Top 10 things to do in Northern California

Jon grew up going to Redding, California to visit his cousins in the summer time. But for the rest of us, it was our first time visiting this part of Northern California. The views were breathtaking!

We flew into Sacramento, rented a car + drove to Redding. already on your bucket list, add it. Soooooo, so worth it. We flew, but from Utah it isn’t too bad of a drive — around 10 hours. In Redding we stayed at the Sheraton, which is right next to the Sundial Bridge. In Tahoe we stayed at the Lake Tahoe Resort. If you’re interested in a more outdoor experience or to save on hotels, they have an incredible amount of beautiful camping spots!

We got so many recommendations from all of you – – – THANK YOU! We have noted the ones we didn’t get to for our next trip. Happy to list them at the end of this post! But we wanted to share a few of our favorite kid friendly activities in Northern California.

REDDING, CALIFORNIA:

The small town, mountain-town feel brought all kinds of nostalgia. I loved that we had quick access to Chipotle + ma + pa diners.

HOTEL : Sheraton by Sundial Bridge

The pool backs up to the new Turtle Bay playground. Super clean + room service on point. It’s an incredible location + walking distance from beautiful hiking trails : get the avocado toast at the Mosiac restaurant next door + thank me later!

✖️Shasta Caverns : we did the tour. So worth it! You take a ferry across Shasta lake, pull into a pine tree lined dock that looks straight from a romance novel, then hop on a bus up to the cavern! FUN FACT: the difference in a cave + cavern is if they have a seperate entrance + exit. Cave’s have one way in, you use the same way to get out. This cavern was full of stalagmite crystals that have been there for millions of years! You follow the guide in one way, then exit out the other side. The tour guide had a flashlight so they are not required – – but I’d suggest bringing your camera + a bottle of water. The caverns are constantly 58 degrees with a high humidity level of 90 to 95%. This raises the temperature to about 68 to 72 degrees. Consider the current outside weather + be sure you wear comfortable shoes, since the tour includes extensive walking and stair climbing. I tied this sweatshirt around my waist + the boys didn’t want or need one. They don’t get cold as easily. No climbing or crawling is required. I get claustrophobic easily, but it wasn’t a problem! The passages are the same size as a hallway + the rooms are generally very open. The kids loved it! Strollers nor backpacks are allowed. I wore my fanny pack + didn’t have a problem. Check out my highlight bubble ‘cali’ to see more video of this adventure!

✖️Lake Shasta : pack a picnic + some sunscreen. the kids had so much fun playing in the sand!

✖️Burney Falls Hike : bring your camera! Super easy, (stair) hike down to a stunning waterfall! The big boys were able to hike easy + we carried Jack in our carrier. Sometimes Rigg. 🙂

✖️ Sundial Bridge : Suuuch a breathtaking stop. Like I mentioned, we stayed right near the bridge so we got to see it around the clock. I’d say go at sunset. It lights up + because we were there over the weekend, there was live music + food trucks celebrating the weekend! It was built/opened right around July 4th, so we heard that’s an especially magical time for a visit.

✖️Exploration at Turtle Bay : A MUST DO if you are traveling with kids. Think discovery museum on steroids. They have live animal encounters that you can book (we got to hang out with the sweetest Beaver names Timber). They had a goosebumps exhibit, a butterfly exhibit + the wittiest little animal show out in their amphitheater that left us smiling all day. They just had their soft opening for their new playground. I sincerely appreciate playgrounds built with INTENTION + heart. The overgrown trees + tallest slide in the valley. The boys could have stayed here all day! Bring sunscreen + water!

ROADTRIP FROM SACRAMENTO TO LAKE TAHOE! The drive is beautiful + only takes about 4 hours.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIFORNIA

I’ve been volunteering to drive on road trips! Ever since my trip to South Carolina, I have a car sick fear. You’ve all heard that I’ve dreamed about coming to Lake Tahoe my whole life + guys the water is soooo blue + clear. Seriously breathtaking! Stop at along the way!

HOTEL : Lake Tahoe Resort :

It’s located on the South side of town and is in walking distance to town – shops, restaurants + the lake. we recommend snagging a scooter! I would totally stay here again!

✖️Kayaking/Paddle boarding at ***** : the best way to get out on the lake for the day! But leave early if you want a decent parking spot. This beach is connected to

✖️ head into town : we ate at ***** + ******

✖️ Emerald Bay Hike :

✖️ Hike to ***** + rock climb at the top :

✖️ Mini golf at ****** + Jump at ************

WOULD NOT RECOMMEND : missing your flight + having to bunk up in Reno for an extra night.

Some of the recommendations we were given :

This post was sponsored by Visit California. All opinions expressed here are my own.