Things to do in Northern California
Activities, attractions and tours
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Most popular experiences in Northern California
Tours & day trips
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San Francisco Night Tour
Private & custom tours
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GoCar San Francisco Tour
History & culture
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San Francisco: Inside Alcatraz Tour with Bay Cruise
Adventure & outdoor
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Hidden Stairways of San Francisco
Classes & workshops
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Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
What to do in Northern California
Popular places to visit
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.
Stanford University
Enjoy the student 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.
Yosemite National Park
The hiking trails, waterfalls and mountains full of diverse wildlife make this national park one of the country’s most picturesque.
Golden Gate Park
Sit for a while and relax among the trees, flowers and wildlife in this popular park, right on San Francisco's doorstep.
Pier 39
Head to the waterfront for thrilling rides, captivating street performers and plenty of souvenir shops. But the main draw has to be the resident sea lions.
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
Don’t drive it, walk it. Walking this 2.7 kilometre iconic bridge is a real experience, best appreciated on two legs.
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.
Areas of Northern California
Fisherman's Wharf
Travellers love Fisherman's Wharf for its popular shops, and you can see more of San Francisco by jumping on the metro at Jones St and Beach St Stop or Jefferson St & Taylor St Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Pier 39 and San Francisco Bay.
Union Square
Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Union Square. Check out top attractions like Westin St Francis Hotel Glass Elevators and Union Square, and jump on the metro at Powell St & Geary Blvd Stop or Powell St & Post St Stop to see more of the city.
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.
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 K Street Mall 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.
South of Market
Gourmet restaurants great entertainment and top sights from Oracle Park to Chase Center – discover South of Market, a destination also famous for its shopping.
Nob Hill
Gourmet restaurants Chinatown and top sights from Grace Cathedral to SF Masonic Auditorium – discover Nob Hill, a destination also famous for its shopping.
Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.
- Yosemite Valley
- Redwood National and State Parks
- Yosemite National Park
- Golden Gate Park
- Pier 39
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Alcatraz Island
- Chase Center
- Napa Valley Wine Train
- Lombard Street
- California's Great America
- Sonoma Plaza
- Emerald Bay State Park
- San Jose McEnery Convention Center
- Winchester Mystery House
- Hotels near Yosemite Valley
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