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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Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus
Private & custom tours
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Redwoods & Wine Country Escape to Sonoma & Napa with Optional Gourmet Lunch
History & culture
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California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission
Adventure & outdoor
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San Francisco: Kids Thrill Zone Combo at PIER 39
Cruises & boat tours
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Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)
What to do in Northern California
Popular places to visit
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 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.
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.
Oracle Park
Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, this charming ballpark with outstanding views should be on your San Francisco sightseeing list.
Levi's Stadium
Catch an event at Levi's Stadium during your trip to Santa Clara. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
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.
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.
Areas of Northern California
Union Square
Fashion puts its best foot forward in this vast shopping plaza.
Fisherman's Wharf
Dating back to the middle of the 19th Century, this historic wharf has been through many incarnations. Today it’s bursting with fun, sea lions and 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 San Francisco Bay 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 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.
South of Market
From baseball games to top-notch art exhibits, find endless entertainment in one of San Francisco’s fastest-growing neighborhoods.
Nob Hill
Examine architecturally significant buildings, visit the Cable Car Museum and enjoy magnificent views of greater San Francisco in this affluent district.
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.
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