Things to do in Northern California
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Most popular activities in Northern California
Attractions
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San Francisco CityPASS®: Experience 4 must-see attractions
Cruises & boat tours
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Wildlife & nature
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Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz!
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San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Tour
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GoCar 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.
Yosemite National Park
The hiking trails, waterfalls and mountains full of diverse wildlife make this national park one of the country’s most picturesque.
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.
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.
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.
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.
San Francisco Bay
Explore the great outdoors at San Francisco Bay, a popular spot to commune with nature in San Francisco. Make some time to visit the shops while you're in the area.
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.
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.
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 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 SAP Center at San Jose and San Pedro Square, and jump on the metro at Santa Clara Station or St James Station to see more of the city.
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 Valley Wine Train or Napa River while you're exploring the neighborhood.
- Places to visit
- Hotels near popular Northern California Attractions
- Nearby cities for things to do
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Yosemite National Park
- Yosemite Valley
- Redwood National and State Parks
- Levi's Stadium
- Stanford University
- Palisades Tahoe
- Pier 39
- Napa Valley Wine Train
- Tesla Motors
- Moscone Convention Center
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Northstar California Resort
- Golden 1 Center
- Golden Gate Park
- Oracle Park
- SAP Center at San Jose
- Presidio of San Francisco
- Chase Center
- Alcatraz Island
- Jack London Square
- Sonoma Plaza
- Muir Woods National Monument
- Winchester Mystery House
- California's Great America
- Googleplex
- University of California
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Stanford University Medical Center
- San Jose Convention Center
- Carmel Beach
- Thunder Valley Casino
- Dodge Ridge Ski Resort
- Hotels near Stanford University
- Hotels near Yosemite National Park
- Hotels near Yosemite Valley
- Hotels near Redwood National and State Parks
- Hotels near Levi's Stadium
- Hotels near Palisades Tahoe
- Hotels near Pier 39
- Hotels near Napa Valley Wine Train
- Hotels near Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort
- Hotels near Moscone Convention Center
- Hotels near Golden Gate Bridge
- Hotels near Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Hotels near Northstar California Resort
- Hotels near Golden 1 Center
- Hotels near Golden Gate Park
- Hotels near Oracle Park
- Hotels near SAP Center at San Jose
- Hotels near Presidio of San Francisco
- Hotels near Chase Center
- Hotels near Alcatraz Island
- Hotels near Santana Row Shopping Center
- Hotels near Muir Woods National Monument
- Hotels near Winchester Mystery House
- Hotels near 17-Mile Drive
- Hotels near Cannery Row
- Hotels near Googleplex
- Hotels near University of California