Things to do in Northern California
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Most popular activities in Northern California
Attractions
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Cruises & boat tours
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Wildlife & nature
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Tours & day trips
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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.
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.
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.
Golden Gate Bridge
Cars trundle across it and ships sail under it, but the best way to experience this iconic bridge is on foot.
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.
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 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.
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 Valley
- Yosemite National Park
- Redwood National and State Parks
- Palisades Tahoe
- Tesla Motors
- Stanford University
- Pier 39
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Napa Valley Wine Train
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Oracle Park
- Levi's Stadium
- Northstar California Resort
- Chase Center
- Moscone Convention Center
- Googleplex
- SAP Center at San Jose
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Alcatraz Island
- Golden 1 Center
- Golden Gate Park
- Jack London Square
- Sonoma Plaza
- Presidio of San Francisco
- Muir Woods National Monument
- Winchester Mystery House
- San Jose Convention Center
- California's Great America
- Carmel Beach
- Dodge Ridge Ski Resort
- Hotels near Stanford University
- Hotels near Yosemite Valley
- Hotels near Yosemite National Park
- Hotels near Redwood National and State Parks
- Hotels near Palisades Tahoe
- Hotels near Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort
- Hotels near Pier 39
- Hotels near Golden Gate Bridge
- Hotels near Napa Valley Wine Train
- Hotels near Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Hotels near Oracle Park
- Hotels near Levi's Stadium
- Hotels near Northstar California Resort
- Hotels near Chase Center
- Hotels near Moscone Convention Center
- Hotels near Googleplex
- Hotels near SAP Center at San Jose
- Hotels near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Hotels near Alcatraz Island
- Hotels near Santana Row Shopping Center
- Hotels near Golden 1 Center
- Hotels near Golden Gate Park
- Hotels near Presidio of San Francisco
- Hotels near Muir Woods National Monument
- Hotels near 17-Mile Drive
- Hotels near Cannery Row
- Hotels near Winchester Mystery House
- Hotels near San Jose Convention Center