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

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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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Tahoe Summit Snowmobiling Tours

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

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 K Street Mall and Golden 1 Center 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 Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort Golf Course.

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 Village Ice Skating Rink 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.