It’s no secret that Northern California has some incredible scenery. The region is not only beautiful; it’s also full of history. This region was transformed in the mid-1800s by the famous California Gold Rush that truly changed the future of the state. If you’re looking for magnificent windshield views and a route full of historical sites, it doesn’t get any better than Highway 49. You’ll pass through some of the most gorgeous scenery in the state, and also drive through quite a few charming mining towns along the way. Prepare your playlist, grab some snacks, and fill up your tank: you’re about to embark upon one of the best road trips in Northern California.
Fittingly, you’ll start your journey off in Coloma. This is the site where the Gold Rush of 1848-1850 began. Gold was first discovered near a sawmill along the South Fork American River. While the mill no longer exists, a replica stands in its place in the middle of Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.
Nick Ares/Flickr The discovery of gold sent thousands of newcomers to California. The area’s population went from 14,000 in 1848 to more than 300,000 in just a few years. And then in 1850, California gained statehood. Coloma, CA, USA
Like those who sought fortune so long ago, you’ll continue south down what is now known as Highway 49. You’ll pass through many quaint little mining towns and see plenty of beautiful mountain scenery.
Nick/Flickr
If you take a slight detour onto Old Highway 49, you’ll run into Bella Grace Vineyards. This award-winning winery is one of many vineyards in the area. Their 20 acres of grape fields are open for tours and tastings.
Bella Grace Vineyards/Facebook Bella Grace Vineyards, 73 Main St, Sutter Creek, CA 95685, USA
Head back to Highway 49 and continue. We’re sure by this point you’re starting to get hungry, so let’s stop for food at El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant in San Andreas. This authentic spot is absolutely incredible! Don’t miss the horchata… it’s delicious!
Janett Gomez/Google Maps El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant, 126 W St Charles St, San Andreas, CA 95249, USA
Now that you’ve filled up your stomach, keep driving south through the magnificent scenery as Highway 49 merges with Highway 120. This area is one of the most beautiful in the state.
Artur Debat/Moment/Getty Images
You’ll end your trip at Yosemite National Park. The views here are absolutely unparalleled. It’s easily one of the most beautiful parks in the entire country.
Danny Shorr/Google Maps Yosemite National Park Road, Yosemite National Park Rd, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, USA
With over 1,200 pristine square miles of untouched natural beauty, there’s something for everyone in Yosemite. Waterfalls, wildlife, mountains, and valleys – Yosemite has it all.
Ken Lund/Flickr
Photographs are beautiful, but cameras can’t even begin to capture the majesty of this place.
James O’Neil/The Image Bank/Getty Images It doesn’t look real!
The famous sequoias of Yosemite live in three ancient groves within the park. These trees look like something from another planet. Their exact age is unknown, but it is thought that some of them are over 3,000 years old.
Andrew Mace/Moment/Getty Images
Well: what are you waiting for? This magical road trip will take you through one of the most scenic drives in Northern California, and finishing up at Yosemite is the cherry on top. The journey down Highway 49 is a truly perfect road trip in NorCal, so pack your bags and hit the road!
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It’s no secret that Northern California has some incredible scenery. The region is not only beautiful; it’s also full of history. This region was transformed in the mid-1800s by the famous California Gold Rush that truly changed the future of the state. If you’re looking for magnificent windshield views and a route full of historical sites, it doesn’t get any better than Highway 49. You’ll pass through some of the most gorgeous scenery in the state, and also drive through quite a few charming mining towns along the way. Prepare your playlist, grab some snacks, and fill up your tank: you’re about to embark upon one of the best road trips in Northern California.
Nick Ares/Flickr
The discovery of gold sent thousands of newcomers to California. The area’s population went from 14,000 in 1848 to more than 300,000 in just a few years. And then in 1850, California gained statehood.
Coloma, CA, USA
Nick/Flickr
Bella Grace Vineyards/Facebook
Bella Grace Vineyards, 73 Main St, Sutter Creek, CA 95685, USA
Janett Gomez/Google Maps
El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant, 126 W St Charles St, San Andreas, CA 95249, USA
Artur Debat/Moment/Getty Images
Danny Shorr/Google Maps
Yosemite National Park Road, Yosemite National Park Rd, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, USA
Ken Lund/Flickr
James O’Neil/The Image Bank/Getty Images
It doesn’t look real!
Andrew Mace/Moment/Getty Images
Well: what are you waiting for? This magical road trip will take you through one of the most scenic drives in Northern California, and finishing up at Yosemite is the cherry on top. The journey down Highway 49 is a truly perfect road trip in NorCal, so pack your bags and hit the road!
