Northern California
Underrated winelands, gold-rush towns and hidden histories await in NorCal
Best for: Small towns, history, nature and exceptional food and wine
Why go? Experience the state's great diversity, from the spectacular coast to the stunning landscapes of wine country, to the Sierra Nevada foothills and gold-rush towns
Route: Mendocino; Anderson Valley; Santa Rosa, Sonoma; Nevada City/ Grass Valley; Mariposa
This route begins in Mendocino County, a magical region of waves, wines and redwoods, filled with historic villages and outback adventures. To reach it, you can fly into Charles M Schulz-Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, or any of the airports in San Francisco, Oakland or Sacramento, and hire a car from there.
Start in the artsy town of Mendocino (about 250km north of San Francisco), a historic 1850s…