Things to do Northern California
Vacation Ideas

Fishing is a top activity as local streams are teeming with trout. Bird watching is also popular.

Burney Mountain Guest Ranch offers cedar cabin accommodations in a comfortable and low-key setting. Nearby Fall River Golf Course is available for you golfers. This is a great vacation idea for romantic couples as well as families.

In fact, Monterey Peninsula attracts gofers from around the world and is considered by many to be the golf capital of the world. There are lots of private courses catering to the wealthy but there are plenty of public courses as well. Pebble Beach Golf Links is one of the top public courses in the country. Del Monte Golf Course, established in 1897, is one of the oldest.

One of the most affordable courses is the unpretentious Pacific Grove Municipal Golf Links. Three nice public courses in the Pebble Beach area are the Rancho Canada Golf Club, Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club and the course at Carmel Valley Ranch. Visit in late January and early February and you can attend the famous AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro Am Golf Tournament.

Carmel Walks is an official guided walk that shows off some of the town highlights like a house made completely out of doors or one made out of pieces of ships.

Carmel River State Beach is a favorite with the locals and is not as crowded as the Carmel Beach City Park. Visit the Carmel Mission which was built in 1770 and is the second mission in the state. The mission features carefully reconstructed buildings, fabulous gardens and three museums.

Outdoor activities are available in Mendocino Headlands State Park which surrounds the town. Walk along the ocean on the heather-covered bluffs. Explore the hidden grottos and tidal pools. Winter brings whales to the coastal waters which can be seen from the shore.

Just 8 miles to the north is the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Here you can walk through 47 acres of splendid gardens with varieties of plants that bloom all year round. The surrounding area is thick with old growth forest making it a great spot for a meandering scenic drive.

Briones Regional Park is a hidden gem popular with the locals but not well known among tourists. There are several very nice trails throughout the park’s 6,000 acres, great for hiking, horseback riding and nature walks. Panoramic views can be seen from Brione’s Peak. Wildflowers and wildlife are abundant.

Bring a picnic, go bird watching, fly a kite or just relax and enjoy the scenery. While at the park, make a stop to see the nearby John Muir House in Martinez. This was the home of John Muir from 1890 to 1914. The house and several acres of orchards and vineyards have been restored and open for tours.

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