What to do in Northern California

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Northern California

Types of activities

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Northern California travel guide

Places to Visit in Northern California

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Northern California, United States of America while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Northern California attractions from NZ$356, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Northern California tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 1 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Northern California. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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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 which includes forests and signage

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 featuring 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 which includes a cascade and mountains

4. Golden Gate Bridge

This feat of engineering may no longer be the longest, the tallest, nor the oldest, but it remains one of the most photographed bridges in the world and still has the power to inspire awe. It’s also something of an event to cross. This iconic landmark stretches 2.7 kilometres across the "Golden Gate", where the San Francisco Bay opens into the Pacific Ocean.

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5. 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 featuring interior views and marine life

6. Napa Valley Wine Train

The Napa Valley Wine Train keeps the glory days of train travel alive as it snakes through the vineyards of California’s premier winemaking region. With authentic vintage carriages and a museum-quality train, the Napa Valley Wine Train presents a trip down memory lane to the days of luxury train travel. Choose from a range of specialty expeditions that cater to your tastes and enjoy a sumptuous three-course meal during your journey.

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Napa Valley Wine Train showing tranquil scenes and farmland

Recommended things to do in Northern California

Number of things to do	1
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia	Private Sidecar Winery Tour through Sonoma: NZ$356
Top 5 things to do	Private Sidecar Winery Tour through Sonoma
Half-day tours	Private Sidecar Winery Tour through Sonoma
With kids

What to do in Northern California

Discover the most popular places to visit in Northern California

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.

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.

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.

Golden Gate Bridge

One of the most iconic bridges in the world, walk the 2.7-kilometre marvel of engineering for the best views over the bay and the ocean beyond, fog permitting.

Pier 39

This waterfront location has a mix of thrilling rides and lively street entertainment, but watching the sea lions hanging out in the bay wins the day!

Explore areas of Northern California

Union Square

4/5(249 area reviews)

Fashion puts its best foot forward in one of America’s largest shopping plazas.

Fisherman's Wharf

4.5/5(7 area reviews)

Taste some of the city’s freshest sea food and catch some fabulous views in this waterfront neighbourhood dating back to the time of the gold rush.

Downtown San Francisco

3/5(34 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 Warfield Theatre 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

3.5/5(7 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.

4K Ultra HD Image of Napa Downtown Building with Napa River Reflection - Riverside Charm

Downtown Napa

5/5(2 area reviews)

Downtown Napa is a destination visitors seek out for its ample dining options, fine wine and beautiful river views. You might also want to check out attractions like Napa Valley Wine Train or Napa River while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

South of Market

3.5/5(101 area reviews)

From baseball games to top-notch art exhibits, find endless entertainment in one of San Francisco’s fastest-growing neighborhoods.

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