Northern California Attractions

A San Francisco landmark and one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, Golden Gate Bridge is a marvel of architecture with vibrant orange towers and art deco. Connecting San Francisco to Marin County across San Francisco Bay, the 4,200-foot bridge offers spectacular views of San Francisco.  [Top]

Hugging the coastline of San Francisco, Golden Gate National Park offers beautiful beaches, like Baker Beach and China Beach, coastal hiking trails, historic sites, gardens, golf courses, and attractions such as the Presidio, de Young Museum, Marin Headlands, Muir Woods, and Alcatraz. Walk along the beach or go kite-boarding in Crissy Field in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge.  [Top]

Take the ferry from Fisherman’s Wharf across San Francisco Bay to the Island of Alcatraz – The Rock. Alcatraz island has served many purposes throughout its history including, a Civil War fortress, a notorious federal prison, bird sanctuary, the first lighthouse on the West Coast, and birthplace of the Native American Red Power movement. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the abandoned prison and cell blocks, which includes audio commentary, and experience a minute locked in a dark cell.  [Top]

Discover a sip of heaven in Napa Valley, one of the world’s greatest wine regions. The charming area of Napa Valley, sits on a rolling landscape of sun-kissed vineyards, tall redwoods and award-winning wineries. Napa Valley offers wine tasting rooms, wine festivals, spas, golf courses and restaurants enhanced by the flavors of the land. Meander to Napa’s wine estates, including Domaine Chandon and Trefethen Vineyards, or boutique wineries like Chimney Rock Winery.  [Top]

Discover the power of the granite, grandeur of the glaciers and serenity of the High Sierra at Yosemite National Park. This scenic parkland is a beautiful adventure destination with dramatic rocks, towering waterfalls, deep valleys, grand meadows, giant sequoias, and wilderness. Explore breathtaking scenery and miles of hiking and horseback trails through Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows and Yosemite Falls Trail. Go rafting and fishing on the Merced River or swimming in the waterfalls and reservoir.  [Top]

Discover the recreational paradise of snow-capped Mt. Shasta. The second highest volcano in the country, rising 14,179 feet, Mt. Shasta features active volcanic cones, icy glaciers, wilderness trails and alpine meadows. Explore mountain lakes and rivers, forests, and miles of backcountry for exceptional, fishing, mountain biking, rock climbing, and hiking. Enjoy skiing and snowboarding at Mt. Shasta Ski Park. Edged by a mountainous shoreline of evergreens, Shasta Lake is California’s largest reservoir for boating, water skiing, and fishing.  [Top]

The second oldest national park, Sequoia National Park is a diverse alpine landscape of mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, giant sequoias, high-country lakes, rivers and peaks that soar 14,494 feet. This beautiful park in the southern Sierras offers outdoor recreation, like hiking, biking, skiing, rafting, and rock climbing. Drive along Generals Highway to Ash Mountain and the Giant Forest, home of the 275-foot-tall General Sherman sequoia. Kayak the Class IV rapids of Kaweah River, and explore the waterfalls of Crystal Cave.  [Top]

A historic waterfront marketplace in San Francisco, Fisherman’s Wharf features seafood restaurants, unique shopping, fun attractions, street performers, entertainment and breathtaking bay views. Enjoy shopping at The Anchorage, The Cannery, Ghirardelli Square and PIER 39. See the playful sea lions, cruise to Alcatraz or Angel Island from Pier 41, hop on the Cable Cars and see the historic ships at Hyde Street Pier.  [Top]

Hugging the coast, where the Santa Lucia Mountains drop into the Pacific Ocean, Big Sur is a destination with breathtaking coastal scenery and an eclectic vibe. Big Sur's rugged cliffs, redwoods and surf create an epic landscape for relaxation and romance. Explore beautiful state parks, beaches, redwood forest, hiking trails, waterfalls, hot springs, art galleries and restaurants. Go surfing, swimming, and hiking, at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Los Padres National Forest, Garrapata State Park, Andrew Molera State Park, and Carmel River State Beach. Big Sur is one of Geographic Traveler’s 50 Places of a Lifetime.  [Top]

Journey back in time 3.5 million years as you hike through the trail of majestic petrified redwood and oak giants in a mysterious grove in the California wine country. Millions of years ago when a volcano erupted, the violent blast buried this grove of redwood trees, and slowly turned the wood to stone. Take a guided tour of the gray meadow and learn about the volcanic eruption and petrification of the forest near Calistoga. See the 100-foot high Ash Fall, which contains volcanic deposits, and Queen of the Forest – a massive tree that is 8-feet in diameter and still has some bark.  [Top]

An alpine lake and ski destination on the western edge of California, Lake Tahoe is a beautiful vacation destination for relaxation and adventure. Enjoy boating, waterskiing, fishing, and swimming in the deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America. Enjoy skiing and snowboarding at Lake Tahoe’s ski resorts, like Squaw Valley USA and Alpine Meadows. Hike or bike into the beautiful horizon on the Tahoe Rim Trail, or tee off on alpine golf courses.  [Top]

The No. 1 family-friendly aquarium by Forbes Traveler, Monterey Bay Aquarium features 200 marine galleries and innovative exhibits that showcase sea life and habitats of Monterey Bay – the largest marine sanctuary in the US. Located at historic Cannery Row, the aquarium presents over 35,000 aquatic creatures and plants from California’s coastal wetlands, sea, kelp forests and mile-deep submarine canyon. Explore the one-million gallon “Outer Bay” exhibit, an open ocean exhibit with tunas, sharks, stingrays, dolphinfish, ocean sunfish and a great white shark.  [Top]

An exciting theme park and entertainment destination, California’s Great America has exhilarating rides, pulse-pounding coasters, stage shows, concerts, and playful characters. Feel the action on thrill rides such as Delirium, Demon and Vortex. Enjoy family rides such as Classic Cars, KidZville and the world's tallest double-decker carousel. Splash into fun at the Boomerang Bay Beach Club, an Australian-themed water park with rides, slides, waves and pools. Meet the PEANUTS gang at Planet Snoopy.  [Top]