Things to do in Northern California
Find and book activities, attractions and tours
Visit Northern California
Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.
Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.
Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.
Most popular activities in Northern California
Tours & day trips
See all 686 activities
Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus
Private & custom tours
See all 247 activities
GoCar San Francisco Tour
History & culture
See all 221 activities
California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission
Adventure & outdoor
See all 155 activities
Hidden Stairways of San Francisco
Cruises & boat tours
See all 73 activities
San Francisco CityPASS®: Experience 4 must-see attractions
What to do in Northern California
Discover the most popular places to visit in Northern California
Yosemite Valley
From Yosemite Falls to Half Dome and El Capitan, you can see some of the most stunning scenery in the world from Yosemite National Park’s central valley.
Redwood National and State Parks
Walk amid towering trees, hike along scenic coastal trails and spot rare wildlife at this spectacular national park in North Coast California.
Stanford University
Enjoy the collegiate vibe around Stanford University, a top university in Palo Alto. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
Yosemite National Park
The hiking trails, waterfalls and mountains full of diverse wildlife make this national park one of the country’s most picturesque.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Enjoy the thrills at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and find out why people love this theme park in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.
Napa Valley Wine Train
Travel through the beautiful vineyards of Napa Valley in old-world style and enjoy gourmet dining and unbeatable scenery from your vintage railcar.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find a spectacular window into life both above and below the waves.
Oracle Park
Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, this charming ballpark with outstanding views should be on your San Francisco sightseeing list.
Pier 39
This waterfront attraction offers thrilling rides, innovative street performers and colorful souvenir shops, but it’s the sea lions that win the day.
Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Northern California
Fisherman's Wharf
Discover Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, and the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park in this bustling tourist hotspot. Savor seafood at family-owned restaurants and explore the sea lion colony, while enjoying convenient cable car access.
Union Square
Major tourist destination in downtown San Francisco, Union Square boasts shopping, hotels, and theaters. Explore department stores, boutiques, and galleries, or catch a performance at various theaters. Enjoy the Dewey Monument and stunning views from nearby hotels. Easily accessible via cable car lines, buses, and subway systems.
Downtown San Francisco
Serving as San Francisco's central business district, this area boasts Northern California's two tallest buildings, the Salesforce Tower and Transamerica Pyramid. Explore shopping malls like the Embarcadero Center and enjoy parks such as Sue Biermann Park, all easily accessible via Muni bus and rail lines.
Downtown Sacramento
Undergoing revitalization, Downtown Sacramento boasts the retail and entertainment hub, Downtown Commons (DOCO), with Macy's and various dining options. Explore the California State Capitol, Sacramento City Hall, and enjoy convenient public transit options.
South of Market
From baseball games to top-notch art exhibits, find endless entertainment in one of San Francisco’s fastest-growing neighborhoods.
Nob Hill
Luxury hotels, historic mansions, and Michelin-starred restaurants abound in this upscale area. Explore Union Square shopping district, Grace Cathedral, and the SF Masonic Auditorium for a taste of culture and history.
- Places to visit
- Hotels near popular Northern California Attractions
- Nearby cities for things to do
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Yosemite Valley
- Redwood National and State Parks
- Stanford University
- Yosemite National Park
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Napa Valley Wine Train
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Oracle Park
- Pier 39
- Golden Gate Park
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Levi's Stadium
- Moscone Convention Center
- Golden 1 Center
- Tesla Motors
- Palisades Tahoe
- Santana Row Shopping Center
- Lombard Street
- Alcatraz Island
- Jack London Square
- Sonoma Plaza
- WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
- San Jose McEnery Convention Center
- 17-Mile Drive
- SAP Center at San Jose
- Carmel Beach
- Chase Center
- Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort
- Northstar California Resort
- California's Great America
- Googleplex
- University of California
- Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Presidio of San Francisco
- Thunder Valley Casino
- Hotels near Stanford University
- Hotels near Yosemite Valley
- Hotels near Redwood National and State Parks
- Hotels near Yosemite National Park
- Hotels near Napa Valley Wine Train
- Hotels near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Hotels near Oracle Park
- Hotels near Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Hotels near Pier 39
- Hotels near Golden Gate Park
- Hotels near Golden Gate Bridge
- Hotels near Levi's Stadium
- Hotels near Monterey Bay
- Hotels near San Francisco Bay
- Hotels near Moscone Convention Center
- Hotels near Golden 1 Center
- Hotels near Palisades Tahoe
- Hotels near Santana Row Shopping Center
- Hotels near Lombard Street
- Hotels near WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
- Hotels near Alcatraz Island
- Hotels near SAP Center at San Jose
- Hotels near 17-Mile Drive
- Hotels near Jack London Square
- Hotels near Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort
- Hotels near Carmel Beach
- Hotels near Chase Center
- Hotels near Googleplex
- Hotels near Cannery Row
- Hotels near University of California