10 TOP Things to Do in Central Valley (2026 Activity Guide)

My bucket list is to visit all 59 US National Parks. So far, we've visited over 30... here's one of them.

Lassen National Park is up there with the newest national park, Pinnacles, as most obscure in California. This park used to be a volcano that went off in the not-so-far past. Lassen boasts mountains, lakes, and thermal features. Go in the winter for less crowds and lots of #snow!

The final stretch of the 400 steps leading to the top of Sequoia National Park's Moro Rock.

The granite dome rock formation is located in the center of the park, at the head of Moro Creek, between Giant Forest and Crescent Meadow.

We were greeted at the top by beautiful vistas of San Joaquin Valley. If I had it to do again, I'd time the 30-minute hike up to catch the sunrise or sunset with the spectacular views available. The road to Moro Rock is closed during winter months, necessitating a 2-mile hike to reach this dome-shaped granite monolith.

See the full story of our hike up Moro Rock via my blog at http://www.aplacecalledroam.com/home/moro-rock-a-chance-to-touch-the-sky.

Here one of my sunset photo of South Lake Tahoe during my visit last week , enjoy!

Rafting the Kern River. Even though this year has been dry in California, there's still enough water for some fun. #weekendgetaway

The largest living creature on earth, the General Sherman tree, is close to 2,200 years old. Imagine; the tree was a mere seedling when King Solomn built his temple in Jerusalem, a sapling when Christ was born.

The General generates enough wood each year to produce a 60-foot tall tree of average size.

Dozens of giant sequoia are neighbors to the General; the half-mile downhill trail into the Giant Forest offers access to the General and all the beautiful and hardy creatures. Just be aware returning to the parking lot requires a gentle, uphill walk. It was certainly worth the trip.

Check out our hike via my blog at http://www.aplacecalledroam.com/home/sequoia-national-park-a-place-where-giants-dwell.

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Most popular experiences in Central Valley

Tours & day trips

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San Francisco: One day Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Tour

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

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Redwoods & Wine Country Escape to Sonoma & Napa with Optional Gourmet Lunch

Free cancellation available

Driving Lake Tahoe: A Self-Guided Tour from South Lake Tahoe to Tahoe City

Free cancellation available

Classes & workshops

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Granite Adventure at Quarry Park Adventures Rocklin, CA

Free cancellation available

Winter activities

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Heavenly Premium Ski Rental Including Delivery

Free cancellation available

Holiday & seasonal tours

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Lake Tahoe: Scenic Sunset Cruise with Drinks and Snacks

Free cancellation available

What to do in Central Valley

Popular places to visit

Squaw Valley Resort featuring snowboarding and snow as well as an individual male

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.

Golden 1 Center

Catch an event at Golden 1 Center and enjoy other activities in Sacramento such as cycling.Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Northstar California Resort

When you picture California, sunny beaches, surf, and the sea are sure to come to mind first. Don't forget that snow is falling down on the mountain, making Northstar Ski Resort one of the top destinations when ski season arrives.

Sequoia National Park showing forest scenes as well as an individual female

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Be humbled by nature at its most impressive in these two breathtaking national parks, home to some of the largest living things on this planet.

Heavenly Mountain Gondola which includes a sandy beach, a lake or waterhole and a bay or harbour

Heavenly Gondola

Glide across the sky and appreciate breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Tahoe on this scenic gondola ride to a summit where exciting adventure activities await.

Emerald Bay State Park

This scenic inlet offers a beautiful beach, island, waterfalls, wreck dives, heritage sites and campgrounds with views over the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe.

Sequoia National Park showing forest scenes as well as a small group of people

General Sherman Tree

The world’s largest tree by volume, this giant sequoia is more than 2,000 years old. You must see it in place to fully appreciate its colossal size.

Discovery Park

Discovery Park is just one of the places to see in Sacramento, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

The Shops at Heavenly Village

You can enjoy retail therapy at The Shops at Heavenly Village during your visit to South Lake Tahoe. Stroll along the lakeside in this quaint area or seek out the ski slopes.

Areas of Central Valley

Downtown Sacramento

3.5/5(8 area reviews)

Known for its abundant dining options and interesting museums, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Sacramento. Top attractions like K Street Mall and Golden 1 Center 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.

Northstar

If you're spending some time in Northstar, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort Golf Course and Northstar California Resort are top sights worth seeing.

Heavenly Valley

If you're spending some time in Heavenly Valley, Heavenly Ski Resort and Aerial Tramway are top sights worth seeing.

The Donner lake under the snow in winter, in California, panorama, with tunnels in the mountain for the train

Northstar Village

While visiting Northstar Village, you might make a stop by sights like Northstar California Resort and Big Springs Express Gondola.

A tourist man bathing sunrise at Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, California

Lakeside Park

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

Lakeside Park might not have many top sights, but Heavenly Gondola and Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Casino are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Lake Tahoe Panoramic Overlook in Winter from Heavenly

Heavenly Village

While visiting Heavenly Village, you might make a stop by sights like The Shops at Heavenly Village and Heavenly Gondola.

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