Travel Idea: Northern California

The following photos are my own, taken by me.

According to a Brain Post on Snow Brains, almost 90% of our lives are spent indoors. From the time you wake up and head out, you go straight to open the car door and then it's off to go work in a building for eight hours. Once you're done at work, you get in your car and drive straight home. This cycle is never ending, and the breathing cool 'fresh' AC air under the bright fluorescent lights becomes a constant for every day lives. Now and then you might make a spur of the moment decision on the weekend to go to the park or take a walk outside for some fresh air, but lets be real, going outside isn't really a huge part of our lives. 

So what's the solution to this problem? If you can't already tell by the title, my advice to you is to spend a week or two in Northern California if the time and money is available to you. Most people think of Cali as the 'golden state' with sandy beaches and hot summers. But the California that most people are referring to is Southern part like the San Diego region or the OC. For this rant though, I thought I'd run through the California most aren't as familiar with- Northern California. Miles and miles of red woods, rocky beaches with a breathtaking views, Yosemite park- Northern California is the perfect getaway for someone looking to be out in Nature. Now I know what some of you might be thinking. Nature? Gross. Bugs, the outdoor-sy smell you acquire after being in nature too long, humidity, the small inconveniences like being without wifi- not your thing. But by giving it a chance I think you might come to love it, whether you're a outdoorsy person or not. Plus, I'm an expert remember. And I'm nice enough to not throw you out into the great outdoors without a few guiding tips and ideas on where to go.

​Day One: San Francisco 

For this first stop, you're not involved in too much of the nature aspect I was mentioning before, but trust me, you'll be walking outside a lot. 

1. Arrive at San Francisco airport and head straight to the car rental services there to get a car for the next couple of days. Depending on the car, it’ll cost you any where from $20 to $60
2. Get lunch at Boudin's Bakery or anywhere in Fishermans Wharf, I recommend Boudin’s because it has a gorgeous view of the water
3. Hang out around Pier 39 for a couple hours, it’s a small carnival like place with stores and games.
4. Take a tour. I recommend pre-ordering tickets for either the Alcatraz ferry boat, or catch a red double decker bus to take a trip around San Fran. Click here for more info.
5. Try something from the Ghirardelli factory. 
6. Buy cable car tickets in advice for a round trip, because the lines to get tickets tend to be long. When I went, I started down at the lower end near the piers. You can get off at any stop, but I recommend that you get off at Union Circle at the top. Stay there and shop for a while. 

​Day Two: The Redwoods & Bodega  Bay

For day two, you'll be out in nature much more.

1. Book a redwood canopy tour in advance to do with the people you're traveling with. When I went, we  did the "Tree Tops Flight" which is $119 per person. This may seem expensive, but believe me, it's worth it.
2. Grab a bite to eat at a local place and head out to Bodega Bay
3. Take pictures of and walk along the shore near Bodega Bay. During the summer, it's still pretty cold on this beach, so dress for cooler windy weather.
4. While leaving the Bodega Bay area, stop at Patrick's Salt Water Taffy. This pink building on the side of the road is hard to miss, and their taffy is really good.

​Day Three: Yosemite 

This last stop is a bigger one, and you might want to spend a couple days here. It's also on the more expensive side, because it is such a huge tourist attraction. 

1. Book a stay at the hotel or the cabins at Yosemite, both must be booked wayyy in advance. Visit their website for more details.
2. Drive into the park and head over to the Food Service Lodges after checking in. They're like little markets within the park. Get some food to tide you over for a while to cut down on food expenses. 
3. Plan out the trails you want to go on. I recommend choosing two or three trails. Mix it up between long and short trails, because you'll want to experience both.
4. When you go on trails, you'll want to have some essential gear along. Good hiking shoes, healthy snacks, LOTS of water, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses. 
5. Enjoy each trail and site. This park is known worldwide, if you get the chance to visit, you're a pretty lucky person. 

If you have the money and the time to visit the North California, I recommend you do it. For me, it was an experience that I'll never forget, and I hope that it could be just as amazing for you too!

​If you enjoyed this rant, then please leave me a comment in the comments section accessible at the top of the post.