Tourist attractions aren’t just for the tourists. These Northern California tourist attractions draw in people from all around the world for a reason. Northern California, as we define it, from the Oregon border to Fresno, is a massive area with mountains, rivers, bays, small towns, and major cities. So, even if you live here, consider visiting some of the most loved places in California. If you want to explore more of your own state, these 13 tourist attractions are a great place to start.
No list of tourist attractions in California would be complete without mentioning Yosemite. We recommend going during the colder months to avoid the massive crowds of tourists.
Really anywhere in the Redwood State and National Parks in Northern California is incredible. A quick way to see these giant trees is to drive the 31-mile route that parallels Highway 101. This route goes straight through the redwood forest with several places to pull over and get even closer to these towering trees.
No, this isn’t cliche or cheesy. Even locals enjoy walking or cycling over the bridge from time to time.
From Golden Gate Bridge it’s a short drive to Marin Headlands. From these massive rocky cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, you might feel as though you stepped into another world.
It is one of California’s most quintessential mountain ski towns. With a swanky yet rustic downtown, and proximity to world-class ski resorts Truckee is a place tourists should have on their radar.
For skiing, hiking, shopping, and relaxing on the beach, this walkable area of Lake Tahoe is great for tourists.
This small beach town with European, fairytale-like cottages that line the town’s streets is a total dream! You’ll never forget a trip to this lovely little town.
From the pristine Monterey Bay Aquarium to the little beaches and delicious restaurants, there is so much to do and see in Monterey Bay.
This Northern California park is home to many volcanic features, plus meadows and beautiful mountain lakes.
See if your visit to Northern California coincides with one of the major rodeos. Salinas, Red Bluff, and Clovis are just a couple of the cities with big rodeos.
One of the benefits of living in the Bay Area is quick and easy access to wine country. If you’re visiting San Francisco, take one of the many day-long wine trips via bus, van, or limo. You can also hire a driver while you’re staying in wine country to take you from vineyard to vineyard. And visiting downtown Napa is a must!
Napa gets a lot of well-deserved attention, but we also like the quiet towns of Sonoma County for wine tasting. Further north from San Francisco, visit the Sonoma County towns of Healdsburg, Cloverdale, and Sebastopol. Go wine tasting at smaller wineries, as well as some fantastically huge wineries in the middle of the countryside.
Known as the “Land of the Giants,” visitors to this park can walk amongst some of the largest trees in the world.
Whether you're a NorCal native, a new resident (welcome!), or a tourist, these 13 places are worth seeing! So plan a trip and explore more of Northern California. What is your favorite tourist attraction in California? Join the conversation on our Facebook Page.
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