Fun things to do in northern California
Planning a trip to Northern California? Lucky you! There are so many things to do in Northern California that you could very easily decide that you need to move here to complete them all. You can probably guess that our favorite things to do in NorCal revolve around flying, but we’re open-minded enough to make a few more suggestions to help fill out the feet-on-the-ground part of your fun.
1. Skydive at Skydive California
Yep: this is item number 1! If this isn’t what to do in Northern California, we don’t know what is: take an easy shuttle from downtown San Francisco to make a gorgeous skydive from 13,500 feet over our gorgeous region, in the capable hands of some of the most respected and talented Tandem Instructors in the business. Sound like fun? Holy ravioli, is it fun. Make it a thing you do, for sure.
2. Hike Yosemite
We don’t have to sell you on the splendor of Yosemite National Park — it’s a bucket-list classic. Did you know that you don’t even need a rental car to see one of the world’s most stunning national parks? It’s true! The Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) has been operating in the Yosemite region since 2000 and has provided a safe, comfortable, economical and convenient rental-car-road-trip alternative to over one million riders so far. Park entrance fee is included in the ticket, and the State Highway 140 route has connections to Amtrak and Greyhound so you can easily travel to Yosemite using public transit from most major cities in California (and certainly in Northern California).
3. Get Locked Up in Alcatraz
Taking a guided tour of Alcatraz Island from one of the (often hilarious) guides is a San Francisco classic, and often ends up being one of a visitor’s most memorable things to do in Northern California as a whole. It really has to be experienced for oneself! (Want some extra tips? The NPS has put together a helpful visitor’s guide to orient “new inmates.”)
4. Commune with Trees at Muir Woods National Monument
Ready for a break from your devices? Unplug and go play outside with the woodland creatures at Muir Woods. Muir Woods is a place of immense beauty, biodiversity, and historical significance. It is a surprisingly accessible respite for San Francisco city slickers since the city was founded.
5. Wine Tasting in Napa
Do yourself a favor and book a chauffeured trip for this wildly-popular-for-a-reason escapade into the heart of the Northern California wine scene. (That way, nobody has to be the designated driver!) Make sure to ask your driver to swing by the Oxbow Public Market at mealtime; this foodie’s dream is a sure shot for amazing food and drinks.)
6. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway
Are you tired of being driven around? Take the wheel for a change! Great weather and a rented convertible will make for some pretty choice what-I-did-on-my-summer-vacation video footage as you cruise down the undisputed supermodel of America’s scenic highways.
As you can see, the things to do in Northern California vastly outnumber the days you have to do them in. Quick! Make your reservation at Skydive California to stick your vacation into gear, and we’ll help you get excited about the rest!
