(Updated for 2024!) Spring is finally in full swing here in Northern California in April! This is such a wonderful time to be in Northern California — the weather is nice, with lots of sunny, warm days but no oppressive summer heat or coastal fog yet. The days are long, and everyone is ready to enjoy them. Here are my ideas for what to do in Northern California in April 2024, but I’d love to hear your suggestions, too!
What to do in Northern California in April:
Wildflower hikes:
Where: various locations in the Bay Area and wine country.
For the best flowers, at North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve near Oroville. Try the 4.2 mile out-and-back hike to Phantom Falls. Weekends get very crowded so arrive early (by 9 am) or come on a weekday. A $5 land pass must be purchased for each adult. Dog friendly.
When: now through May
Cost: For Table Mountain, $5.40 per adult for the land pass.
Stags Leap Annual Vineyard to Vintner Weekend
Tulips and more at Jensen Botanical Garden, Carmichael:
This botanical garden just outside Sacramento comes to life in the spring with tulips, dogwood and Japanese maples. There’s even a garden path for the blind.
Where: 8520 Fair Oaks Boulevard, Carmichael, CA 95608
When: Open 8 am to dusk
Cost: I believe it is free, but there’s a photo permit fee for photographers.
16th Annual San Francisco International Chocolate Salon
This event is right up my alley! Featuring chocolate of all kinds from more than 50 chocolatiers and confectioners as well as non-chocolate exhibitors, culinary artisans and wineries. Children under 6 are free, and children ages 6 to 12 are $12.50.
Where: SF County Fair Building, Gallery
When: April 7, 2024 11:00-5:00
Cost: Tickets start at $25
Earth Day celebration in San Francisco:
Earth Day San Francisco: Live music, speakers, earth-friendly exhibitors, eco-workshops, kids’ zone and, of course, organic food and drinks and more. This is a family friendly event with activities to inspire creativity and community. Such a fun idea for what to do in Northern California in April!
Where: The New Farm, 10 Cargo Way, San Francisco
When: April 21, 2024 11:00-7:00
Cost: Free
Read more: 30 things to do in San Francisco
Sacramento Beer Week
With 57 local breweries participating, Sac Beer Week is the way to get to know Sacramento’s beer scene. Every day there’s a number of events happening at the area’s breweries, including tap takeovers, food pairings, movies, athletic events and special beer releases.
Where: Breweries and taprooms all over the greater Sacramento region
When: April 26-May 5, 2024
Cost: Free except the cost of the beer, though some events have an additional fee
Sacramento Grilled Cheese Festival
The festival runs for two days with grilled cheese, wine, tasting and beer tasting on Saturday and an all-ages festival on Sunday. Expect lots of food, drinks, live music, games, and a kids’ area. More info here.
Where: Southside Park, 2115 6th St., Sacramento
When: April 27-28, 2024 11:00-5:00
Cost: $75 for Saturday, $10 for Sunday, kids 5 and under free
Sheep Dog Herding Expo, Pennyroyal Farm, Anderson Valley
This goat farm and winery known for its wine and cheeses will host an expo of their border collie dogs showing off their herding skills. After watching, the tasting room will host special snacks and beverages, and guests can stay to taste wine. More info here.
Where: Pennyroyal Farm, 4930 Highway 128, Boonville
When: Saturday, April 13, 2024 10:00-2:00
Cost: I believe it’s free.
Picnic Day at UC Davis
UC Davis holds its annual open house to welcome the public to experience the best of the campus. More than 200 events including educational exhibits, music/shows, competitions, animal and athletic events, a parade and much more.
Where: UC Davis campus
When: April 20, mostly 10:00-3:00
Cost: Free including free parking, but expect crowds and consider taking the Amtrak train if possible.
Events at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia, Napa
Each month, CIA at Copia (the Culinary Institute of America’s branch in downtown Napa) offers lots of events that any food or drink lover would enjoy. From family-friendly cooking classes to events that showcase specific types of wine, there’s something for everyone. Check the schedule here.
Where: CIA at Copia, 500 1st Street in Napa (the beautiful building next to Oxbow Public Market)
When: on-going dates in April
Cost: Each event is priced and ticketed separately.
What are your favorite things to do in Northern California in April?
California is a beautiful place. Lovely images of California. Thanks for sharing us …Definitely, California is an amazing place for traveling.
I love that there are so many ways to enjoy food and be outdoors. I’d love to do that bird walk at Heritage Oak Winery.
Me, too! They have one every year but I haven’t gone yet. And yes, there are so many things to do outdoors and experience food around here, especially in spring.