What to do in Northern California

Activities, attractions and tours

Mill Creek
Mill Creek
Mill Creek
Mill Creek
Sacramento which includes street scenes

Northern California Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Northern California has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Northern California is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Northern California to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Northern California Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Northern California.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Northern California attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.


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Most fun & popular experiences in Northern California

Tours & day trips

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History & culture

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Adventure & outdoor

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What to do in Northern California


Discover the most popular places to visit in Northern California

Explore areas of Northern California

Union Square featuring a city and a skyscraper

Union Square

4/5(525 area reviews)

Major tourist destination in downtown San Francisco, Union Square boasts shopping, hotels, and theaters. Explore department stores, boutiques, and galleries, or catch a performance at various theaters. Enjoy the Dewey Monument and stunning views from nearby hotels. Easily accessible via cable car lines, buses, and subway systems.

Union Square
Fisherman\'s Wharf featuring a bay or harbour

Fisherman's Wharf

4/5(6 area reviews)

Discover Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, and the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park in this bustling tourist hotspot. Savor seafood at family-owned restaurants and explore the sea lion colony, while enjoying convenient cable car access.

Fisherman's Wharf
Downtown San Francisco featuring railway items

Downtown San Francisco

2.5/5(84 area reviews)

Serving as San Francisco's central business district, this area boasts Northern California's two tallest buildings, the Salesforce Tower and Transamerica Pyramid. Explore shopping malls like the Embarcadero Center and enjoy parks such as Sue Biermann Park, all easily accessible via Muni bus and rail lines.

Downtown San Francisco
Greater Sacremento

Downtown Sacramento

3.5/5(35 area reviews)

Undergoing revitalization, Downtown Sacramento boasts the retail and entertainment hub, Downtown Commons (DOCO), with Macy's and various dining options. Explore the California State Capitol, Sacramento City Hall, and enjoy convenient public transit options.

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

Downtown Napa

5/5(23 area reviews)

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

Downtown Napa
South of Market showing skyline, a city and city views

South of Market

3.5/5(292 area reviews)

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

South of Market

 

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.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Northern California