10 TOP Things to Do in Central Valley January 2026

My bucket list is to visit all 59 US National Parks. So far, we've visited over 30... here's one of them.

Lassen National Park is up there with the newest national park, Pinnacles, as most obscure in California. This park used to be a volcano that went off in the not-so-far past. Lassen boasts mountains, lakes, and thermal features. Go in the winter for less crowds and lots of #snow!

The final stretch of the 400 steps leading to the top of Sequoia National Park's Moro Rock.

The granite dome rock formation is located in the center of the park, at the head of Moro Creek, between Giant Forest and Crescent Meadow.

We were greeted at the top by beautiful vistas of San Joaquin Valley. If I had it to do again, I'd time the 30-minute hike up to catch the sunrise or sunset with the spectacular views available. The road to Moro Rock is closed during winter months, necessitating a 2-mile hike to reach this dome-shaped granite monolith.

See the full story of our hike up Moro Rock via my blog at http://www.aplacecalledroam.com/home/moro-rock-a-chance-to-touch-the-sky.

Here one of my sunset photo of South Lake Tahoe during my visit last week , enjoy!

Rafting the Kern River. Even though this year has been dry in California, there's still enough water for some fun. #weekendgetaway

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What to do in Central Valley

Popular places to visit

Looking out from the punch bowl in down town Sacramento

Golden 1 Center

4.5/5(2 reviews)

Catch an event at Golden 1 Center and enjoy other activities in Sacramento such as cycling.Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Squaw Valley Resort showing snowboarding and snow as well as an individual male

Palisades Tahoe

4.5/5(2 reviews)

Two expansive ski resorts in North Lake Tahoe have joined to provide some of the finest snow experiences on the whole continent, with an added dash of celebrity sparkle.

Northstar California Resort

When you picture California, sunny beaches, surf, and the sea are sure to come to mind first. Don't forget that snow is falling down on the mountain, making Northstar Ski Resort one of the top destinations when ski season arrives.

Heavenly Mountain Gondola which includes a bay or harbour, a lake or waterhole and a beach

Heavenly Gondola

4.5/5(7 reviews)

Glide across the sky and appreciate breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Tahoe on this scenic gondola ride to a summit where exciting adventure activities await.

Sequoia National Park showing forest scenes as well as an individual female

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Be humbled by nature at its most impressive in these two breathtaking national parks, home to some of the largest living things on this planet.

The Shops at Heavenly Village

4/5(14 reviews)

You can enjoy retail therapy at The Shops at Heavenly Village during your visit to South Lake Tahoe. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this quaint area or seek out the ski slopes.

Behind Rabobank Arena where the train track overhead walkway is I noticed this interesting street sign. Not sure if Korn has played there or what but it caught my eye.

Dignity Health Arena

4/5(1 review)

Catch an event at Dignity Health Arena during your trip to Bakersfield. Discover the top-notch restaurants and entertainment choices in this family-friendly area.

Sequoia National Park featuring forests as well as a small group of people

General Sherman Tree

4.5/5(13 reviews)

The world’s largest tree by volume, this giant sequoia is more than 2,000 years old. You must see it in place to fully appreciate its colossal size.

I have never seen a river's water so green...
Cache Creek

Cache Creek Casino Resort

Why not try your luck with a visit to Cache Creek Casino Resort during your visit to Brooks? Make some time to visit the casinos while you're in the area.

Explore areas of Central Valley

Downtown Sacramento

3.5/5(8 area reviews)

Known for its abundant dining options and interesting museums, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Sacramento. Top attractions like Golden 1 Center and K Street Mall are major draws, and you can catch the metro at 8th & H/County Center Station or 7th & I/County Center Station to see more of the city.

Northstar

If you're spending some time in Northstar, Northstar California Resort and Big Springs Express Gondola are top sights worth seeing.

I took this at South Lake Tahoe, California on August 29th. Taken high above the lake, at Heavenly Gondola Vista Point :). This is one of the most iconic views of Lake Tahoe, a lake very popular among Americans. I loved seeing the gorgeous, colorful lake. And the vast landscape surrounding it. The lush, green forest seemed to go on forever. And the mountains were epic! You can even see some snow still atop the mountains. But best of all was the deep, serene lake! I was also at Tahoe for a family wedding. A perfect place for such an occasion!

Heavenly Valley

If you're spending some time in Heavenly Valley, Heavenly Ski Resort and Aerial Tramway are top sights worth seeing.

Antique ski wall in the Zephyr lounge. Imagine cruising around on those gems.

Northstar Village

While visiting Northstar Village, you might make a stop by sights like Northstar California Resort and Big Springs Express Gondola.

Ride the gondola cable car 2.4 miles up to the observation point 9000ft in the sky in order to see this spectacular view of Lake Tahoe. #LifeAtExpedia

Heavenly Village

While visiting Heavenly Village, you might make a stop by sights like The Shops at Heavenly Village and Heavenly Gondola.

Lakeside Park

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

Lakeside Park might not have many top sights, but Heavenly Gondola and Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Casino are two attractions nearby that you can check out.