Things to do in Northern California
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Most popular activities in Northern California
Cruises & boat tours
See all 92 activitiesOpens in new tabGolden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz!
Tours & day trips
See all 866 activitiesOpens in new tabSan Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Tour
Private & custom tours
See all 262 activitiesOpens in new tabGoCar San Francisco Tour
Attractions
See all 24 activitiesOpens in new tabGo City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 30+ Attractions
Adventure & outdoor
See all 151 activitiesOpens in new tabMonterey: Half-Day Electric Bike Rental
Discover the most popular places to visit in Northern 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Golden Gate Park
This beloved park offers relaxation among trees, flowers and wildlife, right in San Francisco’s backyard.
Moscone Convention Center
During your trip, find out what's happening at Moscone Convention Center, a top convention center in San Francisco. Discover the acclaimed art scene and notable monuments in this vibrant area.
Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Northern California
Fisherman's Wharf
This waterfront neighborhood dates back to the gold rush era and is a hub for tourist activities, sea lions and seafood restaurants.
Downtown San Francisco
Known for its fascinating museums, popular shops, and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Francisco. Top attractions like Oracle Park and Chase Center are major draws. Catch the metro at Market St & 5th St Stop or Market St & Taylor St Stop to see more of the city.
Union Square
Fashion puts on its finest face in one of the country’s largest shopping plazas.
Downtown Sacramento
Known for its abundant dining options and interesting museums, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Sacramento. Top attractions like Golden 1 Center and Cesar Chavez Park are major draws, and you can catch the metro at 8th & H/County Center Station or 7th & I/County Center 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.
Yosemite West
You'll enjoy the waterfalls and riverfront in Yosemite West. You might want to make time for a stop at Yosemite National Park or Sierra National Forest.
- Places to visit
- Hotels near popular Northern California Attractions
- Nearby cities for things to do
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- Yosemite National Park
- Yosemite Valley
- Redwood National and State Parks
- Oracle Park
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Pier 39
- Stanford University
- Golden Gate Park
- Moscone Convention Center
- Levi's Stadium
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Tesla Motors
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Alcatraz Island
- Chase Center
- Golden 1 Center
- Palisades Tahoe
- Napa Valley Wine Train
- Presidio of San Francisco
- Muir Woods National Monument
- Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Sonoma Plaza
- Jack London Square
- Glass Beach
- University of California
- McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
- California's Great America
- Northstar California Resort
- Carmel Beach
- Thunder Valley Casino
- San Jose Convention Center
- San Jose State University
- Hotels near Stanford University
- Hotels near Yosemite National Park
- Hotels near Yosemite Valley
- Hotels near Redwood National and State Parks
- Hotels near Oracle Park
- Hotels near Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Hotels near Pier 39
- Hotels near Golden Gate Park
- Hotels near Golden Gate Bridge
- Hotels near Moscone Convention Center
- Hotels near Levi's Stadium
- Hotels near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Hotels near Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort
- Hotels near Alcatraz Island
- Hotels near Chase Center
- Hotels near Palisades Tahoe
- Hotels near Golden 1 Center
- Hotels near Napa Valley Wine Train
- Hotels near Presidio of San Francisco
- Hotels near Muir Woods National Monument
- Hotels near University of California
- Hotels near Northstar California Resort
- Hotels near Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Hotels near Santana Row Shopping Center
- Hotels near 17-Mile Drive
- Hotels near San Jose Convention Center