California Dreamin’: My Adventure in Northern California with Collette
In July 2022, I had the opportunity to visit California for the very first time, and it did not disappoint! I joined Collette’s California Dreamin’: Monterey, Yosemite & Napa Tour, an 8-day adventure through Northern California that offered a perfect mix of natural beauty, charming cities, and unforgettable experiences. From the coastlines to the mountains and vineyards, this tour had it all, and the scenery was absolutely breathtaking.
Here’s a recap of my journey through one of the most stunning regions of the United States.
Day 1: Monterey and the Scenic 17-Mile Drive
We kicked off our tour in Monterey, a coastal gem that exceeded my expectations. I loved strolling along the waterfront, soaking in the cool, salty air.
We also took a drive along the 17-Mile Drive, which was as scenic as it sounds, offering stunning views of the coastline, golf courses, and luxurious homes. One of the highlights was the iconic Lone Cypress Tree at Pebble Beach Golf Course—this gnarled tree perched on a cliff against the Pacific Ocean. After, we visited Carmel-by-the-Sea, a charming little village that felt like it had stepped out of a fairytale, with its quirky shops and vibrant art scene. It was the perfect first day on the tour.
Day 2: From Monterey to Yosemite
Our second day took us through the heart of California’s agricultural region, with stops at the Pezzini Artichoke Farm in Castroville and Casa de Fruta, where we could sample local products and enjoy the scenic surroundings. We then made our way to Oakdale and Tuolumne, stopping at local almond and walnut orchards—an interesting glimpse into California’s agricultural landscape.
Next up, we headed to Yosemite National Park, one of the most iconic parks in the U.S. I love mountains, trees, and the outdoors, so Yosemite was one of my favorite parts of the trip. The views were absolutely breathtaking, and although there was some haze and smoke from the Washburn fires, it didn’t take away from the beauty of the park. We even spotted a bear on the side of the road, which made the experience feel that much more authentic.
To set the tone for our Yosemite adventure, we watched the documentary Free Solo about Alex Honnold’s daring climb of El Capitan. It was incredible to see Yosemite’s towering granite cliffs up close after learning about them in the film.
Day 3: Exploring Sacramento
After our time in Yosemite, we headed to Sacramento, California’s state capital. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved this city. Sacramento has a relaxed, walkable vibe, and we spent some time strolling along the Sacramento River, visiting the Old Sacramento district, and exploring some of the city’s fantastic gardens and art museums. If you’re looking for a charming, less touristy city to explore in California, Sacramento is a great choice.
Day 4: Lake Tahoe and it’s charming village
Next up was the picturesque Lake Tahoe, where we enjoyed a relaxing boat ride on the lake. The colors of the water were absolutely mesmerizing—bright turquoise against the backdrop of the surrounding mountains. After our boat ride, we had time to visit the charming village of South Lake Tahoe, which has a laid-back vibe with lots of shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities.
Day 5: Napa Valley Wine Tasting
We continued our journey through Northern California, heading to Napa Valley—one of the world’s most famous wine regions. While we didn’t have much time here (I wish we could’ve stayed longer!), we did enjoy a wine tasting at Brix we sampled some of Napa’s finest wines and also had a lovely lunch.Napa Valley is a place I would love to visit again and spend more time exploring.
Day 6: San Francisco
Our tour ended in San Francisco. We saw the famous Golden Gate Bridge and during my free time, I took a boat ride by Alcatraz Island and went under the bridge—what an unforgettable experience! I also visited Fisherman’s Wharf, where I saw the sea lions lounging on the docks and grabbed my first In-N-Out Burger.
