Travel

The Most Instagramable Places in Northern California

Before I even moved from Texas to California early this year, I had a list of places that I was eager to wander. Being a beauty and nature seeker, I knew that California mastered both areas and I was thrilled to have the chance to explore. From the blue lakes to the blue ocean, and […]

Travel

Before I even moved from Texas to California early this year, I had a list of places that I was eager to wander. Being a beauty and nature seeker, I knew that California mastered both areas and I was thrilled to have the chance to explore. From the blue lakes to the blue ocean, and the city life to the mountain life, Northern California has so many gems that will make you want to capture every moment.

Whether you are living in the Bay Area, a NorCal resident, or simply visiting Northern California on a trip with your girls (or a solo trip, because why not?!), you will want to make a stop in these top locations in Northern California. And while you are at it, make a point to connect with some of the ladies listed in this “Most Instagramable Places in Northern California” guide on Instagram.

Point Reyes

There are so many wonderful gems in Point Reyes, but a ton of the places were closed when we went due to COVID19 rules. My girl Jocelyn and I still made the most of it, with crazy winds and all. Heads up-it will be WINDY and a bit chilly, as Point Reyes is in the north direction. Bring a coat and your lash glue, and you will be perfectly fine.

Davenport

Davenport is on my list to explore when I come back to visit Northern California, simply because it is apart of the Cali coastline with small towns nearby. The perfect and charming place for those of you who desire the small town and coastline aesthetic. My girl Brittany has been a couple of times, always making it a worthwhile adventure!

The Palace of Fine Arts

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The Palace of Fine Arts, is a lovely place that is a MUST see if possible. When we arrived, there was a mini orchestra playing, making this moment even more magical. Although it is truly an enchanting experience, get to the Palace of Fine Arts EARLY. It gets super crowded and it took us forever to get a picture without anyone in it.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a beautiful place to visit year-round, and everyone who has been will attest to this statement. While I wasn’t able to visit before relocating to Southern California, Influencer & Blogger Jess had the chance to and she has wonderful things to say about it. You can find her guide to Yosemite incredibly helpful.

Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay will forever be special to me because I went with my friend Ceslie, and we had the time of our life! But also because Pigeon Point Lighthouse was the first lighthouse that I had seen in real life! Giving me COMPLETE Nicholas Sparks vibes 🙂 If you end up hungry as we did, stop by Flying Fish Bar & Grill. We grabbed the cheesy crab bread, salmon, and crab cakes. My mouth was literally watering as I typed that sentence because it was INCREDIBLE.

Chinatown in San Francisco

There is no guess as to why Chinatown makes the list of the most Instagramable places to visit in NorCal. Be sure to boss up babe when you come to Chinatown, and not because of how busy it is here either. The aesthetic here is perfect for those cute heels or booties you just bought. Yet let’s be real and honest here, I did change into my sneakers after taking the picture
(they still matched though). So bring your best fit 🙂

Big Sur

Okay so not technically Northern California, but also only 2 hours away from the Bay Area. If you are eager for a day trip, then this is a perfect place to go to! My friend and Influencer Brittany recreates the ‘Big Little Lies’ TV show intro each time that I see the Bixby Bridge in her picture-perfect adventures.

Lyon’s Street Steps in San Francisco

San Francisco Native, and my close friend, Leah can tell you a lot more about this city than I could ever. Yet the Lyon’s Street Steps and the view it offers still takes her by surprise, even with it being so close to her childhood neighborhood. You MUST stop here for the best views of the city, but please bring comfy shoes because these steps are NO joke.

Joaquin Miller Park- Oakland

For my hikers or those who’d like to think of themselves as hikers (me and my friend Ceslie), Joaquin Miller Park is a place you want to add to your list. You can knock out both beautiful views and exercise all in one visit. Just don’t forget your snacks 😉

Tennessee Valley Trail

The closest thing to the black sand in NorCal that I experienced since visiting Santorini! But beware- you do have to hike 3 miles to get to the coastline and to get back to your car. It was well worth the views and the exercise, but please get there early. We made the mistake of hiking past 4PM, and we were blessed with the sounds of coyotes as we navigated our way through the dark 🙂

Napa Valley

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I will always adore Napa Valley. It is WONDERFUL. Known for its vineyards, wine, and nature, it reminds me of the Tuscany region in Italy. If you are stopping by, make sure that you do a wine tasting at Castello di Amorosa. You will not regret walking through a castle with breathtaking views.

The Painted Ladies San Francisco

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Why visit San Francisco if you aren’t going to stop by the ‘Full House’ house?? Interestingly enough, none of these homes are actually the home where they filmed the show at! The Painted Ladies are famous from making the intro video, but also because of how iconic these Victorian style homes are. You HAVE to visit and of course, snap it up.

The Golden Gate Bridge

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Of course, it is ideal to get a picture of the Golden Gate Bridge without the fog. But realistically, you will encounter the fog in your picture. Make the most of it anyway, and snap it up! Another fun idea is to rent a car and drive across the bridge 🙂 I had the chance to do this and it was so much fun!
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Well, there you have it! Straight from California Natives and Bloggers who decided to wander off to Cali. These are some of the most Instagrammable or picture-perfect places in Northern California. There are other places I hope to explore soon such as Lake Tahoe, Mendocino County, Sequia National Park, and of course the capital, Sacremento.

Let me know in the comments below if you have wandered off to some of the locations listed above, or tell me which one sounds the most exciting to you. 🙂 And for those of you who prefer Southern California, no worries! This list is coming up next once I get settled after my move.

Save the images below to your Cali Pinterest board!

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I’m Imani, a Texas native who decided to wander off to California. I am the Author of , “Breaking up with the Bad Girl”, a book that I wrote with the intention to heal myself and other women through sharing my story. I believe that my overall life purpose is to empower others to share their own unique story and to live a life full of wonder.

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