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Golden Bridge, San Francisco, California

Northern California

Fine wines, wilderness & iconic coastal drives

Northern California tailor-made holidays

Introduction

Northern California is best known for the sights of cosmopolitan San Francisco and the surrounding vineyards of the world-class Napa Valley and Sonoma County, with its ever-excellent vineyards and gorgeous Redwoods, some of the oldest trees in the world. Elsewhere the famous Yosemite National Park is a touching wilderness of imposing mountains, giant forests, gushing waterfalls and daunting granite rocks, while the twisting, cliff-hugging Pacific Coast Highway ranks as one of the drives of a lifetime. Further north the region is a rugged and sparsely populated landscape of dense giant redwood forests, volcanic mountains and arid plains.

 

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Top itineraries in Northern California

Big Sur, California

California & the Pacific Coast Highway

12-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,225 pp incl. flights

A truly iconic USA fly-drive, the Pacific Coast Highway brings you between San Francisco and Los Angeles, calling into world-class vineyards, pretty coastal towns and sweeping golden beaches.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California, USA

Highlights of the American West

14-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,790 pp incl. flights

Driving between San Francisco and Las Vegas, this curated road trip takes in the beauty of Yosemite National Park, austere Death Valley and the ever-spectacular Grand Canyon.

Yosemite National Park, Califiornia

Highlights of Northern California

12-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,575 pp incl. flights

Northern California is a region of immense nature, world-leading wines and culture-packed cities, showcased in such icons as San Francisco, Sonoma and Yosemite National Park. Take in its headline acts on this fly-drive holiday.

Honolulu

Best of Hawaii & the Californian Coast

14-day tailor-made holiday from £3,885 pp incl. flights

This tailor-made itinerary will see you discover the verdant mountains and powder-white beaches of Hawaii alongside California's laid-back beach cool.

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Top places to stay in Northern California

Fairmont San Francisco lobby

Fairmont San Francisco

Grand & elegant hotel

One of the original luxury landmark hotels to be built atop Nob Hill, the Fairmont San Francisco delivers breathtaking views, superb personal service and oodles of old-world luxury.

Suite, Argonaut, San Francisco

The Argonaut, San Francisco

Contemporary hotel

This early 20th century red-brick and wood-beamed fruit cannery warehouse has been skilfully transformed into a boutique, nautically-themed hotel that offers a waterfront location, seafood specialities and complimentary wine tasting every evening at five.

Le Meridien Delfina, Santa Monica

Le Méridien Delfina, Santa Monica

Contemporary hotel

Watch scorching sunsets silhouette palm trees over one of the world’s most famous beaches as your accommodation is firmly planted among Santa Monica’s exclusive bars and restaurants, the haunts of LA’s rich and famous.

The Ahwahnee Hotel - Yosemite National Park

The Ahwahnee

Historic hotel

Dating from 1927, this historic Four-Diamond hotel is set on a valley floor looking up in reverence to the colossal sights of Yosemite National Park.

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Where to go in Northern California

Sonoma, California

Sonoma County

The Sonoma Valley marks the birthplace of California's wine industry and also the closest to San Francisco – just 30 miles away. Located between the Sonoma and Mayacamas mountain ranges you'll find nine square miles of beautiful rolling vineyards, small farms and scenic parkland to explore.

Big Sur, California

Pacific Coast Highway

A twisting, cliff-hugging 100-mile route between San Francisco and Los Angeles, California's iconic Pacific Coast Highway ranks as one of the drives of a lifetime.

Napa Valley, California

Napa Valley

California's illustrious wine country is an archetypal display of some of the world's most exquisite food and wine. Spend days hot air ballooning above acres of green hills or wine tasting under the sun at world-famous vineyards, and come back to spa treatments and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

San Francisco

San Francisco is truly a city of contrasts, with jellybean Victorian houses just moments away from enormous green parks, gritty Italian neighbourhoods and fantastical murals around each corner.

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When to go to Northern California

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Northern California articles

  • Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California

    Trip report: Northern California

    Reporting from the road, former Wexas marketing executive Claire Benktander drove from San Francisco to the wine regions of Napa and Sonoma. Read her review for an insight into this spectacular road trip.

  • Seal basking on rocks in Californian Harbour

    Where to see Sea Lions & Seals on the Pacific Coast Highway

    Arguably one of the most overlooked draws of Highway One, the abundant sea lion and seal population is both fascinating and adorable. If you don't know where to look to find them, follow our guide to the best places to spot California's favourite marine life.

  • American road

    Exploring California by car

    Wexas USA specialist George Clissold picks out the ultimate introductory self-drive trip to California, taking in city greats, prestigious wine regions and UNESCO-listed natural wonders.

  • Joushua Tree National Park, Greater Palm Springs, California

    California Dreaming

    Wexas USA specialist Patrick Griffin brings us off the beaten track of California to give his expert recommendations on the Golden State's wines and desert enclaves.

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Meet our Northern California experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0636

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0636 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

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Every step of the way

Every step of the way

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