(Updated for 2024!) March is a beautiful time of year in Northern California — right now look for spring blooms on the trees, especially magnolia, stone fruit, and almond trees all across the region, and the last of the yellow fields of mustard in the wine country. Here are my picks for what to do in Northern California in March. (Click on the links for more info about each event)
For more trip planning help:
- California Travel Tips
- What to do in Napa Valley
- What to do in the Monterey Bay area
- What to do in Lake Tahoe
- What to do in San Francisco
- What to do in Sacramento
- What to do in Sonoma County
- What to do in Mendocino County
What is the weather like in March in Northern California?
March can be such a fickle time of year. One day it’s sunny and warm, and the next it’s stormy and rainy again. But after yet another fairly dry February, we’re crossing our fingers for some much-needed rain. Expect cool temperatures in the mornings and in the 60s and 70s in the afternoons. When a storm is passing through, it can be cold, rainy and windy. When the weather is clear, this is a wonderful time to be on the coast.
Is Northern California crowded in March?
In most places, no. When it’s not raining, this is an excellent time of year to get out! Try some of the great outdoor activities: one of the many beautiful hiking trails, going whale watching at Bodega Head, a beach day in Half Moon Bay, or a walking tour of the murals in Midtown Sacramento. Wildflowers are starting to bloom (except in the mountains), and the wine country still has the brilliant yellow blooms of mustard.
What to do in Northern California in March:
North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve
This is the place to hike in spring in Northern California! Bring a picnic and plenty of water so you can soak up the views of the waterfalls and wildflowers at this unique place just north of Oroville, about 90 minutes from Sacramento. Leashed dogs are welcome! Read about the North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve hike.
When: Anytime but note that parking can get scarce on weekends after 9 am
Where: 7 miles north of Oroville
Deer Creek Hills Preserve hikes
This nature preserve east of Sacramento has 3 hikes to choose from: 3 miles, 4.5 miles, and 6 miles (although the 6 mile trail was not given as an option at our recent visit). You could also combine the 3 and 4.5 mile loops for a longer hike. We love this hike for the oak trees and woodpeckers, the peaceful atmosphere, and the relatively quiet trails.
Note that advance reservations must be made online and that the preserve is open on Saturdays 9-1 only. Try to arrive early to maximize your time and avoid the heat of the sun.
Where: 45 minutes east of Sacramento near Sloughouse
When: Saturdays 9:00-1:00 February-May
Cost: $10 per adult
Barrel Tasting Weekends in Sonoma County
Wine tasting in Northern California is always a good idea, but Sonoma County winemakers are offering something extra special with these barrel tasting experiences. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn directly from winemakers about their winemaking process, sample wine from the barrels and perhaps taste some limited-production wines.
Where: Various locations in Sonoma County
When: March 2-3, 2024
Cost: Tickets start at $75. Book ahead because they often sell out.
Whale watching:
Winter is the time to witness migrating whales in the water just off the coast of Northern California. Every year approximately 20,000 gray whales make the long journey between Alaska and Mexico and back. Try walking at Bodega Head (the cliffs at Bodega Bay) or the lighthouse at Point Reyes National Seashore for the best chances to see whales. At both locations, docents keep track of whale sightings and are available to answer questions.
You can also try a boat tour to see whales in the Mendocino, San Francisco and Monterey areas. Try Fast Raft in Monterey for a small group experience.
Where: anywhere along the coast, but get high up on cliffs for the best views. Point Reyes is especially known for whale watching because the peninsula sticks so far out in the sea, but if you’re looking for views from shore, the guides claim that you should come back around Mother’s Day when the moms and calves swim close to shore.
When: now through May
Cost: free, unless you book a whale watching boat tour
18th Annual Artisan Cheese Festival
Normally this weekend of all things cheese is filled with cheese tastings and pairings, farm tours, chef demos, educational sessions with industry experts, and a cheese monger and chef competition. Meet the cheesemakers, authors and celebrity chefs. Sample and buy artisan products; taste beer, wine, cider and spirits … plus so much more in one of my favorite corners of Northern California.
Where: Sonoma County Event Center, Santa Rosa
When: March 22-24, 2024
Cost: tickets start at $75
See young elephant seals (highly recommended!):
Through March 31, you can watch young elephant seals in their natural habitat at Año Nuevo State Park on the coast between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz. Visitors must take a guided tour. Find out more about how to see elephant seals in California.
Where: Año Nuevo State Park
When: Daily
Cost: $10 for the park day use fee, $7.00 for the tour + $3.99 reservation fee. Kids 3 and under are free.
Seasonal spring events at Pennyroyal Farm, Anderson Valley
At this goat farm and winery known for its wine and cheeses, enjoy a pre-fixe tasting menu featuring a flight of estate wines paired with farmstead bites. Like any good California farm, this one will feature bites that emphasize the seasonality of their ingredients picked fresh from the farm, handmade cheese, and farm-raised meats. Farm tours and other events are also available. See events and reserve your spot here.
Where: Pennyroyal Farm, 4930 Highway 128, Boonville
When: Various dates, March 2024
Cost: Start at $25 per person
Penguins + Pajamas Sleepover
This family event is offered a few times a year at the amazing California Academy of Sciences museum in San Francisco. This February, families can experience the museum in a totally new way with special access to exhibits and the Rainforest, a live animal presentation, and a special planetarium show before sleeping in an exhibit area. Admission includes parking, an evening snack and morning breakfast, and entry to the museum the following day. More info here.
Where: California Academy of Sciences museum in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
When: Friday and Saturday evenings March-June
Cost: $119 per person for members, $132 for non-members
Sonoma International Film Festival
After my recent visit to Sonoma, this film festival would normally be on my wish list for what to do in Northern California in March, partly for the films, partly for the historic venues, and partly for the idyllic wine country location.
The Sonoma International Film Festival was recently included on MovieMaker Magazine’s list of the 25 coolest film festivals in the world. Featuring more than 100 films representing more than 30 countries, the festival also includes tribute guests, special events, and parties, and best of all, it’s located in the food and wine heart of California.
Where: Sonoma (all film venues are within walking distance of the historic downtown plaza)
When: March 20-24, 2024
Cost: This festival usually runs about $175 for a pass but some individual events can be attended for $10.
Bird Walk at Heritage Oak Winery in Lodi
I love that this winery has trails for hiking and bird watching. One Saturday a month a local birding expert leads a bird walk through vineyards and along the Mokelumne River. Children who are interested are welcome. To reserve your spot, contact David at 209-329-5490 or birdmanyee@gmail.com. You can stay for wine tasting afterward. More info here.
Where: Heritage Oak Winery, beginning at the parking lot
10112 E. Woodbridge Road, Acampo (near Lodi)
When: Saturday, March 16 8:30-12:00
Cost: $20 per person
Read more: 30 things to do in Lodi
Other ideas for what to do in Northern California in March? What are your favorite things to do in Northern California in March?
Northern California is absolutely fabulous! All great places to go! Looking awesome photos in your post! This is very interesting and amazing places to visit.
Thanks for sharing these all amazing things to do in Northern california, There are more bald eagles at the Klamath Wildlife Refuge than anywhere else in the U.S. But only during winter.
thank you so much for writing this blog! it is so informative and tells me exactly what i needed to know. i was in double mind before but now i am sure that i want to visit and explore Northern california.