10 TOP Things to Do in Central Valley (2026 Activity Guide)

My bucket list is to visit all 59 US National Parks. So far, we've visited over 30... here's one of them.

Lassen National Park is up there with the newest national park, Pinnacles, as most obscure in California. This park used to be a volcano that went off in the not-so-far past. Lassen boasts mountains, lakes, and thermal features. Go in the winter for less crowds and lots of #snow!

The final stretch of the 400 steps leading to the top of Sequoia National Park's Moro Rock.

The granite dome rock formation is located in the center of the park, at the head of Moro Creek, between Giant Forest and Crescent Meadow.

We were greeted at the top by beautiful vistas of San Joaquin Valley. If I had it to do again, I'd time the 30-minute hike up to catch the sunrise or sunset with the spectacular views available. The road to Moro Rock is closed during winter months, necessitating a 2-mile hike to reach this dome-shaped granite monolith.

See the full story of our hike up Moro Rock via my blog at http://www.aplacecalledroam.com/home/moro-rock-a-chance-to-touch-the-sky.

Here one of my sunset photo of South Lake Tahoe during my visit last week , enjoy!

Rafting the Kern River. Even though this year has been dry in California, there's still enough water for some fun. #weekendgetaway

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Most popular experiences in Central Valley

Tours & day trips

See all 137 activities

San Francisco: One day Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Tour

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

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Redwoods & Wine Country Escape to Sonoma & Napa with Optional Gourmet Lunch

Free cancellation available

Driving Lake Tahoe: A Self-Guided Tour from South Lake Tahoe to Tahoe City

Free cancellation available

Winter activities

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Heavenly Premium Ski Rental Including Delivery

Free cancellation available

Classes & workshops

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Granite Adventure at Quarry Park Adventures Rocklin, CA

Free cancellation available

Attractions

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Sacramento Zoo General Admission Ticket

Free cancellation available

What to do in Central Valley

Popular places to visit

Golden 1 Center

Catch an event at Golden 1 Center, and enjoy other activities in Sacramento such as biking. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Squaw Valley Resort which includes snow boarding and snow as well as an individual male

Palisades Tahoe

Two expansive ski resorts in North Lake Tahoe have joined to provide some of the finest snow experiences on the whole continent, with an added dash of celebrity sparkle.

Northstar California Resort

When you picture California, sunny beaches, surf, and the sea are sure to come to mind first. Don't forget that snow is falling down on the mountain, making Northstar Ski Resort one of the top destinations when ski season arrives.

Heavenly Mountain Gondola which includes a bay or harbor, a lake or waterhole and a sandy beach

Heavenly Gondola

Glide across the sky and appreciate breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Tahoe on this scenic gondola ride to a summit where exciting adventure activities await.

Sequoia National Park featuring forests as well as an individual femail

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Be humbled by nature at its most impressive in these two breathtaking national parks, home to some of the largest living things on this planet.

The Shops at Heavenly Village

You can enjoy retail therapy at The Shops at Heavenly Village during your stay in South Lake Tahoe. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this quaint area, or seek out the ski slopes.

I have never seen a river's water so green...
Cache Creek

Cache Creek Casino Resort

Why not try your luck with a visit to Cache Creek Casino Resort during your time in Brooks? Make some time to visit the casinos while you're in the area.

Emerald Bay State Park

This scenic inlet offers a beautiful beach, island, waterfalls, wreck dives, heritage sites and campgrounds with views over the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe.

Sequoia National Park which includes forest scenes as well as a small group of people

General Sherman Tree

The world’s largest tree by volume, this giant sequoia is more than 2,000 years old. You must see it in place to fully appreciate its colossal size.

Areas of Central Valley

Downtown Sacramento

Known for its abundant dining options and interesting museums, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Sacramento. Top attractions like Golden 1 Center and K Street Mall are major draws, and you can catch the metro at 8th & H/County Center Station or 7th & I/County Center Station to see more of the city.

Northstar

While visiting Northstar, you might make a stop by sights like Northstar California Resort and Big Springs Express Gondola.

Heavenly Valley

While visiting Heavenly Valley, you might make a stop by sights like Heavenly Ski Resort and Aerial Tramway.

The Donner lake under the snow in winter, in California, panorama, with tunnels in the mountain for the train

Northstar Village

If you're spending some time in Northstar Village, Northstar California Resort and Big Springs Express Gondola are top sights worth seeing.

Lake Tahoe Panoramic Overlook in Winter from Heavenly

Heavenly Village

If you're spending some time in Heavenly Village, The Shops at Heavenly Village and Heavenly Gondola are top sights worth seeing.

A tourist man bathing sunrise at Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, California

Lakeside Park

Lakeside Park might not have many top sights, but Heavenly Gondola and Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Casino are two attractions nearby that you can check out.