California, Unfiltered: The Places This Local Girl Actually Goes

There is America, then there is California and then…there is Northern California. 

Usually Southern California gets all the attention because of its attractions like Hollywood, Disneyland and the (cold) beach but in my humble (and completely unbiased) opinion Northern California is what makes California truly special. If you are looking for something that is less about the shine and more about the depth then Northern California is for you. From the food, to the places to explore and the community, it defines California in a way that few, outside of the state, really know or understand. 

Redwood National Park : Wonder the Ancient Giants 

I was once on a trip with my mom in Cape Cod and one of the things to see there was “the oldest tree in America” gifted to Cape Cod by King George because of their resistance to leaving colonialism. After leaving the presence of the person who told us this we both turned to each other and had a good giggle. Why? Because while that tree may be 250 years old, some of the towering Redwoods of California are over 2000 years old. Photos don’t do the grandeur of the Redwoods justice. They seem as tall as the sky and their trunks are so wide around that you can drive a car through them (literally). Beyond their splendor, the Redwood National Park offers winding trails for hiking, miles of untouched California Coast Line, including tide pools to explore, marine and land mammals like sealions and elks, as well as some of the cleanest air, thanks to the Redwoods, that you will ever breathe. Don’t forget that leashed pets are also welcome to enjoy!

Open 24 Hours Daily – Free Entrance (except Fern Canyon $8 per car)  

1111 Second Street – Crescent City, CA 95531

Pacific Coast Highway (The PCH) : Top Down and Wind in Your Hair, Preferably

The PCH as it’s known to us Californians, is one of the best coastal drives you can take in the world and the best you can take in the US. It runs the length of the Californian coast so taking it from the Redwood Forest down the coast to San Francisco will treat you to the beautiful Pacific coast scenery, the agricultural farms that contribute to the delicious food and rich economy of the state. On your way down the coast be sure to stop in Mendocino for whale watching from coastal cafés and be sure to indulge in true California fare at Café Beaujolais. Just note that the drive from the Redwood Forest in Crescent City to San Francisco will take 5 and a half hours making Mendocino a perfect stop along the way. 

Tower Café: An Amalgamation of Everything That Makes California Great

Before reaching San Francisco, you must take a detour to the State Capital if for nothing more than to eat the French toast for brunch at Tower Café. Going to high school outside of Sacramento, Tower Café was a weekend staple in our household. What makes Tower Café so special? Well, the French toast is soaked in custard overnight, so cutting into it is more akin to a pudding than a traditional French toast. Outside of the French toast, any of the plates you can find on the menu will delight your taste buds. It’s an ode to everything great about Californian life, fusion of cultures, flavors and tastes celebrated in dish after dish.  

Open Daily 8:00 – 20:00 

1518 Broadway – Sacramento, CA 95818

Napa, Sonoma and Calistoga : Wellness, Flavors and Unmatched Pampering

Napa Valley, which includes Sonoma and Calistoga is known for its lush hills of sprawling vineyards and amazing cuisine. What few know about this area, except for those who know, is that it is an epicenter of wellness culture, hot springs and my favorite pastime, spas. Nothing really hits the spot quite like a Calistoga natural hot springs and spa day. You know when you watch a TV show or movie and the women in it are completely submerged in mud with cucumbers on their eyes? Those dreams can come true in Calistoga. 

At the Calistoga Spa you can enjoy everything from their geothermal mineral pools to their volcanic ash mud baths. A California life is a relaxed life and nothing says it quite like a mud and massage. 

Open Daily 8:30 – 21:00

1006 Washington St, Calistoga, CA 94515

Another favorite is the Solage Spa which features a range of cold plunge pools to hot mineral baths for the ultimate in wellness ritual. Whether you are enjoying a day pass to the pools, fitness and tennis courts or you are there for some more serious relaxation, it’s the perfect place to unwind. 

Open Daily 8:30 – 21:00 

755 Silverado Trl N, Calistoga, CA 94515

San Francisco : No Introduction Needed

Probably one of the most beautiful and unique cities in the US with a combination of classic 1800’s architecture and modern sky scrapers, the City by the Bay, has held on to its rebellious and innovative roots throughout its history. With well-known feats of ingenuity like the Golden Gate Bridge and beautiful streets boasting cute houses like the Painted Ladies, we are going to focus on some of the other special places that often don’t make the “Visit San Francisco List”. 

Dolores Park and Mitchell’s Ice Cream : The Quintessential Couple

We are going to start with a San Francisco sunny day winning combination, Mitchell’s ice cream and “posting up” at Dolores Park. Mitchell’s is a San Francisco institution. Since 1953 Mitchell’s has been feeding the masses their delicious confections that keep the locals coming back for more. Everything from classic cones to gallon (4l) containers will keep your sweet tooth satisfied. Ube – Macapuno, Avocado and Mexican Chocolate ( yes there is a difference) are some of my personal favorites. Once you’ve acquired your cone, or gallon (no judgement here) of ice cream head to Dolores park where, you’ll get the full San Francisco experience of sitting in a park on a hill, people watching and taking in the local entrepreneurs at work. 

Open Daily 11:30 – 23:00 

688 San Jose Ave. (at 29th St.), San Francisco, CA 94110

The Castro and Orphan Andy’s : No Better Night Out Can Be Had

Next make your way straight over to Castro St, the one neighborhood in the city you can always count on for a good party, fun encounters and a bit of debauchery. Whether it’s an after 2am greasy burger and fries with a milkshake or an 11am eggs toast and bacon situation Orphan Andy’s is a Castro institution. A hole in the wall, very American style dinner that has been a cornerstone of the Castro since 1975. It’s everything you want in an American greasy spoon including the ambiance. Whether you’ve been at the party or at the park, this place is a whole vibe from the welcome to the booths and the forever classics playing overhead. A OA must have, is a malted milkshake, that true thick and creamy American milkshake that can’t be recreated elsewhere unless you know our secret ingredient. 

Open 24 hours 

3991 17th St, Ste A, San Francisco, CA 94114

The Fillmore and Japan Town : History, Peace and Musical Mastery

Next head up Castro St into the Fillmore aka the Jazz district that is home to the concert hall of the same name. In June this district comes alive with its Jazz festival and the streets turn into the party you’ve always wanted to attend. After you’ve partied all day and listened to amazing artists you have to check out a show at The Fillmore, where artists like Janis Joplin and Jimmy Hendrix once walked the hallowed halls. Just across the street you can step into Japan town where you can explore the Peace Pagoda, by architect Yoshiri Taniguch, a symbol of goodwill and friendship and a twin of the one in the ancient Japanese capital of Nara

Hagiwara Tea Garden & De Young Museum : Secret Masterpieces in the Middle of Golden Gate Park

Moving closer towards the coast and located in the heart of Golden Gate park sits the De Young Museum. One of my personal favorites for its variety of artistic styles and its commitment to highlighting art from various cultural backgrounds, this museum also sits in the center of the Hagiwara Tea Garden which is part of the larger botanical garden in Golden Gate Park. Built in 1983 as part of an exposition, the park is the oldest operating Japanese tea garden in North America. Not to mention the twisting tree lined roads that get you from the Fillmore to the De Young is one that never gets old. 

Open Tuesday – Sunday 9:30 – 17:00 

50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, United States

The Cliff House & Sutro Baths : Chowder and Cypress Trees on the Edge of the Earth

Once you leave Golden Gate park and find your way back to the PCH you will surely find your way slightly north to the vestiges of the 1896 Sutro Baths. These ancient pools line the Pacific Ocean, sandwiched between it and Cypress tree lined cliffs affording you an unmatched view. Here I implore you to not only explore the Baths but also wander through the hills and Cypress trees above. Within walking distance you have the San Francisco Staple, The Cliff House. Once a thriving restaurant on the Cliff overlooking crashing waves and brave surfers, it now affords you its staples with a view from a food truck just in front of its old walls. Like for all of us, time has taken its toll on this institution but even if you didn’t get a chance to visit it in its prime, at least you can enjoy the bread bowl clam chowder while you take in its magnificent view. 

This is just a sample of the amazing things my home has to offer. Writing this made me both nostalgic and proud of my roots. I am a California girl through and through!