California is full of stunning wonders, and it’s so massive! There are so many amazing things to do in the Golden State that you’ll need a bucket list to see them all. Why not plan a road trip with your besties? We’ve made an epic list of the best Northern California road trip ideas you need to try for the adventure of a lifetime.

From hidden turquoise blue pools you can swim in, to enchanting waterfall hikes, stunning sunset beaches, and quirky roadside stops, this state has it all. Are you ready to explore?

Golden Gate from Kirby Cove Photograph by Cain Buckler

1. Kirby Cove

Price: Free

Location: Kirby Cove, San Francisco, California

Why You Should Go: This hidden gem has a tree swing with amazing views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge.

2. Cypress Tree Tunnel

Price: Free

Location: Cypress Tree Tunnel, Inverness, California

Why You Should Go: You can walk through a massive tunnel of cypress trees towering over you. It makes for a fantastic photo.

3. Muir Woods National Monument

Price: $15 entrance fee per person and $8 per vehicle parking

Location: 1 Muir Woods Rd, Mill Valley, California

Why You Should Go: This scenic location is known for its old-growth Redwood trees and beautiful hiking trails. Everywhere you look, there are jaw-dropping views.

4. Bixby Bridge

Price: Free

Location: Bixby Creek Bridge, Big Sur, California

Why You Should Go: You can see incredible views of the Pacific Ocean coast and dramatic cliffs from this iconic California bridge.

5. McWay Falls

Price: $10 per car entrance fee to Big Sur

Location: McWay Falls, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Big Sur, California

Why You Should Go: You can take pics by a massive 80-foot waterfall cascading onto the beach. Did we mention the water is bright turquoise?

6. Glamping At The Treebones Resort

Price: $215 a night for two guests with a two-night minimum stay.

Location: 71895 Highway 1, South Big Sur, California

Why You Should Go: You can sleep in a giant human-sized nest hotel overlooking the Big Sur Coast and the Pacific Ocean.

7. Sequoia National Park

Price: $35 per vehicle

Location: Sequoia National Park, California

Why You Should Go: Walk among giants with some of the oldest living trees on earth. In winter, it's a snowy wonderland.

8. Temple Crag

Price: Free for hikers

Location: Big Pine Lakes Trail, John Muir Wilderness, California

Why You Should Go: You can see seven stunning turquoise alpine lakes and waterfalls on this hike. You can take a dip in some too!

9. Seven Teacups

Price: Free

Location: Seven Teacups Trail, Springville, California

Why You Should Go: This hike takes you to seven beautiful cascading waterfalls. They do look like spilling teacups!

10. Burney Falls

Price: Day use fees range from $8 to $10

Location: Burney Falls, California

Why You Should Go: An easy one-mile hike will take you to one of the most stunning natural wonders you’ve ever seen, including a 129-foot waterfall.

11. Yosemite National Park

Price: $30 per vehicle

Location: Yosemite National Park, California

Why You Should Go: You don’t even have to hike to see the falls. There are numerous places you can spot them throughout the valley, and the scenery is stunning.

12. Alabama Hills

Price: Free

Location: Alabama Hills, California

Why You Should Go: You can hike amidst crazy-looking rock formations that look out of this world and camp for free under beautiful clear, starlight skies.