What to do In Northern California
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Recommended activities 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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GoCar San Francisco Tour
History & culture
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California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission
Adventure & outdoor
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Hidden Stairways of San Francisco
Classes & workshops
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Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Places To Go In Northern California
Welcome, traveler, to Northern California. Your journey has landed you here, and new adventures are calling your name. Now that you’ve arrived, you can stay in the safety and comfort of your hotel and watch the world spin past…or you can embrace this new place you’ve come to. Learn its streets. Meet its people. Learn its history. Your hand is already on the doorknob, isn’t it?
Things to Do in Northern California
You’ll not be wanting for things to do in Northern California. Explore the downtown area in search of museums and boutiques…or that next delicious meal. What tickles your fancy? A delectable five-course supper at the restaurant you’ve been hearing about? Or perhaps you’d rather read the paper while sipping hot coffee at one of the cafes scattered throughout town. Take in a show at the theatre, or just walk along down the main thoroughfare, watching people wander past.
Why spend hours ruminating over what to do in Northern California? Let the possibilities wash over you as you explore this new region. Move out on foot and get to know the area on a more personal level. Find that perfect souvenir at one of the smaller shops, or reinvent your entire artistic aesthetic at your new favorite gallery.
Is the wind whispering suggestions in your mind? Rent a car and take it out beyond city limits and into the wild blue yonder. Explore the smaller cities and towns past the border, and get to know the stories behind them. Visit a county fair and let childhood memories wash over you as cotton candy melts in your mouth. Sample hand-made jam at a stop on a forgotten highway, or let the hustle and bustle of modern life sweep you away as you lose yourself in the organized chaos of a modern metropolis. Your choices are endless—and so are the adventures to come.
When you book your journey with Travelocity, you’re never far from Northern California attractions. After all, the money you save when you plan a trip with us is best spent along the way. Whether it’s the roar of the city you crave, or the quiet solitude that comes with a simpler getaway, everything you need to get started is right here.
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.

Redwood National and State Parks
Explore the great outdoors with a trip to Redwood National and State Parks, a popular green space in Eureka. You can seek out the hiking trails while in the area.

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.

Napa Valley Wine Train
Travel through the beautiful vineyards of Napa Valley in old-world style and enjoy gourmet dining and unbeatable scenery from your vintage railcar.

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
Catch an event at Oracle Park during your trip to San Francisco. Take in the acclaimed art scene and beautiful sunsets in this vibrant area.