Our Golden State Offers Seven Historical Places to Visit in Northern California

From the first steps of their firstborn, Bobby and Brandi Fano knew they wanted to raise their children with a spirit of adventure. “We wanted them to be exposed to different lifestyles, to expand our horizon and theirs,” says Brandi. With their three children, the Fanos have built a lifestyle around travel, frequently taking long weekends to explore the North State and beyond. Brandi says travel has helped her kids learn flexibility and rise to new challenges. “I think travel has bonded us as a family,” says Brandi. “It has made us who we are.”

This summer delve into the rich history of Northern California and let adventure redefine your family. Although young in terms of contemporary settlement, our state’s diverse natural stories run back to prehistoric ages. Use the list below to get your family started and then enjoy adventuresome new roads as they unfold before you.

Lava Beds National Monument, Tulelake

Driving into the high desert of Lava Beds National Monument takes your family into a world of geological, ecological and historic intrigue. Molten lava rushing beneath its rapidly-cooling crust from the Medicine Lake volcano created this fascinating network of lava tubes. While your family wanders and wonders through caves with names like Mushpot, Skull, Golden Dome, Blue Grotto or Labyrinth, you’ll learn about plants, fungi, cave invertebrates and bats specially adapted to this unique environment. Cave drawings hint at the cultural legacy of the Modoc Indians, and the monument lands contain the battlefields of the Modoc War of the early 1870s. Between hiking, camping and cave exploration, the monument will keep even the most active families busy.

Table Mountain, Oroville

While rising in popularity as a tourist destination for viewing springtime flowers and seasonal waterfalls, Table Mountain offers additional hidden gems — literally. The first diamond discovered in the United States came from the plateau’s former boomtown of Cherokee, once so rife with gold that it captured the attention of President Rutherford B. Hayes and the investments of Thomas Edison. Drive up Cherokee Road and stop near the Cherokee Historic Landmark to see remnants of stone buildings and relics of the hydraulic gold mining that still scars the landscape. A few minutes away, crossing a historic covered bridge brings visitors to Oregon City, another town born of the gold rush, where one of California’s oldest schoolhouses still welcomes visitors on some weekends and by appointment.

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, Coloma

In 1848, James Marshall discovered flakes of gold in the American River near Coloma while working on a sawmill for John Sutter. Marshall may as well have discovered magic; those little flakes initiated a radical transformation of the population, culture and landscape of California. Today, visitors can learn about the dramatic effects of this significant discovery by taking guided walking tours of the area, exploring the Marshall Gold Discovery Museum or stepping into the American River. The State Park offers seasonal programs, exhibits and activities for all ages, as well as areas for swimming, hiking, picnicking, boating and fishing.

Old Faithful Geyser of California, Calistoga

You don’t have to travel to Wyoming to see Old Faithful; head to Napa’s wine country! While much smaller than the famed geyser of Yellowstone, California’s version still awes visitors as it shoots over 400 gallons of water 60 feet into the air every 30 to 40 minutes. After witnessing the spectacle for yourself, visit the geyser’s geology museum to learn the about the “plumbing” of geysers and how California’s Old Faithful can predict earthquakes up to 500 miles away. Those who prefer the warm fuzzies of nature will enjoy the Old Faithful Animal Farm, while those with a green thumb can stroll through the Old Faithful Gardens, stocked with native plants centered around a natural mineral water fountain. After exploring works up everyone’s appetite, enjoy a family picnic with a view of the geyser and a game of bocce ball.

Fort Ross, Jenner

Settled on a scenic stretch of California coastline, Fort Ross offers incredible views of the Pacific Ocean, sandy beaches, redwood forests and the San Andreas Faultline. Visitors exploring the natural landscape and the Russian-era buildings can find lingering evidence of the 1906 earthquake that devastated San Francisco. Although established in 1812 as the southernmost reach of Russian settlement, Fort Ross has a very multi-cultural history, including the locally native Kayasha people, native Alaskans and Hawaiians and California land giants like John Sutter and John Bidwell. Investigate these layers of history at your own pace or book a guided tour for a wider lens of the area’s rich cultural story.

Charles M. Schulz Museum, Santa Rosa

Did Charlie Brown always wear that iconic zig-zag shirt? Was the Little Red-Haired Girl inspired by a real person? Find answers to these questions and more in the world’s largest collection of original “Peanuts” art. Spend a hot summer afternoon watching “Peanuts” specials, walking through a recreation of Schulz’s art studio and, of course, chuckling over Schulz’s wit and humor displayed throughout the museum. Schulz’s child-centric cartoon strip significantly shaped cartooning, and visitors of all ages will enjoy entering the spirit of his work by drawing their own cartoons. As one visiting “artist” wrote, “Why have I only just discovered the wonders of “Peanuts” today? Why did I think it was just for children?”

Presidio of San Francisco, San Francisco

As the birthplace of San Francisco, the Presidio traces its history through seasons of occupation by Native Americans, Spaniards, Mexicans and European settlers. The Presidio became a U.S. Army post just before the Gold Rush and remained so until becoming a national park in 1994. Today, a mixture of businesses, untamed parks, historical landmarks and residential neighborhoods make the Presidio an engaging compilation of history and modernity. Visit Baker Beach, the Korean War Memorial, the Walt Disney Family Museum or the Lucasfilm headquarters. Complete the family adventure by camping at Rob Hill or make it a romantic getaway with reservations at the historic and glamorous Inn at the Presidio.

Whether or not an exotic summer vacation fits in your family’s schedule this year, you can still make room for a memorable day trip or weekend adventure to strengthen family bonds and deepen your appreciation of the North State.