Things to Do in Northern California in 2025

Napa showing landscape views, a sunset and tranquil scenes

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Most popular activities in Northern California

Tours & day trips

See all 680 activities

Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

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GoCar San Francisco Tour

Free cancellation available

Adventure & outdoor

See all 162 activities

ATV Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting

Free cancellation available

Cruises & boat tours

See all 59 activities

Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)

Free cancellation available

Classes & workshops

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Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Free cancellation available

What to do in Northern California

Discover the most popular places to visit in Northern California

Stanford University

4.5/5(1,972 reviews)

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.

Redwood National and State Parks

5/5(868 reviews)

Walk amid towering trees, hike along scenic coastal trails and spot rare wildlife at this spectacular national park in North Coast California.

Yosemite Valley

5/5(1,197 reviews)

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 Falls showing a waterfall and mountains

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

4.5/5(551 reviews)

When this mountain’s very long ski season ends, great mountain biking begins. Enjoy the fresh air, beautiful scenery and fun events year-round.

Squaw Valley Resort which includes snow boarding and snow as well as an individual male

Palisades Tahoe

4.5/5(667 reviews)

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.

Golden Gate Bridge

4.5/5(7,244 reviews)

Cars trundle across it and ships sail under it, but the best way to experience this iconic bridge is on foot.

Pier 39

4.5/5(6,817 reviews)

This waterfront attraction offers thrilling rides, innovative street performers and colorful souvenir shops, but it’s the sea lions that win the day.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

4.5/5(1,731 reviews)

Perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find a spectacular window into life both above and below the waves.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Northern California

Union Square

4/5(5,164 area reviews)

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

3/5(1,084 area reviews)

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

4/5(38 area reviews)

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

3.5/5(2,063 area reviews)

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

3.5/5(3,655 area reviews)

From baseball games to top-notch art exhibits, find endless entertainment in one of San Francisco’s fastest-growing neighborhoods.

Downtown San Jose

4/5(936 area reviews)

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.