35 Things to Do in Northern California You Can’t Miss

👉 Jump to: Best Things | Cities & Towns | National & State Parks | Outdoor Adventures | Sites & Attractions

I’ve explored Northern California extensively, and you should too – this part of the state has some of the most well-known California activities. In this guide, I’ll share some of the most popular things to do in Northern California, along with several of my favorite hidden gems. 

Northern California has beautiful national and state parks, unique cities and towns, fascinating history and architecture, and a world-renowned food and wine culture. Ready to explore like a local? Let’s dive right in!

Best Things to Do in Northern California

📺 Want more CA activities? In this video Jericha, another California local, shares her 91 favorite things to do in California 👇:

Yosemite National Park

Hike to iconic waterfalls, climb granite rock faces, and camp under famous sites like Half Dome.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (209) 372-0200 | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: $35 per vehicle, $30 per motorcycle | 👉 Where to Stay Near Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is the state’s most popular national park and the epitome of Northern California scenery. Millions of visitors are drawn to Yosemite’s unrivaled beauty and vast areas of protected wilderness.

A trip to Yosemite National Park should be on every California itinerary. Visit famous landmarks like Half Dome and Yosemite Valley, or hike epic Yosemite trails like North Dome or Clouds Rest. A favorite activity of mine is watching rock climbers scale the granite walls of the treacherous El Capitan.

Hiking is the main attraction in the national park, but non-hikers will also love the easy nature walks, the many waterfalls, and the park lodge restaurants.

The Golden Gate Bridge

Marvel at San Francisco’s iconic red bridge.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 921-5858 | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: $9.25 motorcycles, $27.75 3 axle vehicles, $37 4-axle vehicles

Visit the most well-known landmark of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge. The Golden Gate Bridge was the longest bridge in the world when it was constructed in 1937. It links the city of San Francisco to the rolling green hills of Marin County.

To truly grasp how magnificent the structure is, I suggest walking or biking across the bridge. Rent a bike and cruise on the pedestrian lane high above the water to the charming seaside town of Sausalito on the other side. Don’t miss this – it’s one of the best things to do in San Francisco for a reason!

Napa Valley

Go wine tasting in one of the most famous wine regions in the world.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: Wine tastings range from $40-100 per person

Napa Valley is the premier wine destination in California. It’s expensive and touristy, but it absolutely lives up to the hype.  

There are hundreds of wineries across the rolling hills of Napa. Domaine Carneros is one of the most famous, with French-style courtyards and grand architecture that make guests feel like royalty. Artesa Vineyards & Winery is another popular winery in Napa, with a wonderful Cabernet Sauvignon selection.

Although there are some family-friendly activities in Napa Valley, this location is best experienced as an adult-only trip. Read Laura’s guide to the best towns & hotels in Napa Valley to plan your trip.

Lake Tahoe

Hike, camp, bike, ski, boat, fish, and more in this Sierra Nevada mountain town.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free

Lake Tahoe is a must-see when in NorCal. This Sierra Nevada Mountain town is home to the largest alpine lake in North America, arguably the most beautiful lake in Northern California. 

Lake Tahoe is also one of the best places for skiing in California. The high elevation of the town provides perfect snow conditions for hitting the slopes.

This mountain town is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground – there’s no shortage of things to do in Lake Tahoe. There are hundreds of hiking trails, mountain biking trails, rock climbing spots, fishing opportunities, and more. Some visitors do come here for a relaxing visit, but most visit the town with adventure in mind.

The Sierra Nevada Mountains

Hike through some of the most beautiful scenery California has to offer.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free

Stretching along the eastern edge of California, the Sierra Nevada Mountains extend into the neighboring state of Nevada. The Sierra Nevada mountain range includes national parks like Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon. But there’s so much more to do here. 

There’s magic in every season in the high sierras — changing leaf colors in the fall, glaciated peaks in the winter, wildflower blooms in the spring, and alpine lakes in the summer.

There are hundreds of amazing California hikes in the Sierra Nevada. The Big Pine Lakes trail offers the most beautiful alpine lake views in the state, and White Mountain is a good conditioning hike to get acclimatized to 14,000 feet.

🛎️ Need a Hotel? The Dow Villa Motel offers exceptional views of the Eastern Sierra mountains from every room. Big plus: it’s also budget-friendly.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Fresh oysters, local cheese, pristine beaches, and fantastic wildlife make Point Reyes a NorCal favorite. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: 415-464-5100 | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: free

Point Reyes is a popular weekend getaway from San Francisco, and it’s easy to see why locals love it so much. Miles of untouched beaches, rolling green hills, a historic lighthouse, and local gourmet foods give Point Reyes a particularly bucolic charm. 

The Point Reyes National Seashore is a wilderness-protected area full of beautiful beaches, backcountry hiking trails, and rare wildlife. You can see elephant seals and tule elk on land, or rent a kayak to explore the waters. 

Point Reyes is a sustainable foodie’s paradise. Make sure to try some of the local cheese companies, like Point Reyes Farmstand Cheese or Tomales Bay Foods. Don’t miss the oysters in nearby Tomales Bay. 

Redwood National Park

Soak in the views of the tallest trees in the world.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (707) 464-6101 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: free

The northernmost national park in California, Redwood National Park, is a tree lover’s paradise. This park is home to the tallest trees in the world — the old-growth Coast Redwood — along with vast prairies, wild rivers, and the rugged Pacific coastline. 

Redwood is one of California’s least-visited national parks, so you can enjoy the biodiversity without worrying about crowds. Keep an eye out for noteworthy flora and fauna like elk, river otters, black-tailed deer, rare species of ferns, and more. 

Considering an overnight trip to the park? Some of the best places to stay near Redwood National Park are quirky coastal towns, old fishing ports, and charming seaside villages.

Big Sur

Drive Northern California’s most dramatic coastal highway. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (831) 667-2100 | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: free

Drive the Big Sur coastline, a wilderness area where the road follows the dramatic California coast. Make stops along the way to visit famous sites like Calla Lilly Valley, the Bixby Creek Bridge, and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. 

There aren’t many amenities on the drive, besides a few excellent restaurants in the small town of Big Sur. The natural beauty is what makes this area of Northern California so special. 

Big Sur is typically considered the barrier between Northern and Southern California. The whole Big Sur coastline takes about 3 hours to drive. However, most of the touristy sections of the drive are found in the northern half, between Monterey and Lucia. 

👉 Pro Tip: Check road conditions before you plan your coastal drive. Big Sur has had a few landslides in recent years that have made certain sections of the highway impassable. 

San Francisco Bay

Cruise the waters of the Bay on a boat tour near the Golden Gate Bridge.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free

Set sail on the iconic San Francisco Bay. Most boat tours take visitors on a scenic cruise of the bay, showing off the San Francisco skyline from the water. 

If you can’t swing a boat, there are great views of the bay from anywhere in the Fisherman’s Wharf area or the Embarcadero area of San Francisco. You will also see a spectacular view of the bay from the famous Coit Tower.

Cities & Towns

Santa Cruz

Play games on the Santa Cruz beach boardwalk amusement park.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: Free

Santa Cruz is a quirky coastal town that caters to hippies, surfers, and college students at the nearby UC Santa Cruz. 

One of the most popular attractions is the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This is the biggest beachfront amusement park in California, with carnival games, an arcade, roller coasters, and fun snacks. The boardwalk area is also a great place to stay in Santa Cruz, with tons of beachfront hotels. 

Santa Cruz also has excellent surf breaks, fantastic hiking trails through redwood forests, great live music, and lots of local farms with fresh produce. 

Monterey

Eat delicious, fresh-caught seafood on the waterfront of this sleepy fishing town.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free

Monterey is a seaside town on the rugged California coast and one of the most romantic getaways in California. It’s only 2 hours south of San Francisco and is the perfect quiet vacation destination.

Come here to admire colorful waterfront homes and dine on freshly-caught seafood. Chart House is the best seafood restaurant in town. Located on the famous Cannery Row in Monterey, this restaurant sources all its dishes locally.

Other Monterey activities include biking along the beachfront path, surfing, renting a sailboat and cruising the harbor, and exploring the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Stroll through the cobblestone streets of this romantic storybook village.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a village straight out of a fairytale. This quaint town is ideal for visitors who prefer a slower pace of life.

Carmel has white sandy beaches, cobblestone streets, and locally owned restaurants and wineries. Stroll through luxurious shops downtown, or head to the beach for a day in the sun.

Carmel-by-the-Sea can be an extended day trip from San Francisco or an overnight adventure. I recommend staying at one of the many storybook-like accommodation options in town. The Hofsas House Hotel has an old European charm and is the perfect option.

June Lake

Fish or boat on the giant alpine Mammoth County lake.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free

June Lake is the perfect mountain getaway from SF. The forested area is home to the high Sierra Mountains, a huge alpine recreational lake, and a cute little town with local restaurants and bars. 

June Lake is ideal for travelers who like to fish or enjoy water sports, and there are hiking trails around the lake for people of all fitness levels.

Diving or biking the scenic June Lake Loop is another popular activity. This loop trail takes visitors around the perimeter of the lake, past forest cabin lodges, and circles back past Mono Lake.

I cycled this 16-mile loop when I visited June Lake, and with 1,000 feet of elevation gain, this ride was the workout I needed on vacation.

Sacramento

Visit California’s state capitol.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free

Visit Sacramento, California’s state capital. The large city is halfway between San Francisco and the Sierra Nevada mountains, making it a great stop on a California road trip. You can wander around the historic downtown, admire the grandeur of the Capitol Building, and grab a bite to eat at one of the many great restaurants.

While in Sacramento, you will also see the Sacramento River — California’s most prominent water source. It runs from the Klamath Mountains in the north 400 miles south to Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay.

The Sacramento River is known as “The Nile of the West” and provides 31% of the state’s surface water runoff!

San Jose

Visit the technology capital of California.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free | Where to Stay in San Jose

San Jose is the technology capital of California. The city is business-oriented and is home to venture capitalists, small start-ups, and major tech companies. 

San Jose and Silicon Valley are where major companies like Apple, Facebook, and Google all have their headquarters.

During your exploration of San Jose, be sure to check out the Rose Garden neighborhood and admire the 19th-century architecture. The Alameda is another highly sought-after neighborhood with gorgeous murals, historic Victorian homes, and tasty restaurants.

National & State Parks

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Visit 4 different types of volcanoes on the same day.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (530) 595-6100 | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle

Lassen Volcanic National Park is a lesser-known national park that is worth a visit next time you’re in Northern California. Home to the largest dome volcano in the world, it is also one of the few places that houses all four types of volcanoes — cinder, stratovolcano, shield, and plug dome.

There are many things to do in this popular California National Park. Hit the hiking trails, soak in hot springs, and visit fumaroles. Ridge Lakes Trail is one of the top hiking trails in the park, suited for all fitness levels.

The window to visit Lassen Volcanic National Park is very short, as the roads are closed from the first snow of the year until the late spring thaw. Visit this geologically rich national park is in the summer when everything is operating.

Pinnacles National Park

Watch for California natives like the condor and bald eagle while hiking.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (831) 389-4486 | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: $30 per vehicle 

Pinnacles National Park is great for nature lovers. Not only is it almost always clear of crowds, but it also has one of the most diverse landscapes of any other national park in California.

This area is a hotspot for wildlife including the massive California Condor, bald eagles, and foxes. Besides sightseeing, some of the main attractions of the park are hiking and rock climbing. There are hikes suited for all fitness levels, but my favorite is the 4.3-mile Juniper Canyon Loop trail.  

There is no lodging inside the national park but there are plenty of places to stay on the outskirts. There is a primitive campsite inside the park for visitors who don’t mind rustic lodging.

Kings Canyon National Park

Visit the Sierra Nevada mountains, view native wildlife, and go hiking in this underrated National Park.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (559) 565-3341 | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: $35 per vehicle

The giant Sierra Nevada mountains, towering sequoia trees, and granite canyon walls make Kings Canyon National Park enchanting. Follow winding hiking trails to the Kings River or take a drive to the Roaring River Falls.

This national park is one of the least visited in California, giving visitors unparalleled solitude in the mountains.

Visitors who wish to stay in Kings Canyon National Park overnight have 14 campground options. Three campgrounds are open year-round, but keep in mind that freezing temperatures and icy roads make camping in the winter months more difficult. 

Sequoia National Park

Visit the largest trees in the world.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (559) 565-3341 | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: $35 per vehicle

Sequoia National Park is less popular than Yosemite but just as beautiful. Visitors to Sequoia can walk the short informative trails through the trees, hike to alpine lakes, or picnic by the river. Make sure to stop by the General Sherman tree, so you can see the largest tree in the entire world.

There are 5 lodging options available inside the park and a few primitive campgrounds that offer only pit toilets. Campgrounds are available via reservation on Recreation.gov beforehand. Backcountry wilderness permits are also available for extended backpacking trips in the park.

Muir Woods National Monument

Follow informative walking trails through redwood tree groves.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 561-2850 | Website | Hours: 8 am-8 pm daily | Entrance: $15

Muir Woods National Monument is home to a fantastic grove of redwood trees. Only 30 minutes north of San Francisco, this is one of the best places to see this rare tree if trekking up to Redwood National Park is too far. 

Follow footpaths to Cathedral Grove and Bohemian Grove or have a picnic at Redwood Creek. You can also opt for a trail that leads to a view of the treetops and the distant Pacific Ocean via the Ben Johnson and Dipsea paths.

The 558-acre monument preserves one of the last ancient redwood forests in Northern California. Some of the trees at the Muir Woods National Monument area are over 1,000 years old and over 250 feet in height. 

Bodie State Historic Park

Roam about old Western mining buildings that have since been abandoned.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 616-5040 | Website | Hours: 9 am-4 pm daily | Entrance: Free

California is laden with old historic ghost towns, and Bodie State Historic Park is one of the best. It’s perfect for history lovers. 

Walk the deserted streets of the once-booming gold mining town located on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada mountains. There is no food available for purchase, but there is an informative museum with a bookstore.

Russian Gulch State Park

View marine landmarks or hike in the nearby redwoods.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (707) 937-5804 | Website | Hours: 7 am-9 pm daily | Entrance: Free

Located in coastal Mendocino County, Russian Gulch State Park is a beautiful natural area with gushing waterfalls and a scenic bridge overlook. It is one of the top state parks in California, with pristine beaches, redwood forests, and hiking trails.

Devil’s Punchbowl is a major attraction of the state park. View the collapsed sea cave from overhead and watch the waves crash into the center. Make sure to bring a rain jacket because onlookers usually get splashed from this area.

This park is located near the quaint beach town of Mendocino. It’s a must-see stop on a road trip along the coast. 

Lava Beds National Monument

Explore pitch-black lava tube caves created half a million years ago.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (530) 667-8100 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am-4 pm daily | Entrance: $25 per vehicle

Located in the Cascade Mountains, Lava Beds National Monument sits on the Oregon border and is shared by the two states. It’s a bit out of the way, but the views make the drive worth it.

Past volcanic eruptions have shaped the rugged landscape and created over 800 caves. Explore the geologic wonder of the Lava Beds National Monument and head into the darkness of the lava caves. This outdoor playground of lava tube caves is accessible in all seasons.. 

Lava Beds National Monument has some of the most extensive Native American rock art in California. It is located in the traditional territory of the Modoc people.

Devils Postpile National Monument

Take photos of perfectly geometric basalt column rock formations.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 9 am-5 pm daily | Entrance: Free

Devils Postpile is a geologic wonder. This U.S. national monument is located near Mammoth Lakes, California. The unusual rock formation of basalt columns fits together perfectly like a sculpted art piece.

The upright columns, some of which are over 60 feet tall, display striking symmetry. The pristine mountain scenery and the nearby Rainbow Falls Trail make this a top destination in the Mammoth Lakes area.

This monument is typically open between mid-June and mid-October when the roads are clear of snow and ice. Be sure to pack all of your essentials in your backpack and don’t leave any food in your car, as Mammoth receives heavy bear activity.

Outdoor Adventures

Burney Falls

Visit one of the most dramatic waterfalls in California. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (530) 335-2777 | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: $10 per vehicle 

Burney Falls is a majestic waterfall tucked away in the northeast corner of California. It’s part of McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, one of the best state parks in Northern California. 

Spend the day admiring the waterfall and hiking the surrounding trails. Or walk down to nearby Lake Britton, where you can rent a small motorboat to explore the lake’s many coves and inlets. 

You cannot swim at the base of Burney Falls — it’s too dangerous. Head to Lake Britton instead to swim and sunbathe on the sandy beaches. 

Russian River

Float down the river, then explore the small Bohemian towns that line its shores.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free

Enjoy a relaxing float down the Russian River! The Russian River snakes through the lush wine country of Sonoma County and offers visitors a chance to swim, kayak, and relax on sandy beaches.

The Russian River offers much more than just swimming and paddling. Visitors will find hiking trails, delicious eateries, and relaxing spas in the towns along this winding river. Places like Cloverdale, Geyserville, and Healdsburg offer visitors tasty meals and small-town hospitality.

Relaxing on the Russian River is relatively crowd-free. The small towns along the river are less touristy than other areas of Northern California, giving you an authentic local experience. 

Trinity Alps Wilderness

Visit California’s version of the Alps for mind-blowing scenery with zero crowds. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (530) 623-2121 | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: free

What if I told you that you can see the equivalent of the Swiss Alps in Northern California? Welcome to the Trinity Alps Wilderness. It’s completely free, most tourists have never heard of it, and it has some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in Northern California. 

The Trinity Alps are not a national park, so they tend to fly under the tourist radar. There’s a reason for that — there aren’t many roads, amenities, or lodging. 

The best way to see the Trinity Alps is by doing a backcountry trek, ranging from 3 days to a few weeks. Those who do make the trek are rewarded with stunning mountain vistas, picturesque alpine lakes, and unparalleled solitude. 

Yuba River

Take a dip in crystal-clear swimming holes surrounded by hills and forests. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (916) 941-3101 | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: free 

The Yuba River is one of the most underrated parts of Northern California. It’s the best place to go swimming, especially during the summer. The large hot rocks are perfect for stretching out and sunbathing, and the clear green waters provide instant relief from the heat. 

The Yuba River is quite long, but the best swimming holes are between Edwards Crossing and Hoyt’s Crossing. You might need to hike a bit, but you’re guaranteed to find a spot on the river all to yourself. You can also visit South Yuba State Park, a section of the river with more amenities. 

The Yuba is the definition of a hidden gem, and most locals like to keep it that way. Be respectful of other visitors, leave no trace, and stay safe in the water. 

Shasta Lake

California’s largest reservoir is a popular spot for fishing, boating, swimming, and camping.  

📍 Google Maps | Phone: 530-275-7400 | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: free

Shasta Lake is a huge reservoir in Northern California. It’s a particularly popular spot for house boating, and there are many houseboat rental companies in the area. 

Shasta’s peak season is summer weekends, so book accommodation well in advance. The summer weather is perfect for swimming, camping, fishing, and hiking. Take a day trip to nearby Mount Shasta for views of the 14,000-foot volcano that gives Shasta Lake its name. 

Most locals call it Lake Shasta, even though the lake and nearby town are technically called Shasta Lake. Whatever way you say it, Shasta is a Northern California classic. 

Mammoth Mountain

Ski down unforgettable slopes in one of the biggest ski resorts in California.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (800) 626-6684 | Website | Hours: Seasonal | Entrance: Starts at $99

Skiers and snowboarders around the country dream of hitting the slopes at Mammoth Mountain. This is one of the best things to do in Mammoth Lakes. 

Mammoth Mountain has 25 chair lifts and 3,500 acres of skiable terrain. The ski area has a summit elevation of 11,053 feet, making it the ideal location for retaining perfect compact snow during the ski season.

While you’re in the area, combine a trip to Mammoth Mountain’s ski slopes with a day trip to Devils Postpile and June Lake for the perfect trip.

Sites & Attractions

Golden Gate Park

Have a picnic, wander around a museum, or entertain yourself in the tea garden of this large San Francisco park.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 831-2700 | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free

You must visit Golden Gate Park when you’re in San Francisco. It’s the perfect place to spend an idle day in the big city.

Golden Gate Park has over 1,000 acres of recreation space, making it one of the largest parks in California. You can enjoy a lot of the park for free. Walk, bike, or roller skate along the pedestrian pathways while exploring waterfalls, lakes, flower gardens, and more!

Or check out the paid attractions like the Japanese Tea Garden, the California Academy of Sciences, the de Young Museum, and the Conservatory of Flowers.

Glass Beach

Photograph thousands of shards of sea glass at this protected state beach.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free

As the name implies, Glass Beach was once overly abundant with colorful sea glass shards on the sandy beach. This was a result of dumping garbage at a nearby Fort Bragg dump. Glass Beach is now part of MacKerricher State Park, and it is illegal to collect glass in an effort to preserve the remaining shards.

Located near the coastal city of Fort Bragg, Glass Beach is a fun attraction to visit while on a road trip. This is a great stop along the Pacific Coast Highway and is in the perfect location to stretch your legs before driving onward.

Alcatraz Island

Wander through an old state-of-the-art penitentiary that housed world-famous criminals.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 561-4900 | Website | Hours: 9 am-6:30 pm daily | Entrance: Tours start at $53.25

Explore San Francisco with a trip to Alcatraz Island. This old penitentiary on an island housed infamous criminals like Al Capone and is now an interactive museum.

This was my favorite activity in San Francisco growing up. Take a boat from the mainland to this attraction near the Golden Gate Bridge and begin your tour of the old inmate cells.

Hearst Castle

Take photos at one of the most luxurious establishments in California.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (800) 444-4445 | Website | Hours: 9 am-4 pm daily | Entrance: $35 adults, $18 children

Hearst Castle is a historic estate is located in San Simeon that dates back 100 years. It’s famous for its opulence and used to be the most luxurious property in California.

With over 127 acres of gardens, fountains, and pools, you’ll want about 2 hours to explore Hearst Castle. Various tours are available at Hearst Castle, including a grand rooms tour, an upstairs suite tour, a cottages & kitchen tour, and a holiday twilight tour.

Winchester Mystery House

Get lost in a maze of rooms and doors that don’t quite make sense.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (408) 247-2000 | Website | Hours: 10 am-4 pm Mon-Fri; 10 am-5 pm Sat-Sun | Entrance: Starts at $38.99

The Winchester Mystery House holds the world record for the longest continuous house construction: 38 years. 

This massive estate in San Jose is quite puzzling. Some doors lead to brick walls, while others on the second story plummet right to the floor of the grand foyer. Be on your best behavior at the Winchester Mystery House, or you may just open the wrong door.

The construction of this house is a true mystery, but wandering around the architectural maze makes it fun for all ages.

Interested in all things spooky? Opt for the Haunted Walk with Spirits tour for a spooktacular experience.

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And that’s it for some of the best things to do in Northern California!

Up next, check out this guide to exploring San Francisco on a budget. I’m sure it’ll come in handy the next time you’re in Northern California.