SACRAMENTO, Calif. — For many, a new year can represent beginnings and resolutions. For Bartell's Backroads, it means a new year and new travels!
If you're looking for an adventure in 2020, take a look at these 15 must-see destination spots.
1. Vacation on the coast at Battery Point lighthouse
Have you ever wanted to live on the coast? All you have to do is volunteer at Battery Point lighthouse in Crescent City. One lighthouse keeper shared her experience living on the coast of Northern California.
LEARN MORE: Want to live on the coast of Northern California? Here's your chance | Bartell's Backroads
2. Hike 'hell on earth' at Bumpass Hell
Bumpass Hell is in Lassen Volcanic National Park, one of California's most volcanic hot zones. Its unique beauty makes it a must-see place for adventurous day-trippers.
3. Corning, Calif., is the 'Olive City'
If you like your martinis with olives, instead of lime, Corning, Calif., should be on your list of road trips. It's the 'Olive Capital' of the state, and celebrates the little green, briny fruit like nobody else. We're especially talking to you, olive milkshake fans.
4. Cedarville Surprise
If you hit Oregon, you've gone too far. Cedarville is almost as far north as you can go in California, and there's a lot to see in this tiny town in the middle of Surprise Valley, including wild horses and epic green scenery.
5. 'The Geysers' power plant keeps California's electric grid green
Largest of its kind in California, this Sonoma County power plant uses volcanic activity and steam to generate electricity. If you're looking for an educational adventure, the plant offers tours!
6. Photographers, tourists flock to the Point Reyes shipwreck
The Point Reyes shipwreck has a great back story, and attracts thousands of photographers and sightseers every year. Make a pit stop near Inverness, Calif., to have a look around. You might just capture the Instagram picture you've been looking for all your life.
LEARN MORE: Photographers, tourists flock to the the Point Reyes shipwreck | A Bartell's Backroads Pit Stop
7. Create custom fortunes at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory
In San Francisco's Chinatown, you'll find swarms of people lined up outside the Golden Gate Fortune Factory. It is one of the few family-owned cookie companies that makes hand-folded cookies, and if you ask, they'll let you create a custom fortune for your cookie. Take a factory tour to see how these popular fortune cookies are made!
8. The smallest city in California, Amador City
Looking for a slower pace? Try Amador City, California's smallest city. It's artsy, off the beaten path, and Pig Turd Alley really isn't as bad as it sounds.
LEARN MORE: The smallest city in California is an out-of-the-way road trip gem | A Bartell's Backroads Pit Stop
9. Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park
If you've ever wondered what the inside of the Sierra foothills look like, you will find the answer at Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, near Nevada City, Calif. In a way, it's beautiful, a kaleidoscope of sedimentary rock piled up layer on layer.
LEARN MORE: Malakoff Diggins State Park to be completely solar-powered by end of year | Bartell's Backroads
10. Santa Cruz's Mystery Spot will keep you guessing
It's one of California's classic tourist spots. It'll leave you questioning your perception of reality and groaning in disbelief at the tour guide's jokes. Make a quick pit stop in Santa Cruz to experience it for yourself.
11. Cuteness Alert! Otters at Elkhorn Slough
Find the cutest otters at Elkhorn Slough, a protected research area near Moss Landing in Monterey County. It is one of California's largest wetland estuaries and is home to more than 700 animal species and countless ocean rearing plants.
12. Coldest Place in California is Bodie State Park
The gold rush town of Bodie used to be full of hopeful gold prospectors. Today, just a few park rangers inhabit the abandoned town. Due to the dry climate, the buildings are well preserved. Bodie State Park is open year round, but if you visit in the winter bring a coat. Bodie is on average the coldest place in California.
13. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park is home to some of the world's largest trees
Travel to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park in Tulare County to get a phenomenal glimpse into California's natural beauty. Bartell's Backroads takes us to some hidden wonders in this giant national park, including a 1.4-million-year-old cave, that's only getting bigger.
14. Hike the Mobius Arch Loop Trail
Hikers and photographers love the Mobius Arch Loop Trail in Lone Pine, Calif. Journey to the Alabama Hills of Inyo County to visit one of the great hidden pit stops that you can make on your next road trip.
15. A unique toll road along the Tour Thru Tree in Klamath, Calif.
The Tour Thru Tree in Klamath, Calif., is a tunnel carved out of a massive redwood tree stump. Throw in gigantic statues of Paul Bunyon and his blue ox, Babe, and it's a great place for a quick diversion while you're on the road in Northern California.
LEARN MORE: Tour Thru Tree in Klamath, California is a unique toll road | A Bartell's Backroads Pit Stop
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