Northern California is a place of beauty. There are a diverse amount of activities to do that are unique and one of a kind to the area. I have completed my top list of free date ideas that are sure to make for a memorable and special experience.
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Natural Bridges
Natural Bridges is a trailhead that leads to a natural swimming pool in a cave. The trail is about a two-mile hike down and it is steep! This is a popular destination for the locals, so be sure to go in the morning and I promise you’ll have the entire place to yourself! The water in the cave is cold due to the runoff from melted snow off the Sierra Mountain Range. For exploring, I recommend bringing a tube or something you can float on so you can enjoy the inside of the water cave. The floor of the river and cave is lined with rocks so I would recommend bringing water shoes as well to protect the bottom of your feet. The river is very shallow and easy to walk through.
Natural Bridges Trailhead, Parrotts Ferry Rd, Vallecito, CA 95251
Lodi Lake
One of our favorite places to paddleboard is on Lodi Lake/ Mokelumne River. Lodi Lake does have a paddleboard shop on their premises but we bring our own! It will cost a small fee to use their parking lot but it is about $5 for a whole day. We like to bring our paddleboards and dock off at the lake and then take the water tails and explore the Mokelumne River. We enjoy this spot since the water is calm and there are little spots where you can stop off an enjoy a Pic-Nic. There are a few water trails you can take and if you go on a day with good weather you can easily spend 3-4 hours out on the lake just exploring all the places it leads you. We like to go early in the morning and enjoy the sunset. In the morning the weather is much cooler and there is hardly anyone out on the water.
Bear River Reservoir
Bear River Reservoir is a beautiful spot with clear calm waters. The parking is free and there are lots of great spots where you can set up for the day. We have only gone there a couple of times so far, but we enjoy bring kayaks and going out on the water. The water is very blue and very similar to Tahoe.
Bear River Lake Resort, 40800 CA-88, Pioneer, CA 95666
Walk through a Tudor neighborhood
Some of my favorite Fall Time dates are grabbing coffee and taking a walk through the Fabulous Forties district in East Sacramento. The houses are beautiful and built in a classic Tudor style. There are many trees there and the weather is usually very cool and enjoyable.
Point Reyes National Park
Point Reyes National Park is a beautiful and free place to explore. Located in Marin County there are numerous activities you can do here. Visiting this location can easily become a full day or even a weekend getaway.
