Summer in Northern California is a magical time, with its diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and endless opportunities for adventure. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a foodie, or someone who loves to explore hidden gems, there's something for everyone. We included some of our favorite things to do on this list, as well as NorCal must-do activities. Here are 11 must-do experiences to add to your Northern California summer bucket list.

Nothing compares to the awe-inspiring sight of towering redwoods. Take a scenic drive along the Avenue of the Giants, hike through ancient forests, or find a peaceful spot to picnic among the giants. The cool shade of these ancient trees offers a perfect escape from the summer heat.

There are so many beautiful hikes to take in this area, from the Karl Knapp Trail to the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail, you really can’t go wrong.

Trust us on this, even if you’re not outdoorsy, you’ll be in awe of this fairytale forest.

There are also plenty of fun things to do nearby. Visit Trees of Mystery and Confusion Hill — quintessential NorCal redwood destinations. And don’t pass up the opportunity to explore the inside of a hollowed-out giant redwood.

This massive area consists of one national park and three state parks, ranging from the coast to the mountains. Another plus if you visit the redwoods in the summer? It’s often slightly cooler in this part of the state compared to the East Bay and Central Valley.

Combine two of the most NorCal activities into one trip– floating a river and wine tasting. Float the 2-mile stretch of the Russian River and then enjoy all the surrounding wineries, restaurants, and charming boutique hotels– even an Airstream campground!

Discover small vintners in this area who make delicious wines, and have some beautiful properties. We love wine tasting in this area since the scenery is a bit more chill and laid-back compared to Napa.

Sophie’s Cellars is a wine store in Duncans Mills with a lovely outdoor patio. Buy a bottle and some snacks to sit outside and enjoy the view.

Lake Tahoe's crystal-clear waters are perfect for summer kayaking. Paddle along the stunning shoreline, explore hidden coves, and take in the breathtaking mountain views. For a unique experience, try a sunset paddle and watch the sky light up in hues of orange and pink.

If kayaking and SUP don’t interest you, you can also enjoy the great Tahoe beaches.

There’s the popular King’s Beach on the north side, El Dorado Beach on the south side, and Meeks Bay on the west side.

Located far from any city light pollution, Lassen Volcanic National Park is a dream for stargazers! Take in spectacular views of the Milky Way Galaxy inside this incredible park.

Yosemite National Park is a hiker's paradise. From the iconic Half Dome to the serene Tuolumne Meadows, there's a trail for every level of adventurer. Don't miss the chance to see Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, in full flow during the summer months.

Santa Cruz offers classic California beach vibes with its iconic boardwalk, sandy beaches, and surf culture. Spend the day lounging on the sand, riding the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster, or exploring the wharf. This charming oceanfront attraction makes for the quintessential NorCal day trip.

Summer is a great time to explore San Francisco! You can easily spend a weekend exploring the city. The weather in San Francisco is pleasant year-round with the rare heatwave, making it a great escape from hot areas of the rest of the state.

Explore Golden Gate Park, Ocean Beach, Lands End, and the Presidio. Walk for miles around the city, seeing the Mission District, SOMA, the Ferry Building, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Little Italy.

There’s so much to see, we recommend booking a hotel or VRBO for a couple of nights so you can really take your time and explore.

The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is like nowhere else you’ve ever visited. Anyone outside of California would be surprised that this massive freshwater marsh is part of our state’s beautiful and diverse landscape.

We recommend renting a boat– it’s actually quite reasonable if you get a group together.

There are numerous sloughs and waterways to explore. You can fish right off the boat, bird watch, swim, and dock at the many waterfront restaurants and towns along the Delta.

Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, offers some of the most breathtaking coastal views in the world. You might recognize this view of the famous Bixby Creek Bridge just north of Big Sur. Drive along the rugged cliffs, stop at scenic overlooks, and explore beautiful oceanfront towns like Mendocino, San Gregorio, Big Sur, and more. The journey is as spectacular as the destinations!

Step back in time and explore California's Gold Rush history in the Sierra Nevada foothills.

Drive the historic California State Route 49 to visit the charming towns of Nevada City, Grass Valley, Auburn, Placerville, Sutter Creek, and more.

You can even go gold panning and tour historic gold mining sites. In recent years, this has also become a popular area for wine tasting.

Take a road trip through NorCal’s Central Valley where you’ll find farmstand after farmstand, plus breweries and mom-and-pop restaurants.

If you’re a foodie– or someone who enjoys a more rural lifestyle– you’ll love a trip through the Central Valley.

You can start way north in Orland and venture all the way to Fresno (which is where we draw the line from NorCal to SoCal). We prefer the sunny and beautiful areas between Stockton and Turlock where you can find a ton of farmstands and breweries. Bring a cooler with ice so you don't have to hurry home with your fresh food! Our suggested itinerary is this: The Fruit Bowl produce market in Stockton, lunch at the famous Angelina's Spaghetti House, a visit to Stuyt Dairy Farmstead Cheese in Escalon, Ramos Country Corner market in Manteca followed by The Fruit Yard in Modesto, and finally brews at Dust Bowl Brewing Company in Turlock.

We hope we’ve provided enough ideas for your Northern California summer bucket list! Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a taste of the local culture, these activities are sure to make your summer unforgettable. So plan your trip, pack your bags, and get ready for an incredible Northern California summer!