Northern California is a captivating blend of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cultural diversity, offering something for every traveler
Northern California is a region defined by its diverse landscapes and rich history, where sprawling coastlines, towering redwoods, and fertile valleys blend with cities like San Francisco, Oakland, and Silicon Valley. San Francisco’s transformation from a Gold Rush port into a hub of innovation and counterculture set the tone for the area’s evolution, while Oakland’s industrial roots and role in civil rights activism gave it a distinct cultural identity.
Just down the coast, Monterey and Big Sur offer a dramatic, rugged coastline with a rich maritime history, making them perfect examples of California’s natural beauty. Sacramento, the state’s political heart, boasts a legacy rooted in the Gold Rush and agriculture, adding to the historical depth of the region. Together, these cities and landscapes reflect a unique mix of progress, creativity, and history that make Northern California a fascinating and dynamic place.
Stay
Alila Napa Valley My stay at Alila Napa Valley was stunningly gorgeous - and gave me a night to remember - in St Helena, California 
Andaz Napa Returning to stay at the Andaz Napa hotel in Downtown Napa was a lovely home base for our weekend retreat in Napa
Hayes Mansion San Jose, Curio Collection by Hilton Hayes Mansion San Jose, Curio Collection by Hilton provided a comfortable place to stay during a stop in San Jose, California 
Hilton San Francisco Union Square Hilton San Francisco Union Square is very beige, very corporate and very large hotel - in the Union Square area of San Francisco, California 
Hotel Kabuki My stay at Hotel Kabuki allowed me to see the best of Japantown, while also enjoying coming back to my suite, in San Francisco, California
Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country The Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country in Sonoma County is lovely stay for relaxing and exploring the Bay Area
Infinity Hotel San Francisco, Tapestry Collection by Hilton Infinity Hotel San Francisco combines stylish comfort with modern amenities and a prime location for easy access to the city's top attractions
InterContinental The Clement Monterey My stay at the InterContinental The Clement Monterey was a welcomed joy of a hotel experience, in Monterey, California
Kissel Uptown Oakland Kissel Uptown Oakland is a stylish hotel that seamlessly blends modern luxury with historic charm
San Francisco Proper Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels San Francisco Proper is a beautifully designed hotel in the Tenderloin area of San Francisco, California
The Fort Sutter Hotel Sacramento, Tapestry Collection by Hilton My stay at the The Fort Sutter Hotel Sacramento, Tapestry Collection by Hilton was a great spot for easy access to the Golden Center, in Sacramento, California 
The Inn at Saratoga, Tapestry Collection by Hilton My stay at The Inn at Saratoga, a Tapestry Collection by Hilton hotel, was a nice introduction to the quaint loveliness of Saratoga, California 
The Knoll Hotel Napa Valley, Tapestry Collection by Hilton The Knoll Hotel combines modern comfort with wine country charm, offering a comfortable stay near Napa and Yountville's top winery destinations
The Laurel Inn – Joie de Vivre by Hyatt My stay at The Laurel Inn - a Joie de Vivre hotel in Pacific Heights was an experience in understanding how the front desk staff reflects guests experiences of a hotel. 
The Lodge at Healdsburg, Tapestry Collection by Hilton The Lodge at Healdsburg features modern accommodations that offer a comfortable and stylish retreat for exploring the Sonoma wine country.
Experiences
Case for Making Expanding my creativity with curated art supplies from Case for Making has expanded my creative vision and happiness
Pliny the Younger 2025: Guided Tour & Tasting at Russian River Brewing Sipping Pliny the Younger at Russian River Brewing felt like stepping into a global beer pilgrimage, right in the heart of Windsor, CA
San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum Visiting the San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum for the first time, I found it a peaceful place for meaningful reflection and photographyWine Tasting
Ashes + Diamonds Winery Ashes + Diamonds Winery in Napa Valley was a great experience of wine paired with great food in mid century modern decor
Brown Napa Valley Brown Downtown Napa is a stylish urban tasting room offering Brown Estate's acclaimed wines in a modern, loft-like space in downtown Napa
Cakebread Cellars Tasting & Tour Cakebread Cellars in Rutherford is known for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays, offering a welcoming tasting room and scenic vineyard setting for a memorable wine country experience
California Brandy House The brandy tasting selection at California Brandy House in Napa was a fun welcome to our Napa Valley booze tasting weekend
J Vineyards & Winery J Vineyards & Winery is celebrated for its sparkling and varietal wines, offering an elegant tasting experience in Sonoma County
Opus One Winery Tour & Tasting Opus One Winery in Napa Valley produces a single, ultra-premium Bordeaux-style wine each year, known for its elegance, balance, and age-worthiness
Robert Biale Vineyards Robert Biale Vineyards delivers a great tasting experience, combining rich history, warm hospitality, and outstanding Zinfandels in a lovely Napa Valley setting
The River Club: Tasting Paper Planes & Belong Wine Co. The River Club tasting room in Napa offers an inviting setting to savor Belong Wines and Paper Planes Wines while enjoying views of the Napa River
Vineyard 29 Tasting Room Stopping for a wine tasting at Vineyard 29 Tasting Room was a great way to pause the day in Napa, California Eat
Ad Hoc and Addendum Dinner at Ad Hoc and Addendum in Yountville is always a delightful evening of culinary delights
Baker & Cook Baker & Cook in Sonoma, California, offers a cozy atmosphere with fresh, local ingredients and artisan goods
Berkeley Social Club Breakfast at Berkeley Social Club gave me an absolutely delicious and unique breakfast in Berkeley, California
Big Sur Smokehouse Barbecue and a beer at Big Sur Smokehouse was the best way to say "Happy Birthday" to a new year, in Big Sur, California
Bistro Jeanty Bistro Jeanty in Yountville delivers an authentic taste of France in the heart of Napa Valley
Bouchon Bakery When I'm visiting Napa Valley, a stop at Bouchon Bakery in Yountville is an absolute must for strong coffee and pastry delights
Bravas Bar de Tapas Bravas Bar de Tapas in Healdsburg, California, serves Spanish-inspired small plates and inventive cocktails in a bustling setting
Delah Coffee Delah Coffee in Oakland offers rich, aromatic Arabian coffee, providing a unique and distinctive brewing experience
Drewish Deli Drewish Deli in Healdsburg serves New York-style bagels and classic Jewish deli fare, offering a unique taste of tradition in wine country
Farmhouse Kitchen – Oakland A light hearted lunch at Farmhouse Kitchen was a colorful experience - with great food to match - in Oakland, California
Flowers Saratoga Flowers Saratoga in Saratoga, California is a beautiful restaurant with theatrical table side presentations and top quality food to match. 
Forge Napa Forge Napa serves wood-fired pizzas and American classics in a relaxed downtown setting in Napa, CA
Funky Elephant – Berkeley Funky Elephant in Berkeley, CA, offers bold Thai-inspired dishes and a vibrant atmosphere, making it a memorable lunch destination
Hal Yamashita Hal Yamashita in Napa masterfully blends Japanese tradition with innovative artistry, offering an unforgettable dining experience marked by meticulous craftsmanship and bold flavors.
Il Posto Trattoria Dinner at Il Posto Trattoria was a welcomed break from my usual over the top fare in Napa Valley, California 
Iyasare Iyasare in Berkeley serves refined Japanese comfort food with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, complemented by a warm ambiance and beautifully crafted dishes
Izakaya Rintaro Dining at Izakaya Rintaro was a lovely affair of distinct Japanese cuisine in the Mission District of San Francisco, California
Journey Coffee Journey Coffee in Napa serves expertly crafted coffee from ethically sourced beans in a warm, welcoming atmosphere with friendly service
Juanita & Maude Juanita & Maude offers refined American cuisine and cocktails in a cozy, art-filled setting - in Albany, California
Lo and Behold Bar + Kitchen Lo & Behold Bar + Kitchen in Healdsburg combines a relaxed ambiance with expertly crafted cocktails and cuisine, making it a must-visit in Healdsburg
Mad Fritz Tap House Mad Fritz Tap House in Yountville serves small-batch beers that showcase Napa Valley's terroir in a relaxed, welcoming setting
Mini Model by Model Bakery Finally being able to go Mini Model by Model Bakery in Yountville gave me a delicious treat of a pipping hot muffin on a beautiful brisk day.
Morimoto Napa Morimoto Napa serves some of the best sushi I've ever had the pleasure of enjoying in Napa, California.
Napa General Store Breakfast at Napa General Store was a wonderful way to started a pretty packed schedule of a day, in Napa, California
Nosh Napa Nosh Napa is a casual Napa eatery known for its gourmet dishes, fresh ingredients, and friendly service
Parche Parche in Oakland features a vibrant, Columbian-inspired menu with bold flavors in a vibrant atmosphere
Robin – San Francisco My personalized omakase dinner at Robin was full of exceptional quality sushi bites and great conversation, in San Francisco, California 
Russian River Brewing Company & Tour Russian River Brewing Company, with locations in Santa Rosa and Windsor, is renowned for its Pliny series and offers an immersive brewery tour
Scala Osteria & Bar Scala Osteria & Bar in Napa serves Southern Italian cuisine with fresh seafood and handmade pasta, complemented by a lively ambiance and a carefully curated wine list
SingleThread Restaurant Dinner at SingleThread Restaurant was an experience in decadent perfection - from service to presentation to taste - in Healdsburg, California
Son & Garden My colorful breakfast at Son & Garden provided peak Instagram worthy shots while serving a delicious colorful breakfast in San Francisco, California
Spruce San Francisco Spruce in San Francisco gave me a beautifully plated and delicious dining experience in Presidio Heights
The C Restaurant + Bar Dinner - and later breakfast - at The C Restaurant + Bar was a tasty end - and start - to my stay in Monterey, California
The Pawn Shop The Pawn Shop was a unique and rather fun speakeasy style bar and restaurant in San Francisco, California
Torc Napa Torc in Napa features a seasonally inspired menu with locally sourced ingredients and bold flavors, all served in a lively yet refined atmosphere
Twisted Street Cafe Twisted Street Cafe in San Francisco provides a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, serving Ritual coffee and artisanal to-go snacks that delight both locals and visitors
Valley Bar and Bottle Dinner at Valley Bar and Bottle in Sonoma was an extremely cozy, delicious way to finish up our experience in California's Wine Country. 
Wahpepah’s Kitchen Wahpepah’s Kitchen in Oakland was my first time at a Native American cuisine restaurant. 
