The coolest thing to do in each Northern California county

A view of Broad Street is seen at sunset in downtown Nevada City, California, on Monday, Sept. 5, 2016. A view of Broad Street is seen at sunset in downtown Nevada City, California, on Monday, Sept. 5, 2016. Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, Special To The Chronicle Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, Special To The Chronicle Image 1 of / 59 Caption Close The coolest thing to do in each Northern California county 1 / 59 Back to Gallery

If you feel like you've run out of things to do around the Bay Area, it's worth extending your range to the rest of the region.

When we initially set out to find fascinating places to visit in every Northern California county, we didn't quite realize the scope of the project. Depending on where you draw the line between the northern and southern halves of the state, there are nearly 50(!) counties in NorCal.

And, as small or sparsely populated as they may be, each one offers a uniquely California spot that's worthy of a weekend trip. Predictably, many of these attractions are state or national parks — but there's no shortage of variety within those parks. High desert, deep caverns, alpine forests and strange moonscapes are all here to satisfy your sightseeing desires. Most of them are free or require only a nominal parking fee.

Looking for more to do? Check out our favorite thing to do in every Bay Area city.

History buffs are also lucky to live in — or visit — California. In Gold Country, there are myriad great museums, many covering the colorful Gold Rush period. There's even a small museum in Mariposa County that was named the best of its kind west of the Mississippi by the Smithsonian.

To see our pick for the coolest thing to do in each Northern California county, check out the gallery above.

webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen



