What to Pack for Your Trip to Northern California

Here's a little well-known secret about Northern California: you can go from mountains to beaches in a single trip. If you have a general idea of what you’re planning to do, packing for your stay will be a breeze, especially after you’ve seen this packing guide we’ve prepared for you! 

Exploring Northern California is an amazing adventure considering its various coastlines, landscapes, and mountains. Whether you’re visiting for a day or planning a week-long stay, there’s definitely a lot of things to do and plenty of essentials you don’t want to be caught without! 

Tips for Packing

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There are a few things you have to consider when putting together your Northern California packing list, such as the following: 

1. Consider which part of the state you’re visiting and what activities you want to do in the area. A packing list for wine tasting in Napa Valley looks different from the packing list for hiking in Yosemite.

2. Consider the time of the year you’re visiting Northern California and what activities are available during that season. The weather and climate can affect the kind of clothing (or gear) you’ll be bringing. Will it still be snowing in Lake Tahoe when you visit, or will it be sunny enough for swimming wear? 

3. The clothing style in California is laid-back and comfortable. Comfort is everything when people dress in California, so definitely bring clothes that make you feel comfortable and snug. 

4. Layer up. An important thing to remember when packing for your trip is to always dress in layers no matter your destination. You’ll want to have warmer clothes ready especially since it's foggier and it rains more in Northern California than in other parts of the state.  

What to Pack

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We recommend you bring the following essentials along for your trip.

Clothing Items

Tops

Bring with you lightweight t-shirts and tops that you can easily pair with slacks or jeans. Basic comfortable wear is the way to go. If you plan to stay in the summer, bring along short sleeve tops or sleeveless wear. In the winter, make sure to add a couple of long sleeves to your list. 

Bottoms

Bring along with you breathable fabrics that can suit loungewear and for going out at the same time. Choose jeans that are easy to mix and match with your tops. Bring along shorts, yoga pants, or hiking pants that would withstand the activities that you plan to do.   

Outfits

• Sun Dresses – A good sundress is super versatile, breathable, and easy to wear. They're also really easy to layer for days when you just can’t be bothered to mix and match. If you’re not looking to do extreme activities during the summer, consider packing with you a sundress or two. 

• Swimsuits – For every day that you plan to be at the beach, pack one swimsuit with you. This is a good rule of thumb especially if you want to skip doing laundry in the middle of a short or weeklong vacation. If you're heading to one of our luxury vacation rentals in North Carolina with a private pool, we recommend following the same rule to help avoid laundry duties while on vacation.

• Beach Cover Ups – The beaches in Northern California are colder. Consider packing coverups for you to use when you’re lounging along with the pool or coast.

• Dressier Outfit – Even if you don’t have plans to use it, it’s best if you bring along at least one dressier outfit in case you spontaneously decide to hit up a nice restaurant or a swanky nightlife scene. 

Outerwear

• Lightweight Jacket – Bring something that isn’t heavy but can still keep you warm. A jean jacket is a good go-to since it still does a good job without being overly bulky and sweltering.

• Rain Jacket – You don’t need the extra weight and inconvenience of carrying around a large umbrella with you whenever you go out. Just bring with you a lightweight rain jacket and check the forecast for any rain. 

• Sweater – Pack a comfortable sweater with you that you can easily layer on your clothes. It’s lightweight enough that you can casually drape it on your arm when you don’t need it anymore.

Shoes

Depending on what your activities are, make sure to bring footwear that can bring you to the places you need to go and back again. For good measure on a weeklong stay, you should consider bringing a good pair of flip flops, sneakers, rubber shoes, and dressier footwear. 

Accessories

The following accessories are things that you should definitely consider bringing with you on your trip to Northern California! From beach trips to hiking activities, it’s always best to come prepared.

• Sunglasses

• Crossbody Bag

• Daypack

• Water Bottle 

• Sunhat

• Scarf

• Beach Blanket

Travel Essentials Checklist

Unplanned trips to the grocery or nearest gas station when you’re on vacation can affect your itinerary. Below is a list to help you remember all the toiletries you need to bring to your staycation. 

• Sunscreen

• Hand Sanitizer

• Deodorant

• Razors

• Toothbrush

• Toothpaste

• Floss

• Contacts or Glasses

• Loofah

• Face Wash

• Prescriptions 

• Hair Ties

• Hairbrush

• Feminine Products

• Small First Aid Kit

• Aloe Vera Gel (for sunburns and irritation)

• Contact Solution

• Lip Balm

• Moisturizer

• Bug Repellent

• Towels (one for bathing, one for the beach)

• Face Towels 

• Trash Bags 

• Snacks 

• Reading Material (for lounging)

Tech Essentials Checklist

For digital nomads and otherwise, don't forget to bring with you a couple of these items on your trip.

• Portable Chargers

• Camera

• Waterproof Device Cases

• Phone/Tablet

• Laptop

Have a great trip!

All things considered, the weather, altitude, and activities you want to do all affect your packing list. So, be sure to plan ahead to avoid any mishaps!

In case you're dropping by Lake Tahoe for a couple of days, staying at Wander Tahoe Slopes is a great way to make the most of your trip. It's complete with all the essentials from wireless charging stations to luxurious bath robes—plus everything in between.

Want to book an electric bike ride around the city or a 2-hour cruise for your friends during your stay at Lake Tahoe? Our concierge desk is available 24/7 to help you make your vacation planning hassle-free!