Things to do in Northern California

The Northern California is a great place for those who love exploring. It is the north portion of the U.S state of California. Its main population centers include cities of San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose. You have plenty of things to do in Northern California starting from sandy beaches to wild national parks. North California has Golden Gate Bridge, Lake Tahoe, Golden Gate Park, Sierra Nevada, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Chinatown and much more fabulous attractions. California is an iconic state that represents American life. San Francisco offers you tremendous opportunities to explore its northern part. To condense all the things to do in Northern California is impossible. Some of the top tourist attractions are listed in this article.

Top Things to do in Northern California:

1.) Yosemite National Park

It is one of the U.S most spectacular and famous national parks. The valleys, mountains, rivers and huge waterfalls have been attracting numerous visitors and artists here from the decades. Northern California has numerous places to hang around, but the favorite choice of every tourist is the Yosemite National Park. Yosemite has jaw-dropping beauty and it is a landmark of Northern California. The Park surrounds the several ecosystems and a home to unique species of flora and fauna. You will see here, hundred-year-old trees, towering granite cliffs, lakes and waterfalls. The most visited highlights are granite cliff El Capitan, a favorite among rock climbing group of people. There are several splendid Yosemite National Park Waterfalls that are active during the ice melting season in the spring and Lyell Glacier. Here, you will definitely find an adrenaline boosted experience while pursuing rock climbing or mountain biking.

2.) Napa Valley

While Yosemite gives a truly wild adventure experience. On the other hands, Napa Valley lets you get in touch with classic Cali society while serving your taste buds some wonderful flavors on a trip of a lifetime. The region is home to some of the world’s best vineyards and is kind of heaven for foodies. It is one of the most fun things to do in Northern California. Take tours of unique vineyards that vary from cave wineries to castles.

3.) San Francisco

San Francisco is the cultural hub of the Northern California. Each and every corner of this city literally amazes you. It has numerous top dining establishments and you will find yourselves thinking what to eat for your next meal. San Francisco has so many tourist attractions so that you will have to painfully choose where to go next and what to leave. You should visit San Francisco’s top landmark, the quintessential Golden Gate Bridge.  It can be best explored by biking or walking to get a real experience for its grandeur and views. It is one of the most exciting things to do in Northern California. Take a tour of spooky Alcatraz prison museum and former prison cells that are only accessible by water. The museum has many amazing exhibits which make it worth visiting. The museum of Modern Art in San Francisco has some unconventional pieces of art that you can’t afford to miss.

4.) The Big Sur

This stunning stretch of forest and coastline offers an opportunity for visitors to get back to nature.  Hiking and Camping are two of the biggest activities in this area. Take a tour of Garrapata State Park which offers a gorgeous section of beach. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a beautiful place for hiking. It is one of the most adventurous things to do in Northern California.

5.) Glacier Point

If you hit the place, then you will realize that the views from 7214 ft Glacier Point are awesome. It offers a huge array of wonderful sights that presents themselves without any real effort. A mosey up from the parking lot and the entire eastern Yosemite Valley spreads out in front of you. From the Yosemite Falls to Half Dome, as well as the distant summit that ring Tuolumne Meadows. You will find the half Dome looms at the eye level. Look closely to spot ant-sized hikers on its summit. It is one of the most delightful things to do in Northern California.

6.) Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge is settled in San Francisco, it is one of those popular attractions. The orange frame of the bridge against the blue water of San Francisco Bay makes it the wonderful sight. When the fog covers the bridge then the view becomes stunning.

7.) Monterey Bay

Monterey Bay boasts fantastic beaches, coastal views, small cities with big time beauty and incredible tourist activities. You can attend a festive fair by walking through Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Take a great ride on Giant Dipper rollercoaster. Enjoy a feast on cotton candy with your loved ones. You have the brilliant opportunity to interact with various marine species. Explore the Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf to have a treat of the best seafood and shopping. You can head to Cannery Row in Monterey to engage in beach lounging, scuba diving, and best dining. It is one of the most amazing things to do in Northern California.

8.) Redwood National Park

It is the place where you will view some of the world’s tallest redwood trees, Douglas firs, and several other unique flora species. To visit this national park is one of the most incredible things to do in Northern California. You will have a great chance to explore a myriad of trails. It is well-known for biking, horseback riding, hiking or scenic drives.

9.) Alcatraz

Alcatraz is the name given to the 150 years old guilty cold sweats and innocent chills. From a couple of decades, it is now used as the nation’s first military prison. It is a huge maximum security jail. It is a disputed territory between the FBI and Native American activists. Your first step to this jail (The Rock) seems to tip the ominous music. To visit this place is one of the most incredible things to do in Northern California.

10.) Sonoma Valley

The valley is popular for its high-paced lifestyles. Tour here, to experience the sprawling beauty of wine valleys. It is the birthplace of California grape growing industry. Here you will find some of the oldest vineyards in the State. Visiting this place is one of the most joyful things to do in Northern California.