Things to do in Northern California

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Northern California

Types of activities

Where to stay

Northern California travel guide

Mill Creek showing tranquil scenes and a sunset

Mill Creek featuring tranquil scenes, mountains and a lake or waterhole

Mill Creek which includes forests and dangerous animals

Napa featuring a sunset, farmland and landscape views

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Top places to visit

1. Redwood National and State Parks

Redwood National and State Parks is a fascinating natural destination. Gaze up at tall centuries-old redwood trees, explore rugged Pacific Coast beaches, camp beneath the stars and spot myriad wildlife. The parks cover 133,000 acres (53,800 hectares) and stretch for 40 miles (64 kilometers) along California’s picturesque northern coast.

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Redwood National and State Parks featuring signage and forest scenes

2. Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Valley is the emerald green heart of Yosemite National Park. Marvel at the soaring granite walls, including some of the park’s most iconic landmarks, flanking this 8-mile (13-kilometer) canyon.

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Yosemite Valley showing mountains and a waterfall

3. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is an area of extraordinary natural beauty in the center of California. It has abundant flora and fauna in addition to majestic mountains, giant trees, vast valleys and peaceful lakes. Every year, millions of travelers visit the park, which stretches across 747,956 acres (302,687 hectares). Glaciers formed the fascinating landscape about 1 million years ago.

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Yosemite Falls featuring a waterfall and mountains

4. Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort

The high peaks in the Sierra Nevada Mountains capture plenty of natural snowfall, giving Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort a very long season, usually starting in November and continuing through June or even July. Enjoy sunshine on average 300 days a year as you ski over 3,500 acres (1,400 hectares) of snowy terrain or bike on 80 miles (130 kilometers) of trails. Find plenty of family fun off the mountain too.

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Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort which includes snow boarding and snow

5. Palisades Tahoe

Head to Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows for a stellar ski experience ideal for snow lovers of all abilities. The resort’s highly coveted terrain and conditions attract Olympian Jonny Moseley, among other celebrity skiers year-round.

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Squaw Valley Resort showing mountains, tranquil scenes and snow

6. Golden Gate Bridge

Although cars pass over it and a constant stream of ships pass underneath it, if you’re a first-time visitor then the best way to experience what was once the world’s longest suspension bridge is on foot.

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What to do in Northern California

Popular places to visit

Stanford University

4.5/5(34 reviews)

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.

Redwood National and State Parks

5/5(3 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(63 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 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(4 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 showing snow and snow boarding as well as an individual male

Palisades Tahoe

4.5/5(2 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(362 reviews)

This iconic bridge, with its distinctive burnished red colour, is probably one of the world’s most instantly recognisable landmarks.

Golden 1 Center

4.5/5(2 reviews)

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.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

4.5/5(29 reviews)

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

Areas of Northern California

Union Square

4/5(287 area reviews)

Packed with a treasure trove of upmarket boutiques, designer labels and department store, shoppers will love this huge shopping plaza.

Downtown San Francisco

3/5(52 area reviews)

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.

Fisherman's Wharf

5/5(4 area reviews)

This waterfront location is steeped in history dating back to the days of the gold rush. Today, visitors come here for its vibrant atmosphere and great food.

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 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.

Downtown San Jose

3.5/5(5 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 San Pedro Square and San Jose Museum of Art, and jump on the metro at Santa Clara Station or St James Station to see more of the city.