night of Tongan Big Camp USA, join us this week for Tongan camp meeting every morning and evening for worship! , Put on your boots and hike among wildflowers atop coastal bluffs at Mori Point, one of my favorite hikes in Pacifica , Gather some friends and have a picnic amongst the gardens at Filoli Historic House & Garden, full of flowers and other scenic greenery, Stroll through the 5.5 acre Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose, known for colorful flowers in bloom from April November (with over 180+ rose varieties!) This first-hand knowledge helped me create a more insightful and practical guide for your next family trip. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Humboldt House Inn, 38050 Highway 36 EastMineral, CA 96063(530) 595-4480Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. Walk along the railroad tracks to Mossbrae Falls, a stunning cascade of waterfalls along the leafy-green wall just make sure to listen out for the trains! Hog Island Oysters Co. is located in Napa Valley and San Francisco. Santa Rosa is the central city in Sonoma County, home to fantastic fun for the whole family. 5:07 p.m. Is it easily accessible by public transportation? Warner Bros. Monterey Bay Aquarium Monterey 6. Set sail from Fishermans Wharf on a traditional 1-hour cruise and learn about San Franciscos vibrant past. The Shasta Cascades region of California is basically the gateway to outdoor adventures, with a whole slew of national and state parks, comprising thousands of acres of wilderness. This is the only Segway rental with a 2.5-hour tour through San Franciscos beautiful Golden Gate Park. , Lay on the beach and take colorful photos with the vacation rentals at Capitola Beach (then grab a coffee with a view at Mr Toots Coffeehouse) . 12 Epic Things To Do In Northern California [Map Included] If you click on an affiliate link we provide, we may receive compensation. Your email address will not be published. The hydrothermal activities at the park give an insight into how volcanoes work. Say hello to the baby goats (and pick up some lavender goat cheese) from Harley Farms Goat Dairy. But weve also got gold rush towns, a snow-capped dormant volcano (true story), and plenty of Victorian-era houses. The Redwood Canyon and Muir Grove also great places for longer . 27 Best Hotels in Lake Tahoe, CA The Top-Rated Hotels to Stay At! And these are the things I consider before coming up with this list. Despite the downsides, these activities are still worth the try with your family. Those are some reasons why it is on our list of the best things to do in Northern California. Weekends get very crowded so arrive early (by 9 am) or come on a weekday. Thank you, Ahmet. Waterfalls. It is home to some of the most iconic landmarks and natural wonders in the United States. Fun Things to Do in Northern California | Vacation Ideas for 2023 Im sure youve heard of the most popular places to visit in Northern California weve got Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, Napa Valley, etc. The show boasts more than 24 animatronic or performer . There is also the hydrothermal areas and caves to explore (We didn't do the caves since we were going to visit Lava Beds next!). Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Santa Cruz 6. There are lots of fun things to do, such as the Blue Hole and river tubing from Montego Bay, luxury sailing to the famous Arch in Los Cabos, hiking with a waterfall tour in San Juan, getting the best views of London on a River Thames cruise, and more. The Gentle Barn. You can learn all about the history of how the town went from a booming metropolis to an empty, abandoned place during your visit. 25 Best Things to Do in Santa Clarita, Southern California ET, June 29, 2023. I obviously know nothing about it! If you said towering redwoods, the granite peaks of Yosemite, and freshly shucked oysters, you wouldnt be wrong! ), Read all about the cheese making process or just sample a bunch of cheeses and enjoy the outdoor waterfall garden at Hilmar Cheese Company Visitor Center , Buy super cheap jelly beans belly flops! Make the scenic 16-mile drive of the June Lake Loop, complete with 4 lakes to see, as well as the Obsidian Dome (and then take your pick of hiking, kayaking, and/or fishing nearby), Check out a former gold-mining community at Bodie State Historic Park, the largest ghost town in the west with daily tours and tons of historic buildings and artifacts, Take a dip in the steaming waters of the Travertine Hot Springs, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and unique rock formations, Soak in Wild Willys Hot Springs, that heart-shaped hot spring youve probably seen all over Instagram. You can also visit the lighthouse on the Island, which was built many years before the Island became a prison. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Wow! What are the best activities near you? Take a refreshing dip in the crystal clear Emerald Pools and look around for the mini waterfalls; photographers, dont forget your camera! Required fields are marked *. Getting a passport isn't that hard, but it does take quite a bit of time, especially right now. ), Grab a cone at Nimble & Finns, then get a slice of pie at Chile Pies Baking Co., both located in an old bank , Eat your way through Guerneville, with top spots being boon eat & drink, BROT (mm German food), and Big Bottom Market (get the biscuits) , Stay in a trendy airstream trailer in a woodsy-chic area at AutoCamp Russian River, Go (free!) Enjoy a glass of Pinot Noir and roam the vineyard grounds and garden at Ferrari-Carano Vineyards , Have a multi-course Californian-Japanese 3 Michelin starred-meal at sophisticated SingleThread Farm Restaurant, and yup, its just as expensive as it sounds, Sleep in a tent and go glamping at Wildhaven Sonoma Glamping, Get your slushie on at Wicked Slush, a perfect treat for a hot summer day (add some ice cream!) Lassen Peak, the dominant volcano in the park, last erupted in 1914, and it didnt stop rumbling until 1917. between the trio of waterfalls (or drive) at McCloud Falls theres Lower Falls, Middle Falls, and Upper Falls , Hit the slopes at Mt. Visitors recommend longer hikes, such as the Alta Trail or the High Sierra Trail, to escape the crowds, especially in the summer. See all 75 activities Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! Sail around San Francisco Bay and see some of the citys most famous bayside sights. Family-Friendliness: I use this criterion to assess the family-friendly appeal of every activity. Ahmet Palazoglu, professor of chemical engineering and chair of the Academic Senate, introduced the chancellor. 13. Past fests have included art exhibits, wine . 55 Fun & Best Things to do in California [2023 Bucket List] What to Do in Northern California in February - This Is My Happiness Will visitors get a lot of bang for their buck? It was acquired by the U.S. government in 1841, and by 1863, it was an army base. It has charming lakeside towns, wineries, and hiking trails with stunning views. Start by delving into the enigmatic history of Alcatraz Island. See the St. George Reef Lighthouse from the bluffs at Point St. George (Crescent City), 3. The Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square, Courtyard by Marriott San Francisco Downtown/Van Ness Ave, Holiday Inn Express Redwood National Park, Best Family Resorts in Northern California, top things to do in Northern California with kids. If you can snag a reservation for their occasional farm-to-fork meals, make the splurge. ITS-IT is an ice cream company that started its journey in an amusement park near the Golden Gates Bridge with George Whitney as its inventor. , Treat yourself to some deliciously creamy mac n cheese from Homeroom (always super crowded, so be prepared for a wait) , Stop by the Oakland California Temple, a beautiful mormon temple in the Oakland Hills with fantastic architecture, lush grounds, and stupendous views, Fill up a basket of cherries in Brentwood with plenty of U-Pick farms to choose from (mid-to-late May, as this is when cherry picking typically starts.) 1 Indian Wells HqtrsTulelake, CA 96134(530) 667-8113Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. Universal Studios Hollywood (Editor's Choice) 2. Check out the impressive basalt rock formations of the Devils Postpile National Monument, and dont miss the popular waterfall Rainbow Falls! Make the steep one mile hike down to Vikingsholm Castle Historic Site, a castle with Scandinavian architecture that you can tour! Bliss and Emerald Bay State Park), Strap on your boots and get snowshoeing out into the wilderness at Donner Lake and Donner Pass, Spend the afternoon relaxing and climbing on rocks at beautiful Hidden Beach, accessed via the 3-mile East Tahoe Shore Trail and frequented by locals , Ski through an old-growth forest at Sierra-at-Tahoe, the perfect spot to breathe in some fresh Tahoe air, Hike the ridiculously easy trail with your pup to Eagle Rock for stunning views of Lake Tahoe, Walk along the lake for stunning views via the brand-spankin new East Tahoe Shore Trail, a 6-mile roundtrip paved trail just completed a few short years ago with tons of lookout spots on the way, Hike right next to Vernal Falls on The Mist Trail (make sure to bring rain jackets; its not called the mist trail for nothing!). Visit the headquarters in Burlingame to see how these awesome delicacies are being made. We independently evaluate all recommended services and products. Whether youre a nature lover, foodie, history buff, or adventure seeker, it has something to offer for your family and friends. We felt the joy of exploring the beauty of California through the Sonoma Walking Food, Wine & History Tour. Shuck your own oysters at American Abalone Farms, and try out some abalone too! Affordable wineries near Sacramento? Old Sugar Mill 14 spots | The Emily Appelbaum We independently evaluate all recommended services and products. The park is home to four different types of volcanoes. Additionally, many of their seafood is specially harvested in Tomales bay. 4 - 10 p.m. March 10, 1 - 8 p.m. March 11 . Between these two counties, more than 500 wineries can be found. Camping. The park is home to more than 400 species of animals, as well as the ancient giant sequoia trees. The water at the fall mainly comes from individual springs, which creates a mist in the area. Santa Monica State Beach Santa Monica 8. Tongan Big Camp 2023 - #WhateverItTakes - Facebook And if you live around here, dont tell me youre bored! Here are my picks for things to do in Northern California in February. You can either attend a tree talk or walk through the tower of tall trees. Tahoe Cross-Country is a popular ski destination in Nevadas Lake Tahoe area. Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5, last Updated: May 10, 2023california Northern California. An hour-long tour around Golden Gate Bay will allow you to see the citys most famous sights. April 1: Battle of the Brews, Santa Rosa The one-day festival at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa celebrates both global and California craft beers. We also love that they have a complete bar and clean and modern restrooms. dome super popular with climbers, Check out the crystal clear water of glacial Tenaya Lake from the short line or the top of Mount Hoffman, Get some of the best views in all of Yosemite from the top of Clouds Rest, a 14 mile hike with views of Half Dome, the Sierra Nevada mountains, and Yosemite Valley, Visit Yosemite in the winter and feel like youre in real-life winter wonderland snow globe , Make the impressive drive from Yosemite to Sequoia National Park via the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway (one of the most scenic things to do in Northern California!). Head to one of the hippest spots in Sacramento the R Street corridor, with boutiques and breweries to cafes and restaurants. The Burney Falls stands at a height of 129 ft. and a width of 250 ft., which makes it one of the largest falls in the whole of California. Are there plenty of parking spaces available? 5,473. Shasta from the very top, Snowshoe at the Bunny Flats on Mt. I also gathered personal and professional opinions from my family and co-travel bloggers. (theres more locations nearby other things to do in Northern California, too) , Walk along the Petaluma waterfront, and grab a slice of pie from Petaluma Pie Company or ice/soft serve combo from Wicked Slush (one of my favorite day trips from San Francisco) . Things to do in Northern California (March 11-12) | abc10.com California Academy of Sciences San Francisco 5. If you are looking for a particular star, there's an online tool available called "Star Searcher". Napa and Sonoma counties are two of the major winemaking areas in California. ), Wait on line and order one of each at Thomas Kellers Bouchon Bakery (the chocolate almond croissants, caramel macarons, and classic eclairs are not to be missed), Make a reservation at the pink tasting rooms with stained glass windows at Peju Winery (complete with waterfalls and a koi pond) if youre a fan of bigger, bolder reds , Sip some sparkling bubbly wines (with a cheese plate pairing!) , Look down into Yosemite Valley to appreciate the views of Half Dome and Nevada Falls from Glacier Point, Watch the sunset at Taft Point (be extra-super careful if youre taking photos at the edge! Spend the night where Mark Twain and Ulysses S. Grant once did at Murphys Historic Hotel & Lodge, with vintage rooms and a saloon more than 160 years old!