You also agree to our Terms of Use and our use of your information as set forth in our Privacy Policy. The 558-acre monument preserves one of the last ancient redwood forests in Northern California. 24 Best Places to Visit in California During Winter Credit: bigstock.com Gazing Up at the trees in Redwood National and State Parks Adventure throughout the Sierra Mountains. There are so many things to do in Northern California, making it worth the trip. Hiking is the main attraction in the national park but non-hikers also find entertainment in the visitor centers, the easy nature walks, and the park lodge restaurants. Californias most prominent river, the Sacramento River, is the largest in the state. Stock up on magazines and newspapers and start clipping images to make vision boards for your future. From dinner cruises to rowboat excursions, getting out on the water is always a good date idea in our eyes. Something as simple as going to a. could prompt you to make your favorite memories as a family. Surf, sun, and sand: We've got a saltwater heart and surfing on our minds. Get Our Wedding Planner App On Your Mobile Device. No matter where you're headed in California, we can point you towards the nearest off-leash dog park, the most popular dog beach, a really great hiking trail, and lots of other places to play with Fido. That special moment will become a shared point of connection you can both get excited about. Our Top 5 Spots For Romantic Getaways In Northern California If youre a traveler on a budget like me, then youll find this San Francisco on a budget guide helpful next time youre in Northern California. We've rounded up 200+ questions for your boyfriend and questions for your girlfriend, so browse these lists and talk about things you've never discussed before. Read Next: Best Hikes Around San Francisco. Spending a night under the stars somewhere like Pigeon Point Lighthouseone of the best places to stargaze in NorCalcould be magical. 55 Fun & Best Things to do in California [2023 Bucket List] The Sierras illustrate the best beauty California has to offer. Northern California is a great place to live or visit. Be sure to pack all of your essentials in your backpack and dont leave any food in your car, as Mammoth receives heavy bear activity. Located on Pacific Coast Highway, Glass Beach is a fun attraction to visit with the family while on a road trip. Four-poster beds and fireplaces share space with contemporary art and deep-soaking hot tubsparticularly soothing after days hiking through the areas old-growth redwood forests. Various tours are available at Hearst Castle including a grand rooms tour, an upstairs sweet tour, a cottages & kitchen tour, a holiday twilight tour, and more! Head to your local bookstore or library and choose a novel for both of you to read. Spend days hiking around the shores of Shasta Lake, paddling out on a kayak or canoe, if you feel like it. Each of the rooms feels utterly private, so much so that you might forget you arent in your own secluded cabin in the forest. Or hike in the forest among redwoods, mosses, and ferns. A romantic California adventure is taking a drive along the 17-mile Pacific coastline in Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Activities for Couples in Northern California | USA Today Cook everything from scratch if you're feeling ambitious, or ask everyone to bring a side dish to complete your potluck. Win a carnival game prize and munch on a delicious funnel cake at this perfect beach spot. Watch for California natives like the condor and bald eagle while hiking, Google Maps | Phone: (831) 389-4485 | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: $30 per vehicle. In addition to wineries, Napa is known for hot spring resorts, especially in and around the northern county town of Calistoga. And who knows, you might even find that you want to turn it into a new hobby. There are several movies with scenes filmed in Northern California, and your familys favorite might be among them. Couples Bucket List: Fun Activities, Cute Date Ideas & Romantic Things to Do (for Girlfriends, Boyfriends & any Partner) The Bay Area is prime biking territory as well, and pedaling through San Francisco is a romantic and healthy way to see the City By The Bay. Plan a camping getaway for you and your boo and spend a night at Henry Cowell, Hendy Woods, or Redwoods National State Park. Our recommended businesses are top-quality and are committed to their communities. Located on the famous Cannery Row in Monterey, this restaurant sources all its dishes locally. Turning your phones on silent will encourage you to only focus on each other, thus allowing you to truly strengthen your connection without distractions. This was my favorite activity in San Francisco growing up and is the perfect Northern California excursion for the whole family. One of the biggest in California, Mammoth Mountain is one of the most popular activities to do in Northern California in the winter. Bodie State Historic Park is one of the best things to do in Northern California for history lovers. Fun things for couples to do don't always have to break the bank. Ghost towns, weird cities, and haunted localesfriends with peculiar interests will find plenty of unique things to do in Northern California. Just dont forget to brush up on your. Visit famous landmarks like Half Dome and Yosemite Valley or hike epic Yosemite trails like North Dome or Clouds Rest. In addition to being something you can enjoy together, this couples activity will also help your careers in the long run. Beaches range from stretches with sand the color of set honey, scattered with driftwood logs that make perfect seats for two, to burnished gold coves leading to rocky outcrops with tide pools. No matter how long you and your partner have been together, falling into a routine happens in no time. Follow winding hiking trails to the Kings River or take a drive to the Roaring River Falls for the most pleasant Kings Canyon experience. Not only will you get the endorphins flowing, you'll see your neighborhood from new heights. Nevada City, CA 95959, USA. It can get you moving, bring you closer together (literally), and be a great way to . This romantic central California resort gives couples the unique opportunity to bed down on the beach without having to camp or glamp. Located in Anaheim, the theme park receives millions of visitors a year and is the premier family destination in the golden state. Pack a picnic for a jaunt into Shasta Trinity National Forest, whose landscape of mountain lakes, rivers and wilderness areas is so vast, you can easily find a spot all to yourselves. Rent a bike in town and cruise on the pedestrian lane high above the water to the charming seaside town of Sausalito on the other side. Foodie Things for Couples to Do ; Fun Things for Couples to Do at Home ; Hobbies for Couples ; Outdoorsy Things for Couples to Do ; Foodie Things for Couples to Do 1. Follow footpaths to Cathedral Grove and Bohemian Grove or have a picnic at Redwood Creek. Camp in the midst of giant Northern California trees. The massive estate is quite puzzling. A favorite activity of mine is watching rock climbers scale the granite walls of the treacherous El Capitan through my binoculars. . In Santa Cruz, you'll find a waterfront amusement park, take a sailboat ride on the bay or a clifftop walk above one of California's most famous surfing beaches. 22 Great Indoor Activities For Couples - GoDates The inns charming, homey rooms are tucked within the forest, many with private patios and outdoor seating for soaking up the sounds of birdsong and breeze-ruffled leaves. Sunny. 25 Romantic Things to Do as a Couple Dancing. Sipping Champagne-method bubbles on patios, and sampling Cabernet Sauvignon straight from the barrel. The Tahoe Rim and John Muir Trail are both famous hikesattempting to cross even a portion of them is an incredible thing to do in Northern California. Feeling nostalgic? Imagine being able to gaze right at this legendary beauty from the comfort of a luxurious suite, with floor-to-ceiling glass, window seats and deep balconies. 30 Fun Things to do as a Couple At Home and Out! Get outside and soak up the sunshine by heading out on an expedition of nearby hiking or walking trails. Or simply soak up the stellar surroundings from the cheering comfort of your room, with stone fireplace, private balcony and plush, marshmallow-like bed. If you love a cold beer, consider investing in a home brewing kit or try out a beer subscription box. Visit Californias largest river and take a dip for free in the hot summer months. The expansive California State Park system is filled with interesting facts and figures that will blow your mind. dont always have to involve long trips and major pre-planning. Date nights are extremely important in a relationship. The high elevation of the town provides perfect snow conditions for hitting the slopes. Favorite Monterey activities include biking along the beachfront path, surfing in the Pacific Ocean, renting a sailboat and cruising the harbor, and taking the little ones to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. A rugged and remote area near the northern tip of the state, the Lost Coast is a very interesting place to visit in Northern California for a squad who likes to adventure off-grid. 2. include the towering redwoods. Romantic Things To Do In Southern California - Daytrippen.com Treat yourselves to some much-needed R&R by booking a couples' massage at a spa. Yosemite National Park, Fishermans Wharf, and Monterey Bay. be the first to know in the forests, or at the foothills of the mountainsyou can have an enviable NorCal escape with your friends. Either way, The Landing Resort And Spaa few leisurely steps away from the lakeshore and with a private beachis the ideal base for experiencing this watery slice of heaven. Head to Central California, where unspoiled coastlines, rolling vineyards, and towering hills pop up at every corner. NorCal is home to a number of romantic beaches. Visitors will also find hiking trails, delicious eateries, and relaxing spas in the towns along this water source. Be sure to bookmark this list and come back to it every time you need inspiration for romantic things to do together. Lake Tahoe is an outdoor enthusiasts playground. $38 per adult Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 25+ Attractions 1d+ 4.3/5 (276) Free cancellation available $79 per adult Alcatraz Island Ticket, Hop-on Hop-Off Bus & City Night Tour 2d 4.3/5 (408) Visit 4 different types of volcanoes on the same day, Google Maps | Phone: (530) 595-4480 | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle. 1. Visitors who wish to stay in Kings Canyon National Park overnight have 14 campground options. It's true, especially if you and your S.O. There are so many fun things to do in Northern California. 2. 10. Have a Game Night Like I mentioned, having a game night is one of our favorite fun things for couples to do at home. Were sitting on our balcony, lazily pondering what to do with the day. Lake Tahoe is one of the best places to visit in Northern California. Lake Tahoe becomes an idyll for skiing and cozy, fireside evenings, while waterfalls either freeze mid-flow or continue to cascade, framed by snowy pines. The best part? Each of these roomsfrom lofts with separate living areas and patios to traditional hideaways with four-poster beds and claw tubsis as individual as you are. San Jose is the technology capital of California. | March 30, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Top Things to Do in California California is full of beautiful destinations and fun attractions to experience. California's 11 Most Affordable Places to Live, What's Going On With The Oakland A's? Strolling through vineyards at elegant, honey-hued chateaux. Outdoors Activities. Whats cooler than visiting a real-life set and recreating a scene in person? This is also a good area to sit and read a book during lunch break. Some of the most popular tourist spots are the Winchester Mystery House and the New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum. The name says it all: Hotel Wine & Roses is unabashedly, unapologetically romantic. The pristine mountain scenery and the nearby Rainbow Falls Trail make this area a top destination in the Mammoth Lakes area. 0%. Plan a camping getaway for you and your boo and spend a night at, before, you have to go with your partner. There are fun activities to do in the park during every season of the year. This is a great stop along the Pacific Coast Highway and is in the perfect location to stretch your legs before driving onward. Set sail on the iconic San Francisco Bay. See their childhood home, drive by their school, and get food at their favorite restaurants. The best part about this couples activity is that there are no losers, because you'll have plenty of sweets to enjoy after. Hike through some of the most beautiful scenery California has to offer, Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free. This is the ultimate couples bucket list, one that includes not just romantic things to do, date ideas, and sweet relationship-focused activities, but incorporates a hefty dose of adventure & travel. Round up the best surf spots in Santa Cruz and spend a weekend by the beach with your friends. Marvel at the huge golden-red structure or go for a bike ride over the bridge, Google Maps | Phone: (415) 921-5858 | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: $8.80, motorcycles, $26.40, 3 axle vehicles, $35.20 4-axle vehicles | Browse Golden Gate Bridge Tours on Viator. Perhaps you two always get stuck in the cycle of going to the same restaurants over and over again. Hike under the towering giant tree canopy in this national park for the best experience possible. Enjoy a vacation and make sure to hike to one of its beautiful waterfalls while youre there. Host a dinner party! The best part? Explore the geologic wonder of the Lava Beds National Monument and head into the darkness of the lava caves on site. San Francisco - Fisherman's Wharf. Be on your best behavior at the Winchester Mystery House, or you may just open the wrong door. There are 1,017 acres of recreation space at the park, making it one of the largest in California. As a Cali girl myself, Ive explored Northern California extensively. 16 Exciting Things to Do in Northern California - LaJolla.com Think about what you did together for anniversaries, birthdays, job promotions or other notable life events. Most every California resident has been to or plans to vacation in Napa Valley. Campgrounds are available via reservation on Recreation.gov beforehand. Winter dusts the shores of South Lake Tahoe with snow, creating a striking contrast between the shimmering white and the smooth, honey-hued sand beaches that lead towards the brilliant blue water. Book a table at a Michelin-starred restaurant in the Bay Area. Many visitors pay the park a visit during their trip to San Francisco for endless entertainment options. 21+ Adventurous Things to Do on a Northern California Road Trip During your exploration of San Jose, be sure to check out the Rose Garden neighborhood and admire the 19th-century architecture. Luckily, there are plenty of. Whether you and your partner are total gym fanatics or just love to be active, try a new workout. When the sun goes down, bundle up and set up a blanket in your backyard, and keep an eye out for the stars. This famous Northern California attraction holds the world record for the longest continuous house construction: 38 years. The ski area has a summit elevation of 11,053 feet, making it the ideal location for retaining perfect compact snow during the ski season. Fish or boat on the giant alpine Mammoth County lake. There are many attractions in this area and it is the perfect way to spend an idle day in the big city. Not only is the bay a scenic attraction, but also a highly important local California water source. San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Santa Cruz, and Monterey are top destinations that should not be missed. When the winter months roll around and you simply can't spend another day inside, spend a day at your local ice rink. Tap into your artistic side by enrolling in a painting class. If you're building your bucket list for couples, the sky really is the limit! The lakes host an abundance of outdoor activities like fishing, boating, kayaking, and camping. Guests who are interested in all things spooky can opt for the Haunted Walk with Spirits tour for a spooktacular experience. 11 Best Things to Do in Northern California Its close to the areas waterside restaurants and wine-tasting rooms, and within easy reach of San Franciscos many attractions. You can order beautiful new plants directly to your home from sites like The Sill, Bloomscape, UrbanStems and The Bouqs Co. You can also plant an indoor herb garden and enjoy the results when you cook together. You will find hundreds of Northern California residents here on a hot summer day, the perfect way to make new local friends while in the area. Best Fun Things to Do for Adults near me in Huntington Beach, California. The Inn at Shasta Lake is right in the heart of the action. We're obsessed with this adorable couple activity. The best time to visit this geologically-rich national park is in the summer when everything is operating in full swing. It might be time to try out a meal kit service. Have a Movie Marathon Since the goal is to spend more time at home, why not take the time to have a movie marathon? Explore the diversity of Sequoia National Park, one of the best things to do in Northern California. Looking to impress? Her goal is to climb some of the world's highest mountains and visit as many countries as she can. Dance combines creativity, physical activity, intimacy, and fun, making it an ideal hobby for couples. In winter, mountain peaks and slopes are often dusted in snow. Stay here on honeymoon and youll likely return for anniversaries in years to come. Three separate campgrounds offer guests a variety of amenities and environments to experience during their [Read more.] A fairytale-like village, Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the top things to do in Northern California away from crowds. Get your family together for a close-to-home adventure to a new place to visit in Northern California. Treat Your Date to a Fine Dining Experience Looking to impress? The Santa Cruz Boardwalk Amusement Park is one of the best things to do in Northern California with children but it is also a fun activity for adults or couples on date night. This old water-locked penitentiary housed famous criminals like Al Capone and is now an interactive museum in the middle of San Francisco Bay. Don't forget popcorn and slushies! Casually nude bathing in the pools of rejuvenating minerals is not uncommon, but the atmosphere is more back-to-nature than Club Med. While you can find plenty of free meditation resources online, you can also invest in a subscription-based app, like Headspace or Calm. You can even think bigger pictureyou might shop for your Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving, or host everyone's families at your place for a Fourth of July bash. Next time you're bored and need something to do, make playlists for each other. Or we could head out for a day of wine-tasting around Napa and Sonoma. Enjoy attractions at the San Francisco Golden Gate Park like the Japanese Tea Garden, the California Academy of Sciences, a buffalo sanctuary, the De Young Museum, and the Conservatory of Flowers. 29 Best Things to Do in Northern California (in 2023) 25 Best Things to Do in Napa Valley - VacationIdea.com Join a tennis club and compete in the couples circuit. 2020 USATODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc. Click on a star to rate (you can leave feedback after clicking submit). If you live near a hiking trail this is a great way to get outdoors and explore nature. This couples activity gives back to your community, and it'll make you two feel proud of your accomplishments. South Lake Tahoe and Yosemite are also popular Northern California destinations. Massage and other spa treatments are available at most hot springs, often at prices far more reasonable than at a full-scale spa. and your love story, and listen together once you're both finished. The vast area of Northern California offers visitors a multitude of things to do and it should not be missed on your next California trip. 100 Fun Activities for Couples (That You'll Both Love) Easily one of the most popular things to do in Northern California, the Golden Gate Bridge is also the most photogenic site in town. 21 Top Romantic Getaways in California 12. This tip can offer many different activities to do as a couple, the easiest and cheapest outdoor activity is to go on a hike. 1 - Visit an engineering marvel: the Golden Gate Bridge The most iconic bridge on the West Coast (and, arguably, across the world), San Francisco's Golden Gate has been delighting visitors for the better part of a century (dating back to 1937, to be exact). Before joining The Knot Worldwide, Sarah was a contributing writer for Bravo at NBC Universal. Free up your Saturday evening and head to the theater to catch a new flick. There are more than 160 miles of shoreline and over 12,000 acres of land to explore. Immerse yourselves in history and culture by spending the day at a museum. Need ideas for romantic things to do together? Of all the romantic things to do together, we love the idea of chartering a boat for the day. Ski down unforgettable slopes in one of the biggest ski resorts in California, Google Maps | Phone: (800) 626-6684 | Website | Hours: Seasonal | Entrance: Starts at $89. You'll have all the feels when you relive what it was like the very first time you met. From relaxing winery picnics to luxurious stays on dramatic coastal bluffs, these romantic getaways in Northern California are perfect for exploring hand in hand. While skating might not come naturally to everyone, this fun couples activity will get you out of the house. Next time you need a fresh activity to do with your boyfriend or girlfriend, map out your relationship history. Strolling the streets of Old Town Eureka feels like being whisked 150 years back in time. Have a picnic, wander around a museum, or entertain yourself in the tea garden, Google Maps | Phone: (415) 831-2700 | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free. to have a tech-free day. One of the most romantic things for couples to do together is to embark on a scavenger hunt. Here's a list of 25 awesome things to do in Northern California. Unique Activities. Explore pitch-black lava tube caves created half a million years ago, Google Maps | Phone: (530) 667-8100 | Website | Hours: 10 am-4 pm | Entrance: Free. and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from California.com about news, events, offers, and partner promotions. The culture is cool, and the tourism is in full force along the wharf. Learn how your comment data is processed. 22 Great Indoor Activities For Couples By Alana Hebenton April 15, 2020 We all love the great outdoors; however, have you ever considered indoor activities for your date? Theres magic in every season in the high sierras from changing fall leaf colors to glaciated peaks in the winter and super blooms in alpine meadows in the spring. What did you like about this post? The unrivaled beauty and vast areas of protected wilderness draw millions to the park year after year. Home to the largest dome volcano in the world, it is also one of the few places that house all four types of volcanoes- cinder, stratovolcano, shield, and plug dome. A seaside town on the rugged California coast, Monterey is one of the most romantic getaways in California. Or, sign up for a wine subscription service like Winc to test out new varieties of your favorite blends. Timber Cove Resort feels the samea delightful hideaway made for two. There are great views of San Francisco Bay from anywhere in the Fishermans Wharf area or the Embarcadero area of San Francisco. NorCal is home to plenty of beautiful locales where you can, Ever get that feeling that you just want to drive aimlessly for hours? Michelin-starred restaurant in the Bay Area. 50 Romantic Things For Couples to Do & Fun Couples Activities will have a great time cheering for your team. If you're more of a spirits couple, sign up for a cocktail-making class and learn the art of mixology (it will impress your friends and family at your next gathering). You can enjoy snow activities like skiing, snowshoeing, and building a snowman. The states most popular national park, Yosemite is the epitome of peak California scenery. Guests are served multiple meals of their choice. The Russian River snakes through the lush wine country and has carved out the defining landscape. The Hofsas House Hotel has an old European charm and is the perfect option. Whether youre for a scenic drive in Napa, a Big Sur panoramic route, or a spectacular drive in the Bay Area, you have plenty of places to visit in Northern California paired with awesome views. You'll have a great meal to enjoy at the end of it. The Northern California experience is too rich to keep to yourself. With plenty of options to choose fromglamping along the coast, in the forests, or at the foothills of the mountainsyou can have an enviable NorCal escape with your friends. plenty of the states must-do road trips either start or end in NorCal. It's always fun to take a trip down memory lane. This U.S. national monument is located near Mammoth Lakes California. The number 1 tourist attraction in California is Disneyland. Its often blissfully quiet, too, and feels like a little-known secret that you and your loved one have stumbled upon. Not only is it almost always clear of crowds, but it also has one of the most diverse landscapes of any other national park in California. Park in lot (free), walk left at the steps to the beach for a miles long off-leash area. Awe-inspiring views come as standard across this quietly luxurious property, located on a former military base in Sausalito. A rugged and remote area near the northern tip of the state. Perhaps a warm throw blanket for your next movie night? In fact, you might love this couples activity so much that you turn it into a monthly (or a weekly!) Find an empty cove for a lakeside picnic in warmer months, perhaps braving the chilly water for a swim. (Getty Images) California's attractions are. You never know what gems you'll find, which is why this affordable couples activity is a major win in our eyes. There's certainly nothing wrong with being creatures of habit, but it is important to prioritize fun couple activities in your relationship. Explore the small American towns that line the mighty river. Enjoy a relaxing cruise down the Russian River. While it may seem out of your comfort zone at first, this couple activity will bring the heat and give you a serious confidence boost. The prime way to experience the best that Northern California has to offer is with a California road trip. Visit one of the oldest trees in the world, Google Maps | Phone: (559) 565-3341 | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: $35 per vehicle. There is no food available for purchase but an informative museum with a bookstore. The hotel was built in the Sixties and retains much of that golden age glamor, underpinned by laid-back hippie chic vibes. In other words, you wont want to miss out on this couples bonding activity! Stretching along the eastern edge of California, the Sierra Nevada Mountains extend into the neighboring state of Nevada.