Top Things to Do in Northern California
Wherever you venture in Northern California, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard, whether it’s the misty coastline, towering redwoods, or the rolling vineyards. From my many trips through this magical region (one of my favorite corners of the U.S.!) and trying countless experiences, here is my curated collection of the absolute must-dos.
1. Los Altos History Museum
The Los Altos History Museum feels like a pocket of time tucked into Silicon Valley — a place where orchards, homesteads, and local traditions still echo beneath the modern hum of tech campuses. Nestled in a shaded corner of downtown Los Altos, it’s a museum that feels both intimate and rooted, connecting the valley’s agricultural past with the community spirit of today.
The museum is housed in a farmhouse-style building, and the grounds — with gardens, exhibits, and shaded benches — invite you to linger.
I found the museum inspiring in its simplicity. It isn’t overwhelming, yet every corner shares something meaningful: old photographs, hands-on displays, and even artifacts from local families. It’s less about big, polished exhibits and more about an authentic sense of place. The museum reminded me that even in a fast-moving region, history still has roots you can touch.
We drove down from San Francisco in under an hour and stayed at Hotel Citrine in Palo Alto, a boutique spot with eco-friendly touches. My best meal was brunch at Los Altos Grill, where I had the rotisserie chicken sandwich ($19) — flavorful, fresh, and just right before an afternoon wandering the museum. My son loved their wood-grilled artichokes ($15).
What to do around Los Altos History Museum in a weekend:
- Explore the Los Altos History Museum exhibits and the historic J. Gilbert Smith House on the grounds
- Stroll through Shoup Park, a leafy community space adjacent to the museum
- Browse the Los Altos Farmers’ Market (seasonal), full of local produce and artisanal foods
- Wander downtown Los Altos, with its mix of cafés, bookstores, and boutiques
- Take a short drive to Rancho San Antonio Preserve for hiking among oak woodlands and open meadows
2. McEvoy Ranch
McEvoy Ranch feels like a hidden slice of Tuscany tucked into the rolling hills of Marin County. Spread across 550 acres of orchards and vineyards, it’s a working olive oil ranch that blends agricultural heritage with California charm. The moment you arrive, the setting slows you down — silvery olive groves, lavender fields, and rustic barns set the stage for a place where time feels abundant.
We drove up from San Francisco in just under an hour and stayed overnight in nearby Petaluma at Metro Hotel, a quirky boutique inn with French-inspired charm. My best meal was at The Shuckery, where I had oysters on the half shell (market price) and a roasted rockfish plate ($28). Fresh, bright, and perfectly paired with a glass of Sonoma white wine.
What to do at McEvoy Ranch in a weekend:
- Take an olive oil and wine tasting tour, sampling award-winning estate blends
- Stroll through the olive orchards and lavender fields for sweeping hillside views
- Book a ranch tour to learn about sustainable farming and olive pressing
- Shop at the onsite Mercantile for olive oils, skincare, and artisanal goods
- Relax with a picnic on the ranch grounds, surrounded by vineyards and gardens
- Head into downtown Petaluma afterward for antique shops and a lively dining scene
3. Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of California’s true treasures, perched on the edge of the Pacific along historic Cannery Row. What struck me most is how immersive it feels — you’re not just looking at tanks of fish, you’re standing before floor-to-ceiling windows where kelp forests sway and sea turtles glide by, or watching playful sea otters tumble through the water. The mix of education, conservation, and pure wonder makes it unforgettable for all ages.
Every corner of the aquarium feels alive with discovery, from touch pools where kids can feel starfish to exhibits showcasing the delicate beauty of jellyfish. .
We stayed at Spindrift Inn, right on Cannery Row, where the sound of the waves became our lullaby. My best meal was dinner at Sardine Factory, a Monterey classic where I had the abalone bisque ($16) followed by the filet mignon ($48). My kids loved Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop nearby for a sweet treat after a long day of exploring.
What to do around Monterey Bay Aquarium in a weekend:
- We spent a morning exploring the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The sea otters were adorable.
- Stroll down Cannery Row with its shops, cafés, and coastal views
- Take a scenic drive along 17-Mile Drive, stopping at Pebble Beach and Lone Cypress
- Visit Pacific Grove for its butterfly sanctuary and quiet coastal charm
- Walk along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail for oceanfront views
4. SFMOMA
SFMOMA is a cultural landmark that feels both bold and approachable, a place where world-class modern and contemporary art meets the energy of the city. With seven floors of galleries and a rooftop sculpture garden, it’s one of the largest modern art museums in the country, yet it never feels overwhelming — the light-filled atriums and thoughtful layouts give the art space to breathe.
We paired our visit with a stay at Palace Hotel, just a few blocks away, where historic elegance meets modern comfort. My best meal was lunch at In Situ (inside SFMOMA), where the menu is inspired by dishes from chefs around the world — I had the ramen-style noodles with wild mushrooms ($24), which felt like art on a plate. Later, we grabbed coffee at Blue Bottle in the museum’s lobby, a perfect recharge before exploring more galleries.
What to do around SFMOMA in a weekend:
- Wander the SFMOMA galleries, from modern classics to rotating contemporary exhibits
- Step onto the rooftop sculpture terrace for art framed by the city skyline
- Take in public art nearby, including the Salesforce Transit Center rooftop park
- Walk to Yerba Buena Gardens for a moment of calm amid downtown
- Browse SF’s design shops and galleries in the SoMa neighborhood
5. History San Jose
History San José feels like stepping back into a living timeline of the Santa Clara Valley. Spread across acres of parkland, it’s less a single museum and more a collection of historic buildings, gardens, and exhibits that bring the region’s past to life. From Victorian homes to fruit-packing sheds, every corner tells a story of the valley before Silicon Valley.
What struck me most was the immersive atmosphere — you don’t just see artifacts behind glass, you can walk through entire neighborhoods that have been preserved and moved here. Costumed interpreters, vintage trolleys, and community festivals make the experience feel both hands-on and alive. It’s a place where families, students, and history buffs can all find something to connect with.
We stayed nearby at Hotel Valencia Santana Row, perfectly placed for dining and shopping after a day at the park. My best meal was dinner at Orchestria Palm Court, a quirky San José restaurant filled with antique player pianos, where I had the chicken schnitzel ($28). It felt like the perfect continuation of a day steeped in history.
What to do at History San José in a weekend:
- Explore the Peralta Adobe–Fallon House Historic Site, two of the city’s oldest structures
- Walk through the historic homes and shops in Kelley Park’s History Park
- Ride the vintage trolleys that circle the park grounds
- Visit the Print Shop and Fruit Barn to learn about the valley’s agricultural heritage
- Check the calendar for cultural festivals and events that bring the park to life
6. Seymour Marine Discovery Center
The Seymour Marine Discovery Center in Santa Cruz is a hidden gem on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific. It’s both an educational hub and a window into the incredible marine life of Monterey Bay, blending research from UC Santa Cruz with hands-on exhibits for visitors of all ages.
The ocean feels close here — you can stand beneath the skeleton of a blue whale, touch tide pool creatures, and then step outside to watch waves crash against the cliffs.
We stayed overnight in Santa Cruz at Dream Inn, an oceanfront hotel with balconies right above the beach. My best meal was lunch at The Crow’s Nest, where I had the fish tacos ($22) while overlooking the harbor.
What to do around Seymour Marine Discovery Center in a weekend:
- Explore the touch tanks and exhibits inside the Discovery Center
- Stand beneath the massive blue whale skeleton outside the entrance
- Walk the coastal trails along Younger Lagoon Reserve for sweeping ocean views
- Visit the Santa Cruz Wharf to watch sea lions and grab casual seafood
- Ride the classic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for games and rides by the sea
7. KidZone Museum in Truckee
The KidZone Museum in Truckee is a hands-on wonderland designed especially for young children. Tucked in the Sierra Nevada, it’s the kind of place where kids can climb, build, pretend, and explore to their hearts’ content — all while learning through play. From a pint-sized playhouse to rotating science exhibits, every corner sparks imagination and discovery.
We paired our visit with a stay in downtown Truckee at Hampton Inn & Suites, a family-friendly base near restaurants and trails. My best meal was at Cottonwood Restaurant, perched above town with panoramic views; I had the elk meatloaf ($32), while my kids shared a wood-fired pizza ($18) that disappeared in minutes.
What to do around KidZone Museum in a weekend:
- Let kids climb, create, and pretend inside the KidZone Museum exhibits
- Stroll downtown Truckee for shops, cafés, and historic railroad charm
- Play outside at Truckee River Regional Park, with trails and playgrounds
- Take a short drive to Donner Lake for kayaking, swimming, or a beach picnic
- In winter, combine the museum with Tahoe skiing or snow play nearby
8. Colonel Allensworth’s Legacy in the Valley
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is one of California’s most unique heritage sites — a town founded, financed, and governed by African Americans in 1908. Walking its grounds today feels like stepping back into a bold vision of self-determination and community. Preserved homes, a schoolhouse, and a church tell the story of Colonel Allen Allensworth and the families who built a thriving settlement in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley.
What struck me most was the resilience the park represents. Though the town faced hardships with water access and economic challenges, its legacy as a place of empowerment still resonates. The restored buildings, interpretive signs, and guided tours make the history tangible and deeply moving. It’s a reminder of the determination and spirit that shaped California’s past.
We combined our visit with an overnight stay in Bakersfield at Padre Hotel, a stylish landmark blending vintage character with modern comfort. My best meal was dinner at 24th Street Café, where I had the chicken-fried steak with country gravy ($17) — hearty, simple, and satisfying after a day of exploring history under wide valley skies.
What to do at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park in a weekend:
- Tour the restored schoolhouse, church, and homes from the original town
- Visit the visitor center exhibits to learn about the park’s history and significance
- We joined a guided tour
- Stroll the grounds to see historic markers and preserved community structures
- Combine with a trip to Tulare Lake Basin or nearby Central Valley nature spots
9. Jack London State Historic Park
Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen captures the adventurous spirit of the famous author and his deep connection to California’s landscapes. Spread across 1,400 acres of oak woodlands and vineyards, it preserves London’s beloved Beauty Ranch, the remains of Wolf House, and the cottage where he wrote many of his best works. Walking the trails feels like stepping into the pages of his novels — wild, rugged, and full of life.
We stayed overnight in Sonoma at Kenwood Inn & Spa, a romantic retreat surrounded by vineyards. My best meal was dinner at Glen Ellen Star, where I had wood-roasted chicken with seasonal vegetables ($34), perfectly paired with a glass of local Chardonnay. Sitting under string lights in the warm evening air felt like the perfect complement to a day spent exploring London’s world.
What to do at Jack London State Historic Park in a weekend:
- Tour Jack London’s Cottage and Museum with exhibits on his life and works
- Walk to the Wolf House ruins, the stone shell of his dream mansion
- Explore Beauty Ranch, where London experimented with sustainable farming
- Hike the park’s woodland trails for sweeping views of Sonoma Valley
- Pack a picnic to enjoy in the oak groves or vineyard edges
10. Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts is one of San Francisco’s most enchanting landmarks — a Beaux-Arts masterpiece built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. With its soaring rotunda, colonnades, and lagoon, it feels both grand and serene, a place where you can slow down and let the city fall away. It’s a favorite spot for quiet walks, wedding photos, and anyone wanting to experience a touch of old-world romance in the middle of the city.
We paired our visit with a stay at Hotel Zoe Fisherman’s Wharf, just a short drive away. My best meal was at A16 on Chestnut Street, where I had a wood-fired Margherita pizza ($22) and a glass of Barbera that felt like the perfect Italian pairing. Sitting outside in the Marina after exploring the Palace of Fine Arts made the evening feel complete.
What to do around the Palace of Fine Arts in a weekend:
- Stroll the grounds of the Palace of Fine Arts and admire its monumental rotunda
- Relax by the lagoon, watching swans and ducks glide by
- Walk to nearby Crissy Field for Golden Gate Bridge views and a beachside picnic
- Explore the Marina District with its cafés, boutiques, and outdoor patios
- Visit Exploratorium for hands-on science fun just down the Embarcadero
Conclusion
California is a state of endless discovery, a place where history, culture, nature, and creativity intersect at every turn. From exploring coastal aquariums and hands-on children’s museums to wandering historic parks, world-class art galleries, and hidden ranches, each experience offers its own way of seeing the Golden State.
Whether you’re chasing mountain views, strolling through vineyards, or diving into the stories that shaped communities, California invites you to slow down, explore deeply, and find inspiration in every corner.
If you love California, try one of these destinations next:
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