What to do in Northern California

Activities, attractions and tours
Mill Creek

Northern California Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Northern California has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Northern California, 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 to Northern California 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.

Places of interest in Northern California

Northern California is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Northern California, and make it a breeze to explore Northern California and 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 holiday 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 to Northern California, 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 in Northern California.

Northern California attractions

Northern California 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 in Northern California to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Northern California.

Looking for things to do in Northern California 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 of Northern California 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. Happy trails!


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Most fun & popular experiences in Northern California

Recommended things to do in Northern California


Popular places to visit

Explore areas of Northern California

Fisherman\'s Wharf featuring a marina and a city

Fisherman's Wharf

5/5(4 area reviews)

This waterfront neighborhood dates back to the gold rush era and is a hub for tourist activities, sea lions and seafood restaurants.

Fisherman's Wharf
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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 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 San Francisco
Union Square featuring a skyscraper and a city

Union Square

4/5(287 area reviews)

Fashion puts on its finest face in one of the country’s largest shopping plazas.

Union Square
Greater Sacremento

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 Golden1Center and Cesar Chavez Park 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 Sacramento
Napa featuring landscape views and a sunset

Downtown Napa

5/5(8 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.

Downtown Napa
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Yosemite West

You'll enjoy the waterfalls and riverfront in Yosemite West. You might want to make time for a stop at Yosemite National Park or Sierra National Forest.

Yosemite West

Day trip destinations from Northern California