CALIFORNIA

Plan your perfect escape around the Golden State's cultured cities, celebrated winelands and wild fringes with our trip planner

- Cheryl Crabtree

Northern California

Underrated winelands, gold-rush towns and hidden histories await in NorCal

This route begins in Mendocino County, a magical region of waves, wines and redwoods, filled with historic villages and outback adventures. To reach it, you can fly into Charles M Schulz-Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, or any of the airports in San Francisco, Oakland or Sacramento, and hire a car from there.

Start in the artsy town of Mendocino (about 250km north of San Francisco), a historic 1850s logging community that has become a popular escape. Amble around town to check out the Victorian-era buildings, galleries, cafés and restaurants, and overnight in one of its quaint inns.

From Mendocino, travel south along the scenic coast and its series of serene beaches to Highway 128, threading your way through the pastoral, uncrowded Anderson Valley. Be sure to check out the tiny towns of Philo and Boonville on your way to the region's main thoroughfare, Highway 101. The area is known for its premium vineyards and wineries; organic and biodynamic farms; and parks with beautiful trails that wind through vast redwood forests.

Turn south on Highway 101 to reach peaceful Healdsburg, which is acclaimed for its wineries and restaurants and is a good option for an overnight stay. Further on, it's worth making time to visit Santa Rosa and the California Indian Museum and Cultural Center. Then veer east on Highway 12, through vineyards and rural farmland, to the historic town of Sonoma. Explore the town square, which was the site of pivotal early events in California's history and is home to the northernmost Franciscan mission in California, then continue east to Sacramento, the state capital.