Unique things to do in Northern California
AIRBNB EXPERIENCES

Unique things to do in Northern California

Book unforgettable activities hosted by locals on Airbnb.

Top-rated activities

Walking Ancient Pathways
Join us as we explore ancient Native American trails, camps, and villages, and search for new, previously undiscovered sites. We will be hiking a mostly-level 3-5 mile trip, navigating the low altitude grasslands of the Sierra Nevada foothills near Cool, California. The trip leader will discuss the history and natural world of this area, sharing his knowledge of the local Native Americans, as well as the flora, fauna, and geology of the area. Our trip will also explore new areas, if desired, in search for previously unknown, undocumented cultural resources. Any new sites will be passed along to the North Central Information Center for historical preservation. This is your chance to find history! After the hike, participants will receive a detailed map and photos, if desired, from the trip. This is a kid-friendly, dog-friendly walk, so plan on taking your time! Other things to note This is a hike in the mountains, so plan accordingly. We will be hiking off the trail, so be sure you're comfortable doing so. To stay on the trail is to limit yourself.
Private Pottery Wheel Lesson
After being introduced to the space and to each other, I will provide a quick demonstration on the wheel with a small amount of clay. Afterwards, each guest will be allowed time to create a piece on the wheel from beginning to end with personal instruction and assistance from me. Guests are welcome to make anything they would like to on the wheel! Cup, bowl, vase, dish, etc. (Please Read)The firing of pottery is a long process that is separate from the time we spend on the wheel. Each piece requires a two day long firing process in a kiln, and I hand glaze each piece. I offer kiln services out of my personal studio if you have interest in having your piece fired for a *small fee that is not due the day of the experience.* I do not include this in the price of the experience because some guests do not wish to keep their piece. Wear comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting some clay on. Clay will wash out, but you may not want to go out right after. The time noted on the experience, 2 hours, is generally descriptive of a 2 person experience which encompasses the majority of my bookings. In general, the experience is 1 hour per person. If there are 3 or 4 people in the booking, likely the experience will extend the 2 hour session time, and if there is 1 person in the booking it will be closer to an hour.
Vibes & views in the Golden city photoshoot, Donation Based
Please, message before booking. :) Donation based experience. I Kindly Ask if you: Like the experience and photos, donate - $125 (per person) Love the experience and photos, donate - $150 (per person) Had the best experience and photos ever - $200 (per person) * THERE’S NO FEE FOR KIDS* We will walk into the best spots of the historic Mission District neighborhood and secret spots as we explore the area. We'll kick off the iconic Dolores Park with an incredible view of the city's skyline and then weave through Valencia Street's lively atmosphere—home to murals, street art, shops, and hidden gems known only to the locals. Whether you're a visitor or a local, shy or camera-ready, don't worry my friend—I'll guide you through a laid-back, street-style photoshoot, ensuring we capture your best angles and candid moments. You will get a minimum of 30 high-resolution edited photos. Every intimate moment and experience will be captured and blended into a dreamlike sequence, so you can share them with family and friends. P.S. This can be a group experience. There maybe 1 - 3 other people with you during the shoot, just let me know in advance. Other things to note: Have a specific location in mind? Feel free to reach out, and we'll tailor the experience to your preferences. We can explore other hidden gems around the city or visit some iconic spots like the Golden Gate Bridge.
Beginner Surf Lesson - San Francisco
This 2.5-hour group clinic was designed with the beginner in mind – we welcome complete newbies as well as people who have tried surfing on their own for a while and still need help. We will walk you through all the basics to get you started and catching waves! The class starts with a short land lesson covering safety, paddling mechanics, and how to catch waves and get up on the board. After that we'll head out in the water and instructors will rotate around helping each person 1-on-1. You can expect approximately 1:30-2 hours of "water time" in the 2.5-hour total lesson. Maximum ratio of 4 students per instructor. Other things to note Arrive 20+ mins early! Parking costs $8 (subject to change). This is a group class, we cannot hold up others for late parties. Arriving late is same as a no-show and will forfeit your registration.
Vegan picnic with rescued animals
We'll start with a tour of the sanctuary where you'll meet a variety of rescued farm animals. We'll share their stories of resilience and healing and talk a bit more about the industries they come from. You'll love meeting our animal ambassadors and may be surprised at what you learn, since we so rarely see the animals in our food system. Join us afterwards at our picnic tables in the field for a glass of local wine and a vegan cheese and charcuterie platter. (Note: The platter contains nuts and gluten unless otherwise requested. Please inform us of any allergies when you make your booking so we can be sure to provide suitable options. Non-alcoholic beverages will also be served.) The Experience will last approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Please be mindful that as a sanctuary for rescued animals, our priority is the physical and emotional well being of the rescued animals who call Charlie's Acres home. Our loved animal residents are completely free and always have a choice as to whether or not they want to interact with visitors. They will reside at the sanctuary for the rest of their lives, where we'll have the honor of taking care of them. Other things to note: Learn more about what to expect and find answers to frequently asked questions: https://charliesacres.org/faq.html

Loved by locals

⭐️Rug Tufting Workshop
LIMITED TIME DEAL! $79 Explore your creativity and learn how to tuft in this tufting workshop! Dive into the rising trend of tufting and shape your very own enchanting tufted rug or a stunning piece of wall art from the soft and luxurious yarn. No prior skills? No problem! Our tufting workshop is tailored for beginners, ensuring a smooth, enjoyable crafting journey. You'll master the art of tufting with a high-quality tufting gun, creating your unique masterpiece on a 20" x 20" or 36" x 36" frame, with an endless supply of vibrant yarn at your fingertips. Your instructor will teach you the tufting basics, so you can learn tufting with ease! Are you seeking the perfect romantic date, an innovative team-building activity, or a memorable family outing in the Bay Area? Look no further! Our workshop offers a blend of fun, creativity, and learning. In just 3 hours, you'll transform from a novice to a proud creator of a magnificent hand-tufted piece, ready to adorn your home. SESSIONS Tailor your experience by selecting the perfect rug size for your project when booking a private session: Petite Elegance: 20" x 20" Grandeur: 36" x 36" When you finish all the processes, you make the final touch and get your rugs right away :)
⭐ Terrarium Workshop
Embark on a Fantastical Journey with our Floating Terrarium Workshop! Ever dreamt of a levitating garden? Hold onto your green hats, plant enthusiasts! Dive into a science-meets-fun adventure where we'll teach you how to create your own mesmerizing levitating terrarium. Picture this: a world where plants defy gravity, an ecosystem in a jar suspended in mid-air. It's not magic, it's science made enjoyable! Join us online and let's turn that dream into a reality. Our seasoned instructor, a true plant wizard, will guide you through the process step by step, making it as easy as pie (or should we say plant pie?). You'll receive a DIY kit delivered right to your door, packed with all the essentials for your floating flora fantasy. Gather your friends, family, or remote team for an unforgettable indoor plant party. Let your creativity float free as you craft your very own green oasis within a levitating realm. Not a seasoned botanist? No worries! This workshop is designed for all skill levels, from budding botanists to full-blown plant aficionados. Our teacher's expertise ensures that even the newest green thumb will thrive. At the end of this plant-packed extravaganza, you'll not only depart with a personal floating terrarium masterpiece but also the knowledge and excitement to recreate this wonder again and again! Beginner - Friendly
Literary Secrets of Sacramento
We will meet up in the old City Cemetery and I’ll fill you in on some of the well known writers who have wandered through Sacramento literary history. We can either sit in the shade of the trees and I will regale you with stories, or we can tour in my car the various landmarks related to Raymond Carver, Ernest Hemingway, Joan Didion, and more. Whichever one is more comfortable for you is fine. You’ll see where Maya Angelou liked to relax with a glass of wine, where a 50s suburban housewife churned out lesbian romance novels (which now have a huge cult following)and where the love letters of JD Salinger were plagiarized. Sacramento has been the host of many a surprising literary occurrence...
Easy Sourdough Bread In Minutes
During this class you will learn and hands-on do all the steps to make a beautiful artisan-quality loaf of sourdough bread both with and without the hassle of making a sourdough starter. You will taste a number of different variations of the bread, and learn how to make those variations as well. You will leave with a warm loaf of bread to take home, and sourdough starter if you wish. If baking has always intimidated you, this is a great class for you, as you will leave here with the confidence to DO IT!! Other things to note Even if you have never baked bread before, you will leave with all the skills you need to do this at home, including a list of equipment and ingredients. If you are able to travel with it, we will provide you with some fresh lively sourdough starter to take home. This cannot go on airplanes.
⭐️Create Botanical Moss Wall Art, Bay Area
Do you find yourself daydreaming of the mountains? Are you naturally drawn to the calming effects of lush, green scenery? Do you wish you lived in The Shire? Look no further! In this class, you'll learn to make Moss Box Wall Art, a piece of nature for your indoor space. * Silence the noise with the quiet beauty of nature * Genuine plants without the maintenance * No watering. No fertilizing. No need for sunlight. * Enjoy the outdoors in your home or office * Gazing at nature improves your productivity First, you'll design your own unique landscape using a wide variety of mosses, ferns, flowers, wood, bark, flowers, succulents, mushrooms, tiny magical creatures, and more! Then you'll secure the moss in place. After, let yourself get lost in the intricate details, adding more layers of soft textures and vibrant natural colors. Your instructor will help make your box come alive. When you're finished, you'll bring your very own moss box. The naturally preserved moss is maintenance-free and lasts for YEARS (some 10+ years and counting). All supplies included.

Activities near top attractions

Mission Dolores Park1,244 locals recommend
Union Square817 locals recommend
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Oracle Park596 locals recommend
Alcatraz Island503 locals recommend

All activities near Northern California

Walking Ancient Pathways
Join us as we explore ancient Native American trails, camps, and villages, and search for new, previously undiscovered sites. We will be hiking a mostly-level 3-5 mile trip, navigating the low altitude grasslands of the Sierra Nevada foothills near Cool, California. The trip leader will discuss the history and natural world of this area, sharing his knowledge of the local Native Americans, as well as the flora, fauna, and geology of the area. Our trip will also explore new areas, if desired, in search for previously unknown, undocumented cultural resources. Any new sites will be passed along to the North Central Information Center for historical preservation. This is your chance to find history! After the hike, participants will receive a detailed map and photos, if desired, from the trip. This is a kid-friendly, dog-friendly walk, so plan on taking your time! Other things to note This is a hike in the mountains, so plan accordingly. We will be hiking off the trail, so be sure you're comfortable doing so. To stay on the trail is to limit yourself.
Experience Scottish Highand Cows
Come spend time with highland cows! Guests will be able to see and interact with highland cows and calves on our farm located in Linden, Ca. Each experience will last approximately an hour and will include a farm tour, education about the breed and interaction with the animals such as brushing/feeding the highlands.
Hands on Cheese-making Class
The Epicurean Connection is offering private hands on cheesemaking class with award winning Cheesemaker/Chef Sheana Davis & Wine Educator/Cheesemaker Ben Sessions. Class included hands on cheesemaking class, a cheese cloth, cheese ladle, cheese recipe card and cheese trail map, artisan cheese tasting and complimentary Rose. The guests will make a 2-3# Creme de Ricotta wheel of cheese and or flavor the Creme de Ricotta from our Spice Bar. Please bring a cooler to take-home your cheeses. Class is hosted by award winning cheesemaker Sheana Davis & Ben Sessions, The Epicurean Connection. Class is 90 minutes. . Thank you, Sheana Davis & Ben Sessions
⭐️Rug Tufting Workshop
LIMITED TIME DEAL! $79 Explore your creativity and learn how to tuft in this tufting workshop! Dive into the rising trend of tufting and shape your very own enchanting tufted rug or a stunning piece of wall art from the soft and luxurious yarn. No prior skills? No problem! Our tufting workshop is tailored for beginners, ensuring a smooth, enjoyable crafting journey. You'll master the art of tufting with a high-quality tufting gun, creating your unique masterpiece on a 20" x 20" or 36" x 36" frame, with an endless supply of vibrant yarn at your fingertips. Your instructor will teach you the tufting basics, so you can learn tufting with ease! Are you seeking the perfect romantic date, an innovative team-building activity, or a memorable family outing in the Bay Area? Look no further! Our workshop offers a blend of fun, creativity, and learning. In just 3 hours, you'll transform from a novice to a proud creator of a magnificent hand-tufted piece, ready to adorn your home. SESSIONS Tailor your experience by selecting the perfect rug size for your project when booking a private session: Petite Elegance: 20" x 20" Grandeur: 36" x 36" When you finish all the processes, you make the final touch and get your rugs right away :)
Napa - Winery hop in a vintage VW
We will welcome you in one of our vintage VW Buses! Explore three of the best wineries in Napa Valley. We visit places like Bread & Butter, Pestoni Family Vineyards, and Napa Cellars, Hagafen Cellars, and Saintsbury. We'll enjoy a picnic lunch at our second spot. *Guests pay for wine tasting at each location, anticipate $40-55 per person per winery. Each guest will pay for wine tasting at the winery destinations.
Sonoma - Winery hop in a vintage VW
We will welcome you in one of our vintage VW Buses! Explore three of the best wineries in Sonoma Valley. We choose from places like Anaba, Buena Vista, Winery Sixteen 600, Gundlach or other awesome Sonoma wineries. We'll enjoy a picnic lunch at our second stop on us. We will order from Sonoma’s Best Deli on us! *Guests pay for wine tasting at each location, anticipate between $40-50 in tasting fees per person for each winery. Look for our Napa experience too. Please note that we have a 72-hour cancellation policy on all tours. https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/118276?source=p2
Private Pottery Wheel Lesson
After being introduced to the space and to each other, I will provide a quick demonstration on the wheel with a small amount of clay. Afterwards, each guest will be allowed time to create a piece on the wheel from beginning to end with personal instruction and assistance from me. Guests are welcome to make anything they would like to on the wheel! Cup, bowl, vase, dish, etc. (Please Read)The firing of pottery is a long process that is separate from the time we spend on the wheel. Each piece requires a two day long firing process in a kiln, and I hand glaze each piece. I offer kiln services out of my personal studio if you have interest in having your piece fired for a *small fee that is not due the day of the experience.* I do not include this in the price of the experience because some guests do not wish to keep their piece. Wear comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting some clay on. Clay will wash out, but you may not want to go out right after. The time noted on the experience, 2 hours, is generally descriptive of a 2 person experience which encompasses the majority of my bookings. In general, the experience is 1 hour per person. If there are 3 or 4 people in the booking, likely the experience will extend the 2 hour session time, and if there is 1 person in the booking it will be closer to an hour.
Breath work and cold plunge in the magical Yuba River
BREATH WORK AND COLD PLUNGE IN THE MAGICAL YUBA RIVER . Boost your immune system . Detoxify your body . Rejuvenate . A unique experience at the Yuba River . Expand your awareness We will meet at Hoyt Crossing, at the 49 bridge. I will facilitate a 45min breath work journey and meditation to prepare your mind, body and spirit to walk into the cold water of the magical Yuba River. This is a blessing. Ishnaan is an ancestral yogic practice of cold water therapy. It is touted with enhancing nearly all of the body’s systems. Exposure to cold increases the flow of lymphatic fluids, triggers immunity, stimulates circulation, and strengthens the nervous system. The Yuba river is known to be very pure and healing water. Take advantage of your stay here, to live this unique experience. You will be guided to start slowly, with great awareness. Gradually experiencing the cold therapy. Risks & Contraindications Of course, cold water therapy is not right for everybody. It should not be practiced by people who have had strokes, or have high blood pressure, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or epilepsy. Women are also recommended to avoid Ishnaan during menstruation and pregnancy.
Vibes & views in the Golden city photoshoot, Donation Based
Please, message before booking. :) Donation based experience. I Kindly Ask if you: Like the experience and photos, donate - $125 (per person) Love the experience and photos, donate - $150 (per person) Had the best experience and photos ever - $200 (per person) * THERE’S NO FEE FOR KIDS* We will walk into the best spots of the historic Mission District neighborhood and secret spots as we explore the area. We'll kick off the iconic Dolores Park with an incredible view of the city's skyline and then weave through Valencia Street's lively atmosphere—home to murals, street art, shops, and hidden gems known only to the locals. Whether you're a visitor or a local, shy or camera-ready, don't worry my friend—I'll guide you through a laid-back, street-style photoshoot, ensuring we capture your best angles and candid moments. You will get a minimum of 30 high-resolution edited photos. Every intimate moment and experience will be captured and blended into a dreamlike sequence, so you can share them with family and friends. P.S. This can be a group experience. There maybe 1 - 3 other people with you during the shoot, just let me know in advance. Other things to note: Have a specific location in mind? Feel free to reach out, and we'll tailor the experience to your preferences. We can explore other hidden gems around the city or visit some iconic spots like the Golden Gate Bridge.
Beginner Surf Lesson - San Francisco
This 2.5-hour group clinic was designed with the beginner in mind – we welcome complete newbies as well as people who have tried surfing on their own for a while and still need help. We will walk you through all the basics to get you started and catching waves! The class starts with a short land lesson covering safety, paddling mechanics, and how to catch waves and get up on the board. After that we'll head out in the water and instructors will rotate around helping each person 1-on-1. You can expect approximately 1:30-2 hours of "water time" in the 2.5-hour total lesson. Maximum ratio of 4 students per instructor. Other things to note Arrive 20+ mins early! Parking costs $8 (subject to change). This is a group class, we cannot hold up others for late parties. Arriving late is same as a no-show and will forfeit your registration.
San Francisco Personal Photographer Tour
Whether you are traveling solo, with your significant other, or with friends/family, it is always hard to get a spontaneous photo to truly capture the moment. Don't leave it up to a stranger on the street, let me show you some of my favorite spots around San Francisco while snapping some great shots along the way. Don't worry if you feel a little awkward in front of the camera - I am happy to give you directions! This 1.5- 2 hrs tour will show you some well-known spots plus some hidden gems around San Francisco Get ready for some fresh, Insta-ready images to make you the envy of your friends back home. You will get at least 25 high-resolution edited photos per person (usually more!). We will be taking you to the most beautiful architecture of the Palace of Fine Arts, Painted Ladies, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Please note this is a small group tour with a maximum of 4 guests. If you wish to have a private tour or are traveling in a larger group, please contact me to arrange a custom booking. Other things to note. - Bring happiness and Smiles, you are the star of the day - Additional charger for extra hour (discount) - Reschedule is possible when the weather is not on our side. - I also offer Private Proposals contact me for details!
Private sound healing journey into tranquility & bliss
Take a time out from the hustle and gift your mind-body-spirit with a sonic tune-up. In this private session we will come together in my sanctuary space and sink into deep relaxation with multi-dimensional healing tones. I use many instruments, such as planetary gongs, crystal singing bowls, Tibetan singing bowls, drums, rattles, chimes, pyramids, nature sounds, tuning forks and voice. There is nothing to do but show up and receive. Sound healing is an ancient practice that transmits vibrational patterns to entrain the body's frequencies into a more coherent state, transmuting those that are not in our highest health. Healing can occur on a cellular level: structuring internal waters, moving stagnant energy, balancing brain hemispheres, aligning chakra centers, calming anxiety, quieting the monkey mind - all providing better sleep and more vitality. We enter into a journey deep within and a state of awareness that lifts resistance to healing that we might be subconsciously carrying. As I play, I integrate loving intention, reiki healing energy and light language. The session will close with warm tea to ground you. You'll leave feeling recalibrated, rejuvenated and blissed out. It's truly a unique and powerful experience. Dates / times are flexible, so if you'd like to adjust the time or request a date that you don't see here, I may be able to accommodate.
Cidery Tour and Tasting in Gold Country
Take a tour of our cidery with our head cider maker. Guests will receive a 30 minute tour covering how our hard cider is made and a 1 hour table service tasting experience. This is great for 21+ cider lovers who enjoy geeking out on the science of cider, regenerative agriculture, local history, and rare and wild fruit trees. We welcome kids and well behaved dogs to our tasting room as well. If you have a group of 6 or more we will accommodate private tours and tastings on different days/times -- send us a message to schedule. The tasting room has a cabinet of board games and we allow outside food in the tasting room (we are within the delivery radius for doordash as well).
Enjoy Private Chef Dave in Sonoma
Take advantage of our group discounts! ★ 10% OFF — groups from 4 to 5 guests ★ 15% OFF — from 6 guests My kitchen experience is formed around the experience of being Puro Californio, my indigenous ancestors go back before the Spaniards arrived, and the European side sailed from France to settle Sonoma in the 1850s. Those roots run deep in ancestry and attitude. My palate reflects that and draws from Americana, Regional Mexican, Mediterranean, Moroccan, and even aspects of Vietnamese. The West Coast experience is in my blood, and the purest expression of that for me is via the plate and pen. I also have a gritty, sentimental side that I pour onto each preparation. I will arrive before your dining time to begin working my magic. Not only that, but I will show up at your doorstep equipped with every ingredient needed to prepare your meal. Feel free to put your apron on and cook some dishes with me! I am eager to share with you the secrets behind my recipes and local hidden treasures.
Vegan picnic with rescued animals
We'll start with a tour of the sanctuary where you'll meet a variety of rescued farm animals. We'll share their stories of resilience and healing and talk a bit more about the industries they come from. You'll love meeting our animal ambassadors and may be surprised at what you learn, since we so rarely see the animals in our food system. Join us afterwards at our picnic tables in the field for a glass of local wine and a vegan cheese and charcuterie platter. (Note: The platter contains nuts and gluten unless otherwise requested. Please inform us of any allergies when you make your booking so we can be sure to provide suitable options. Non-alcoholic beverages will also be served.) The Experience will last approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Please be mindful that as a sanctuary for rescued animals, our priority is the physical and emotional well being of the rescued animals who call Charlie's Acres home. Our loved animal residents are completely free and always have a choice as to whether or not they want to interact with visitors. They will reside at the sanctuary for the rest of their lives, where we'll have the honor of taking care of them. Other things to note: Learn more about what to expect and find answers to frequently asked questions: https://charliesacres.org/faq.html