Northern California
Northern California
Stretching north from the wine country to the Oregon border and east from the Pacific Ocean to the Nevada border, this area covers nearly one-third of the state. With the rugged coastline, enormous Redwood trees, sparkling lakes and rivers and numerous state parks and forests, Northern California is all about natural beauty and outdoor activities. Hike in the beautiful pine forests, raft or fly-fish on the Sacramento River, try fresh oysters and seafood on the coast, or visit some of the lighthouses of Humboldt County.
Lake Tahoe
Head to the beach. Sand Harbor, with its aqua-coloured water reminiscent of the Caribbean, is one of a host of beaches. Hike the Eagle Falls trail for some of the most beautiful landscapes the Lake Tahoe Basin has to offer. Enjoy cascading waterfalls, large granite peaks, lush vegetation and lots of evergreens. Or summit the tallest mountain on the lakes’ immediate shoreline, Mt Tallac. This 10-mile round trip is a real bucket list experience.
Head to the extinct volcano known as Cave Rock for the most spectacular sunsets or maybe opt for a bird’s eye view of the lake from a hot air balloon. Weekends can be busy in Lake Tahoe so we recommend a midweek stay. Why not combine a weekend stay in San Francisco with Lake Tahoe in the week as its so close by. Summer events include the Lake Tahoe Summer Concert Series which sees some of the world’s hottest music acts, along with local musicians, performing under the stars in a 4000 seat amphitheatre. For golfers, the American Century Championship takes place at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in July. See your favourite celebrities up close and compare your game to theirs!
Suggested Itineraries
Suggested Accommodation- Mendocino
Sea Rock InnInnFrom £244 per room per night
The Sea Rock Inn offers romantic ocean view cottages and suites overlooking Agate Cove along the Mendocino coast.
Enjoy the spectacular ocean views from the property as well as lovely garden benches for whale watching and cliff side benches for enjoying the beautiful sunsets. All rooms feature a private deck with full ocean views, fireplace or cosy wood stove, cable TV and DVD player, robes, hair dryer, binoculars, CD player with iPod adapters and tea and coffeemaker. Full breakfast is included.
Agate Cove InnInnFrom £198 per room per night
On a beautiful bluff above the Pacific Ocean, Agate Cove Inn delivers a breathtaking view of the sea and rugged headlands. The inn and cottages are set on two acres of beautiful coastal gardens and are within walking distance of the village.
The amenities include a hot tub with an Ocean View, gift shop and WiFi. Room amenities include private deck with ocean views, 2-Person Jetted Spa Tub, fireplace, flat panel TV, fridge, coffeemaker & microwave, hair dryer and iron / ironing board. Full breakfast is also included.
MacCallum HouseInnFrom £289 per room per night
A collection of properties within the village of Mendocino. Each of the rooms offers a romantic and peaceful environment in which to relax and enjoy the best of Mendocino. There is the option to stay in the main house, the cottages, the barn, suites, or a vacation rental.
Seven cottages surround the main house, each with its own unique charm. Most include wood stoves and private decks. The original MacCallum barn has been restored and it features six rooms with river stone fireplaces, exposed old growth redwood beam ceilings, and dramatic ocean views. Room amenities include wireless internet, hair dryer, alarm clock, TV coffeemaker and refrigerator. Those staying in the main house, cottages or barn have a gourmet breakfast included.
Algeria Oceanfront Inn & CottagesInnFrom £118 per room per night
Alegria Inn is situated on the ocean side of Main Street in historic Mendocino Village. The inn property consists of the Main House and a collection of cottages nestled on a bluff overlooking Big River Beach and an ever changing ocean cove. Guests enjoy beautiful perennial gardens, an ocean view deck and hot tub, and a path to the beach.
The rooms at Alegria are either separate cottages or rooms upstairs in the main building. Most have ocean views and decks. Each room is unique, and all include: full, organic breakfast, free wireless internet access, private entrances, private bathrooms, fireplace, gas or wood stove, coffee maker, small refrigerator and microwave, television and iron and ironing board.
Suggested Accommodation- Eureka and Shasta Cascade
Best Western Humboldt Inn- EurekaInnFrom £127 per room per night
This hotel is centrally located for visiting the area and it a pleasant walk to attractions on the boardwalk, the marina and historic Old Town with shopping and dining just minutes away.
The hotel offers a new Oasis Spa Area, year-round heated swimming pool, hot tub, fitness centre and offers a free dinner limousine service. Complimentary deluxe breakfast and Wi-Fi is also included in the price. The room amenities include flat screen TV, mini-fridge, hairdryer, coffee/tea maker and iron/ironing board.
Best Western Plus Tree House Inn- Mount ShastaInnFrom £110 per room per night
Nestled at the gateway to Mt. Shasta surrounded by natural beauty, plenty of recreational activities and a stunning view of Mt. Shasta. The 14,161 foot face of Mt. Shasta does impress, as will the Shasta Trinity National Forest it is set in.
The hotel consist of two restaurants, an indoor pool and a spa and the room amenities include a flat-screen TV, refrigerator and microwave with some also containing a balcony and mountain view.
Best Western Plus Hilltop Inn- ReddingInnFrom £111 per room per night
This hotel is located within the heart of one of the country's most beautiful regions and is only blocks away from high end shopping, specialty shops and two miles from California's newest destination icon the Sundial Bridge at Turtle Bay Museum and Arboretum.
The hotel offers free full hot breakfast buffet, complimentary Wi-Fi, outdoor heated pool, spa, outdoor patio, hot tub and a winning restaurant, C.R. Gibbs American Grille. The room amenities include refrigerator, TV, coffee/tea maker, hair dryer, ironing/ironing board and rollaway beds are available on request.
Red Lion- ReddingModerateFrom £88 per room per night
Nestled between Shasta Lake, this straightforward hotel is close to great shopping, dining and nightlife.
The rooms are comfortably furnished and have flat screen televisions, refrigerators, iron/ironing boards and Wi-Fi. Onsite, there is also an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, restaurant and bar. It also offers complimentary daily breakfast buffet and airport shuttle.
Suggested Accommodation- Sacramento
Best Western Sutter House InnInnFrom £121 per room per night
Experience the comfort of the Best Western Sutter House, conveniently located in California's capitol city of Sacramento, within walking distance to shopping, dining, museums, landmarks and attractions such as Old Town Sacramento.
All of the rooms and suites include coffee/tea maker, hairdryer, flat-screen TV, ironing/ironing board, refrigerator and complementary Wi-Fi. The Hotel itself offers an outdoor swimming pool in private courtyard, complimentary deluxe continental breakfast, fitness centre, and free covered parking.
Amber House Bed and BreakfastInnFrom £135 per room per night
Ideally located in Midtown Sacramento, this beautiful property occupies two historic homes, and is within walking distance of many of the city’s great restaurants, shops and galleries
The ten rooms have either king or queen size beds, complimentary Wi-Fi, flat screen TV, iron and ironing board and luxurious linens. A full breakfast is included and the property has a great wine list featuring a selection of Californian wines you can enjoy.
Citizen HotelFirst ClassFrom £179 per room per night
Situated in the heart of Sacramento city centre, this luxury, boutique hotel features first-class services in a prime location at the centre of the action just steps from museums, shops, restaurants and nightlife with the Cesar Chavez Park just across the street.
Citizen offers historically inspired architecture and decor. Guests will appreciate unique services including room service, restaurant, bar, shoe shine and internet access throughout the entire hotel. All rooms come with a view of the city.
Delta King HotelUnique StayFrom £173 per room per night
This floating hotel is housed in an elegantly restored luxury sternwheeler, dating back to the 1920s, and is moored on the Sacramento River in the Old Town.
The 41 staterooms include complimentary high speed wireless internet access, flat screen TVs with premium channels, all the standard amenities, and are non-smoking. On board guests can enjoy two restaurants and bars with views of the river.
Suggested Accommodation- Lake Tahoe
Best Western Plus Station House InnModerateFrom £96 per room per night
Conveniently located one block from Lake Tahoe with private beach access and walking distance from world class Heavenly Ski Resort, Harrahs & Harveys Casinos, Edgewood Golf Course and upscale shopping.
Each well-appointed remodelled guest room or suite at this South Lake Tahoe hotel features a coffee/tea maker, refrigerator, hairdryer, ironing/ironing board and air conditioning with sofa beds and private whirlpool tub in all suits. The hotel amenities include restaurant, coffee shop, cocktail lounge, outdoor heated pool and whirlpool. The hotel offers free made-to-order breakfast and Wi-Fi.
Hotel BecketModerateFrom £100 per room per night
Located steps to the Heavenly Ski Village, a private beach on beautiful Lake Tahoe and just a few blocks from the Stateline Nevada Casinos.
Onsite there is an outdoor pool, hot tub, Wi-Fi access and onsite dining. The room amenities include a fridge, coffee maker, TV and ironing board.
Lake Tahoe Beach Retreat and LodgeModerateFrom £88 per room per night
This upscale resort is set on the southern shore of Lake Tahoe.
The rooms are stylishly furnished and have flat screen televisions, gas fireplaces, coffee makers, iPod docking stations and some offer balconies. Onsite, there is an outdoor pool, fitness centre and several restaurants to choose from. You can also rent kayaks and jet skis from the marina.
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort & SpaFirst ClassFrom £157 per room per night
This upmarket resort is set right on the lake with breath-taking views of the surrounding mountains.
The spacious rooms have flat screen televisions, Wi-Fi, coffee makers and wireless internet. There is also an onsite outdoor pool, luxury spa, well equipped fitness centre, shop, casino and several restaurants and bars to choose from.
Hardrock Hotel and CasinoFirst ClassFrom £68 per room per night
Set within the heart of Lake Tahoe, the rooms come with either a mountain or lake view, balcony, in-roof safe, mini-fridge and complimentary WiFi.
The onsite amenities include a swimming pool, fitness centre, on-site dining and a casino.
Black Bear Inn Bed & BreakfastUnique StayFrom £200 per room per night
Voted one of the best bed and breakfasts in California, the Black Bear Inn is an elegant, rustic lodge in South Lake Tahoe within easy reach of the mountain and lake activities as well as being in walking distance to some of the best restaurants in town.
There are five rooms in the main lodge, all with king size beds and gas fireplaces, as well as three cabins, and a hot tub and spa for guests to use. Full breakfast is included each morning.