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 mountains, tranquil scenes and a lake or waterhole

Mill Creek which includes forests and dangerous animals

Napa featuring tranquil scenes, a sunset and farmland

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Top places to visit

1. 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 which includes a cascade and mountains

2. 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 showing a bridge and forest scenes

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 showing a cascade and mountains

4. Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Monterey Bay Aquarium showcases more than 35,000 animals and plants across 550 species. You’ll discover all kinds of local wildlife here, including fish of all sizes, invertebrates, mammals and plants.

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Monterey Bay Aquarium showing interior views and marine life

5. Oracle Park

Visit Oracle Park for more than simply watching a San Francisco Giants game. Tour this privately financed ballpark, known for its breathtaking views, charm and character. This is the city’s replacement for notoriously windy Candlestick Park.

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Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, this charming ballpark with outstanding views should be on your San Francisco sightseeing list.

6. Golden Gate Park

The Golden Gate Park is around five kilometres long and 800 metres wide. Designed more than a century ago by the park commissioner, William Hall, the park incorporates numerous meandering walking trails, perfect for hiking. The paths wind their way round 405 hectares of well-maintained and sculpted landscape gardens, rugged woods and shimmering lakes. It’s a true oasis of calm and the perfect place to unwind.

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Golden Gate Park featuring flowers and a garden

7. 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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Golden Gate Bridge featuring night scenes, a suspension bridge or treetop walkway and a bay or harbor

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.

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.

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.

Yosemite National Park

The hiking trails, waterfalls and mountains full of diverse wildlife make this national park one of the country’s most picturesque.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Enjoy the thrills at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and find out why people love this theme park in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.

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.

Golden Gate Park

This wonderful park is a haven away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. Come here to relax, enjoy the scenery, breathe in the air and watch the wildlife.

Golden Gate Bridge

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

Areas of Northern California

Fisherman's Wharf

Pier 39 and San Francisco Bay are top sights in Fisherman's Wharf, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Jones St and Beach St Stop or Jefferson St & Taylor St Stop to see more sights in the area.

Union Square

4.5/5(7 area reviews)

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

4/5(1 area review)

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

3/5(2 area reviews)

Oracle Park and Chase Center are top sights in South of Market, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Yerba Buena-Moscone Station or Fourth-Brannan Station to see more sights in the area.

Nob Hill

4/5(1 area review)

Travelers love Nob Hill for its popular shops, and you can see more of San Francisco by jumping on the metro at Washington St & Leavenworth St Stop or Washington St & Jones St Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Grace Cathedral and SF Masonic Auditorium.