Zaydewise Loc: Nashville TN

Hi again to all you hogs out there. My wife and I are planning on a trip to Northern California in late May. We know we will go to Yosemite for a few days and maybe Lake Tahoe. Hopefully we will have time for Napa Valley. Any other recommendations for photo ops and places to stay.

architect Loc: Chattanooga

I spent over 60 years of my life in northern California. You have named the key ones to visit. I prefer the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, around Sand Harbor. Consider adding San Francisco, Point Lobos near Carmel and Big Sur if you have time.

Lake Tahoe, Nevada Side


California Wine Country near Healdsburg


Point Lobos State Park


Golden Gate Bridge

LaurenT Loc: Northern California

I don't know if your primary focus is on photography or sight seeing, however, since you have posted here, I'll assume photography. There is the well known coastal region between Monterey and Big Sur, which includes Carmel. If you make it over there, be sure to take the 17 mile drive from Monterey to Carmel.

If you are able to make it to Napa Vally, be sure to visit Castello di Amorosa, which is off of Hwy 29 just before Calistoga. It's a remarkable European castle that has been built in Napa Valley. Of course, Napa Valley is only an hours drive from San Francisco, and so much to see in that area: Muir Woods, Sausalito, Marin Headlands etc.(Marin County north of SF, over the Golden Gate Bridge) Just remember, it can be cold in San Francisco, or anywhere on the CA coast, be sure to have jackets. I could go on, but I have no idea how much time you have. :D

Selkii Loc: Oakland, CA & Vancouver Island

The most popular highlights have been mentioned, but all of Northern California is photogenic. You don't need our opinions as anywhere you go, no matter what your interest, you will find scads of photo ops. Then again...

Following the coastline is my favorite (have driven the full length many times), but the drive through and around the Gold Country heading for Tahoe is beautiful, both for nature and historic buildings. Everyone mentions Napa Valley, but Sonoma County with its apple orchards and acres of non-touristy vineyards with panoramic views across rolling hills is my choice. The drive through the oak forests between the Napa and Sonoma Valleys is another favorite of mine with its river and dense forest suddenly opening to gorgeous vistas. The town of Sonoma is very pretty with loads of interesting, historic buildings.

Of course, you could spend weeks in the San Francisco Bay Area alone and never run out of possibilities. I take visitors up into the hills above Oakland/Berkeley for the spectacular views and the easy walks through the redwoods.

And, if you are heading further north, there is Mount Shasta and the broad valley below it with the cones of extinct volcanoes.

Selkii Loc: Oakland, CA & Vancouver Island

Fabulous photo, Architect! You really captured the feeling of each site.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Z, I would SKIP the Napa Valley. But it depends on your purpose there. How much time do you have? ;-)
SS

architect Loc: Chattanooga

This is where I lived for 30 plus years. Attached are shots for the Oakland hills above where I lived. I explored all of the East Bay Regional Parks.

And thanks for the compliment :D

East Bay hills from Sibley Volcanic Preserve




Mount Diablo from Sibley Volcanic Preserve

Zaydewise Loc: Nashville TN

We probably will have 9-10 days. From some other comments it sounds like Sonoma is better than Napa.

LaurenT Loc: Northern California

What beautiful pictures you have. I've lived in Contra Costa County all my life, except for the last 8 months here in AK, and I've never seen the beauty represented as well as your shots.

amehta Loc: Boston

Sonoma might be better wine country than Napa.

architect Loc: Chattanooga

Thanks again Lauren. I miss California in some ways. Especially the geographic diversity. I now live in Chattanooga, Tennessee and enjoy the Smokies as well as cruises to the Caribbean.

Zaydewise Loc: Nashville TN

Funny - I live in Nashville and really love this area. I'm originally from Philly.

architect Loc: Chattanooga

If you can overlook the crowding, traffic and high cost of living, California has lots to offer. It helps being wealthy though. That is partly why I left California (I am not wealthy), but mostly because I met a woman from Tennessee.

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Enjoy your trip and post pics!

jshul Loc: San Francisco Peninsula

Point Reyes National Seashore off of highway 1 north of San Francisco. Start at bear valley headquarters.