Things to do in Northern California
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Most popular activities in Northern California
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Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus
Private & custom tours
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GoCar San Francisco Tour
History & culture
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California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission
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Hidden Stairways of San Francisco
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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.
Yosemite National Park
The hiking trails, waterfalls and mountains full of diverse wildlife make this national park one of the country’s most picturesque.
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.
Oracle Park
Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, this charming ballpark with outstanding views should be on your San Francisco sightseeing list.
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.
Golden Gate Bridge
Cars trundle across it and ships sail under it, but the best way to experience this iconic bridge is on foot.
Golden Gate Park
This beloved park offers relaxation among trees, flowers and wildlife, right in San Francisco’s backyard.
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
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- Yosemite Valley
- Redwood National and State Parks
- Yosemite National Park
- Oracle Park
- Stanford University
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Golden Gate Park
- Pier 39
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Levi's Stadium
- Napa Valley Wine Train
- Moscone Convention Center
- Palisades Tahoe
- Golden 1 Center
- Tesla Motors
- Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort
- Lombard Street
- Santana Row Shopping Center
- San Jose McEnery Convention Center
- Northstar California Resort
- Sonoma Plaza
- WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
- Chase Center
- Jack London Square
- Carmel Beach
- SAP Center at San Jose
- 17-Mile Drive
- Alcatraz Island
- Googleplex
- Stanford University Medical Center
- University of California
- Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Presidio of San Francisco
- California's Great America
- Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
- Hotels near Stanford University
- Hotels near Yosemite Valley
- Hotels near Redwood National and State Parks
- Hotels near Yosemite National Park
- Hotels near Pier 39
- Hotels near Oracle Park
- Hotels near Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Hotels near Golden Gate Bridge
- Hotels near Golden Gate Park
- Hotels near Monterey Bay
- Hotels near Napa Valley Wine Train
- Hotels near Moscone Convention Center
- Hotels near Palisades Tahoe
- Hotels near Levi's Stadium
- Hotels near Golden 1 Center
- Hotels near San Francisco Bay
- Hotels near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Hotels near Northstar California Resort
- Hotels near Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort
- Hotels near Googleplex
- Hotels near Lombard Street
- Hotels near Chase Center
- Hotels near Santana Row Shopping Center
- Hotels near WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
- Hotels near Jack London Square
- Hotels near 17-Mile Drive
- Hotels near Presidio of San Francisco
- Hotels near Alcatraz Island
- Hotels near Stanford University Medical Center
- Hotels near SAP Center at San Jose