Updated for 2026! 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.
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. 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 48th-annual wine weekend 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 at several local wineries. No large groups (more than 8) allowed. Learn more here.
Where: Various wineries in Sonoma County
When: March 7-8, 2026
Cost: $50 for the two day pass
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
20th 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: March 28, 2026 11:00-5:00
Cost: Tickets start at $25
Behind the Cellar Door Wine Weekend
Visiting farms and vineyards is one of my favorite ideas for what to do in Northern California in March. Beautiful Amador County, in the foothills east of Sacramento, is one of my favorite places to experience California wine country. With laid-back tasting rooms, low prices, and fantastic wines, this is the Napa Valley of the past.
Check out the Behind the Cellar Door weekend for immersive activities that highlight the area’s uniqueness with barrel samples, hard-to-find vintages, small bites, vineyard tours, and opportunities for wine education while meeting the winemakers.
More info here.
Where: Amador County, 60 minutes east of Sacramento
When: March 21 and 22, 2026
Cost: Full Weekend (Saturday – Sunday) $80 if booked early, $85 if not. Single-day passes start at $60.
Chinese New Year Parade, San Francisco
This very special celebration is the largest Chinese New Year parade outside Asia, but it’s also crowded, so attending requires some planning. You’ll need to arrive at least one hour before to find a place to watch from the sidewalk, or you can reserve a bleacher seat for a fee. Definitely one of the best ideas for what to do in Northern California in March.
When: Saturday, March 7, 5-8 PM
Where: San Francisco starting at 2nd & Market Streets and ending in Chinatown
Cost: Free plus parking/transportation unless you request bleacher seats, which are around $40 per person.
More info here
If you’d prefer to try a smaller celebration, check out the flower market festivities in February or the Lunar New Year festivities in a smaller city like San Jose or Sacramento.
20th 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: Various locations in/near Santa Rosa, Sonoma County
When: March 20-22, 2026
Cost: tickets start at $40
More info here.
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.
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: $122 per person for members, $136 for non-members
The Sense of Beauty: Exhibition at the Crocker Art Museum
Visit the Crocker Art Museum in downtown Sacramento for this temporary exhibition of exquisite paintings from Puerto Rico’s finest art collection, the Museo de Arte de Ponce. The centerpiece is this late-19th century masterpiece by Sir Frederic Leighton, but don’t miss other Pre-Raphaelite paintings, Lucas Cranach the Elder’s unusual but stunning interpretation of Judith and Holofernes, work by Peter Paul Rubens and John Singer Sargent, and more.
Where: Crocker Art Museum, Downtown Sacramento
When: Wednesday through Sunday, Through May 2026. Thursdays the museum is open until 8PM.
Cost: $15 for adults, discounts available for seniors, youth, and students.
Sonoma International Film Festival
After my recent visit to Sonoma, this film festival is 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 25-29, 2026
Cost: Festival passes start at $500 for a pass but you can attend individual showings for a regular movie ticket price.
More info here.
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.