Things to do in Northern California
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Most popular activities in Northern California
Attractions
See all 20 activitiesSan Francisco CityPASS®: Experience 4 must-see attractions
Cruises & boat tours
See all 59 activitiesSan Francisco CityPASS®: Experience 4 must-see attractions
Wildlife & nature
See all 24 activitiesGolden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz!
Tours & day trips
See all 697 activitiesSan Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Tour
Private & custom tours
See all 248 activitiesGoCar San Francisco Tour
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.
Palisades Tahoe
Two expansive ski resorts in North Lake Tahoe have joined to provide some of the finest snow experiences on the whole continent, with an added dash of celebrity sparkle.
Yosemite National Park
The hiking trails, waterfalls and mountains full of diverse wildlife make this national park one of the country’s most picturesque.
Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort
When this mountain’s very long ski season ends, great mountain biking begins. Enjoy the fresh air, beautiful scenery and fun events year-round.
Golden Gate Bridge
Cars trundle across it and ships sail under it, but the best way to experience this iconic bridge is on foot.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Downtown Napa
Downtown Napa is a destination visitors seek out for is abundant dining options, fine wine, and stunning river views. You might want to check out attractions like Napa River or Uptown Theater while you're exploring the neighborhood.
Downtown San Jose
Known for its fascinating museums and great live music, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Jose. You can visit top attractions like San Pedro Square and San Jose Museum of Art, and jump on the metro at Santa Clara Station or St James Station to see more of the city.
- Places to visit
- Hotels near popular Northern California Attractions
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- Yosemite Valley
- Redwood National and State Parks
- Stanford University
- Palisades Tahoe
- Yosemite National Park
- Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort
- Tesla Motors
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Chase Center
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Pier 39
- Googleplex
- Levi's Stadium
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Napa Valley Wine Train
- Northstar California Resort
- Oracle Park
- Alcatraz Island
- Moscone Convention Center
- Golden Gate Park
- SAP Center at San Jose
- WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
- Muir Woods National Monument
- Jack London Square
- 17-Mile Drive
- Golden 1 Center
- Winchester Mystery House
- Santana Row Shopping Center
- California's Great America
- Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Stanford University Medical Center
- Sonoma Plaza
- Presidio of San Francisco
- Carmel Beach
- San Jose Convention Center
- University of California
- Hotels near Stanford University
- Hotels near Yosemite Valley
- Hotels near Redwood National and State Parks
- Hotels near Palisades Tahoe
- Hotels near Yosemite National Park
- Hotels near Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort
- Hotels near Monterey Bay
- Hotels near Golden Gate Bridge
- Hotels near Chase Center
- Hotels near Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Hotels near Pier 39
- Hotels near Googleplex
- Hotels near Levi's Stadium
- Hotels near Mammoth Mountain
- Hotels near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Hotels near Napa Valley Wine Train
- Hotels near Northstar California Resort
- Hotels near Oracle Park
- Hotels near Alcatraz Island
- Hotels near Moscone Convention Center
- Hotels near Golden Gate Park
- Hotels near SAP Center at San Jose
- Hotels near Muir Woods National Monument
- Hotels near 17-Mile Drive
- Hotels near Golden 1 Center
- Hotels near Winchester Mystery House
- Hotels near Santana Row Shopping Center
- Hotels near Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Hotels near Stanford University Medical Center