Northern California Things to Do
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Escape to San Francisco and the Bay Area, an enchanting California destination where your heart and soul embraces a culture as unique as its dramatic coastal scenery. From San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge to the coastal redwoods to the mystical vineyards of Napa Valley, the Bay Area is place of magic and memories.
Armstrong Redwoods National Park
Located in Russian River country, this 805-acre park features a majestic grove of 1,400 year-old redwoods - the tallest (300 feet) and oldest trees in Northern California. Walk or hike through the magnificent ancient redwood forest down the Armstrong Nature Trail and Discovery Trail to the picnic areas and Redwood Forest Theater.
[ Back to Top ]San Francisco Solano Mission
The last and northernmost California mission, Mission San Francisco Solano was the only mission founded after Mexico's independence from Spain and without approval of the Church. Founded in 1823, California's 21st mission is part of the Sonoma State Historic Park in the town of Sonoma - 20 minutes from San Francisco. Surrounded by lush vineyards, the historic Mission houses the Jorgensen watercolors of the Missions of California.
[ Back to Top ]Half Moon Bay
South of San Francisco and San Mateo, you'll find the beautiful community of Half Moon Bay with spectacular Pacific beaches and amazing scenery, Enjoy sport fishing, mountain hiking, whale watching, horseback riding on the beach, and historical walking tours. Browse unique shops, boutiques, and cafés on Main Street, wind through the charming wineries, and explore the redwood preserves, bird refuges, and lighthouses.
[ Back to Top ]Point Reyes National Seashore
Venture north from San Francisco to the Point Reyes National Seashore - a panorama of thunderous ocean breakers, windswept beaches, grasslands, hillsides and forested ridges. Enjoy hiking, mountain biking, swimming, kayaking, biking, beachcombing, wildlife viewing, whale watching and horseback riding on 147 miles of scenic trails and 100 acres of pristine coastal wild lands.
[ Back to Top ]Bodega Bay
Exploring Bodega Bay is a spiritual adventure of beachcombing, golfing, surfing, fishing, boating, hiking, diving, whale watching, and bird sighting along California's rugged coast. Discover expansive beaches, impressive sand dunes, charming wineries, and annual festivals. Enjoy scenic hiking, biking and horseback riding on coastal trails and paths, beautiful parks and unspoiled beaches. Tee off at the Links at Bodega Harbor along the Pacific's edge. Experience the dramatic scenery of Hitchcock's The Birds, filmed here in the ‘60s. Embrace dramatic vistas and pristine beaches as you watch the Alaskan gray whales from Bodega Head and Bodega Dunes.
[ Back to Top ]Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
California's vintage seaside amusement park, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk blends old-time nostalgia with modern thrills. Overlooking the mile beach between San Francisco and Monterey, the Santa Cruz Boardwalk is a Bay Area hot spot with cool beach vibes, 34 classic rides, exciting attractions, summer concerts and events. Get your fortune told in the old-style arcade, and ride the bumper cars or Giant Dipper giant, a wood-framed roller coaster whose unforgettable dips are an extreme adventure.
[ Back to Top ]Six Flags Marine World
The country's only wildlife park and oceanarium, Six Flags Marine World presents animals of land, sea and air in spectacular shows and attractions. This Bay Area adventure park also features exciting rides, kid's attractions, such as Looney Tunes Seaport, and a unique animal zoo where you get personal with dolphins, sea lions, sharks, reptiles, giraffes and safari animals. Some lucky youngsters can even kiss a killer whale.
[ Back to Top ]San Francisco Zoo
The historic San Francisco Zoo is California's largest zoological park and conservation center. This urban oasis set against the Pacific Ocean is a naturalistic habitat for over 250 animal species, and offers innovative activities and events. The New Zoo is a conservation zoo dedicated to the preservation of wild places and wildlife.
[ Back to Top ]Alcatraz Island
Cruise the choppy waters of San Francisco Bay to the rocky island of Alcatraz, formerly America's most high-security prison. Departing from Pier 41 by ferry, you will experience a 1-hour, self-guided tour of the infamous abandoned prison and cell blocks which includes audio commentary. You'll even get to experience a minute locked in a darkened cell.
[ Back to Top ]Napa Valley
The connoisseur of premium wine will discover a slice of heaven in Napa Valley, considered one of the world's premier wine growing regions. Lined with spectacular vineyards and 250 award-winning wineries, Napa offer diverse vine varieties, wine-tasting tours and salons, wine festivals, and captivating landscapes. With many of California's top wine estates, such as Domaine Chandon and Robert Mondavi, the beauty of the land is matched by the flavors of Napa's distinctive wines. Savor eth wines and vines on the Silverado Wine Trail or take a 33-mile epicurean journey through the Napa countryside on the Napa Valley Wine Train
[ Back to Top ]Exploratorium
Housed within San Francisco's Palace of Fine Arts, the Exploratorium is a collage of over 650 interactive science, art, and human perception exhibits that enlighten and entertain. Artists and scientists create unique, hand-on exhibits exploring phenomena of the natural world. Located near the Golden Gate Bridge, the Exploratorium inspires you curiosity to be your compass to discovery. The Tactile Dome offers a sensory journey in total darkness.
[ Back to Top ]California's Great America Theme Park
California's Great America is Northern California's ultimate family theme park with exhilarating rides, live shows, concerts, Nickelodeon TV characters, and beautiful sights. Located in Santa Clara
, Paramount's Great America features 10 pulse-pounding coasters, the wet and wild water rides of Boomerang Bay, and the world's tallest double-decker carousel. Visit www.pgathrills.com
[ Back to Top ]Fisherman's Wharf
The Bay Area's historic waterfront attraction, Fisherman's Wharf is cherished for its seafood restaurants, unique shopping, street performers, live music and breathtaking Bay views.
Waterfront marketplaces include, The Anchorage, The Cannery, Ghirardelli Square and PIER 39, a festival marketplace with 110 shops, restaurants, street performers and Bay cruises. Visit www.fishermanswharf.org.
[ Back to Top ]Golden Gate Bridge
One of the most breathtaking structures in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge offers magical views of the San Francisco Bay Area, connecting San Francisco and the Marin Headlands.
The iconic orange towers of the 4,200-foot Golden Gate Bridge, the most famous symbol of San Francisco, are visible from every high point in the city. Driving or biking across is a thrill, but the half-hour walk allows you to absorb the amazing views.
[ Back to Top ]Downtown San Francisco
Eclectic neighborhoods, Victorian homes, amazing sights, exciting cultural attractions and a picturesque ocean setting make San Francisco an intoxicating California city. From the Haight-Ashbury to Chinatown, San Francisco offers a cornucopia of arts, attractions, nightclubs, museums, art galleries, restaurants, festivals, tours and, of course, the famous Frisco Cable Cars.
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