Traveling in Northern California in July is tricky. At the height of summer, the weather is often cold and foggy on the coast but unbearably hot inland. That means that if you’re going to the coast, you should bring layers and expect at least some foggy days; if you’re traveling inland, plan to get out early in the morning and take advantage of the cool evenings.
No matter where you go in Northern California in summer, you can find free things to do: farmers markets bursting with berries and stone fruits, outdoor concerts, and morning hikes. Avoid the region’s most popular areas (Yosemite, South Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley, Santa Cruz and San Francisco) on weekends when they will be packed.
In summer, the best weather and air can usually be found in the mountains — think beach weather at mountain lakes. To avoid the crowds of Tahoe, try Fallen Leaf Lake and Truckee/Donner Lake or the swim holes of the Yuba River (see below).
Despite the challenges of traveling in Northern California in summer, there’s still plenty to do. Here are my ideas for what to do in Northern California this July, from festivals to outdoor concerts and art shows.
Free outdoor concerts
San Francisco: For the past 82 years, the Stern Grove Festival has hosted free outdoor concerts, and the lineup of performers is always impressive. This year’s lineup includes the San Francisco Symphony, San Francisco Ballet, Mitski, Toots and the Maytals, and the Psychedelic Furs. More info here.
When: Sundays at 2:00 through August 19
Where: Stern Grove, 19th Avenue and Sloat Blvd., San Francisco
Calistoga: The town of Calistoga hosts a summer concert-in-the-park series. Alcohol is allowed and wine (from a different winery each week) is available for purchase.
When: Every Thursday evening 6:30-8:30 through August
Where: Pioneer Park, 1308 Cedar St., Calistoga
California State Fair
Starting July 17, this classic event features everything you’d expect from a big state fair: exciting rides, fair food galore, big agricultural exhibits, vendors, exhibits, performing acts, and of course concerts. Note that summer evenings in Sacramento tend to be cool, but plan ahead so you don’t end up attending on a 100+ degree day.
When: Daily July 17-August
Where: Cal Expo, Sacramento
Cost: $16 per adult, discounts for kids 12 and under and seniors
The San Francisco Marathon
This annual marathon is a huge event, and it’s free for you to come and cheer on the runners. The marathon includes about a dozen “cheer stations” where groups will perform to keep the runners’ spirits up. You can also follow the race on the digital cheer boards and the marathon app.
When: July 24-26
Where: San Francisco
Cost: Free to attend as a spectator
AIDS Walk, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
The annual AIDS Walk is the most important fundraising event for AIDS in the Bay Area — it benefits a number of local HIV/AIDS organizations and services and has raised more than $90 million since it began in 1987. The walk covers 10k through Golden Gate Park. It’s free to register yourself to participate in the walk, and the website has information about sponsorship, donating and fundraising.
When: July 19
Where: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
Cost: Free, but you can make a donation on the website
Monet in Venice Exhibition, de Young Museum
Through July 26, see the Impressionist master’s works at the de Young Museum in San Francisco. Claude Monet visited Venice and was struck by how the city looked different at various times of day depending on the light. As a result, he painted Venice landmarks at different times of day. This exhibition includes over 100 works including the waterlilies and other work by Monet and works of Venice by artists such as Renoir, Sargent, and Canaletto.
When: Daily except Mondays through July 26
Where: de Young Museum, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
Cost: $40 per adult, discounts for students, seniors, and kids
Swim holes
July is the time to head to the hills to cool off in the swim holes of the South Yuba River. The water comes from the mountains, so it’s crystal clear and cold. Try the secluded Edwards Crossing near Nevada City (where the top photo was taken).
What are you looking forward to doing in Northern California this July?
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