Arakkal Kettu or Arakkal Museum
Arakkal Kettu, a palace of historical significance, was the residence of the former Arakkal Ali Rajas, the only Muslim royal family of Kerala which ruled parts of the coast and Lakshadweep island. The Arakkal family played a prominent role in the history of Malabar. The palace is situated in Ayikkara, near St. Angelo Fort, at a distance of 3 km from Kannur town. This 200-year-old palace complex has been renovated and converted into a heritage museum in the year 2005. It showcases the history of the Arakkal house and of the regional influence of the Arakkal 'Rajas' (male rulers) and 'Beevis' (female rulers) in the heydays of their authority. Exhibits in the durbar hall contains old records, maps and drawings of surveys and many other manuscripts that will throw light on the maritime activities of the family, its monopoly on spices trade and its relationship with European colonial powers. The museum is managed by the Arakkal Family Trust and to visit the museum there is a nominal entry fee.

Valapattanam 
The small town of Valapattanam, also known as Baliapattom, on the banks of the Valapattanam river, is located 7 km away from Kannur. Boat cruise is an exciting experience on the Valapatanam river which originates from the Western Ghats and joins the Arabian Sea, near the town. Valapattanam is a fishing harbour and the main source of irrigation in Kannur. The place is also famous for its wood-based industries and its trade. The transportation of timber in the traditional style i.e. long pieces of timber are tied together to float down the stream, is amazing to watch. Manufacture of Urus and Dhows is the main profession of the natives of Valapattanam. Teak, Iruli, Elavu, Karimurukku, sandalwood etc. are found in plenty in the forests of this district. The timber industry of Valapattanam succeeds because of this rich forest resources. Tea, coffee, rubber, tobacco, cashew nuts etc are the cash crops grown here. This is only place in Kerala where the cultivation of Pukayila (tobacco) is carried on successfully.

The Azhikkal port and Azhikkal Beach are located very near Valapattanam. Western India Plywoods Limited, the largest wood-based industry in the country and also one of the largest of its kind in South East Asia, is the major industrial concern here. 

Dharmadam Island
Dharmadam Island is a main picnic spot situated 17 kms from Kannur, located in the Arabian sea at a distance of 100 meters from the shore. Sprawling over an area of 5 acres and surrounded by rivers and beaches, this beautiful island is covered with tall coconut palms and dense bushes. The place, earlier known as Dharmapattanam, is also known by the names 'Dharmadam thuruth' or 'pacha thuruth' (green island). Dharmadam is believed to have been a Buddhist stronghold and Buddha images have been excavated from this place. Permission is required to enter this privately owned island. It can be seen from the Muzhappilangad beach and during low tide, one can just walk to the island from the beach. There are frequent boats to the island from Kannur and Thalassery. 

Gundert Bungalow
Situated 20 km from Kannur, near Thalasseri town, on the National Highway at Illikunnu hill is the Gundert Bungalow. The Bungalow is of historical significance as it was the residence of Dr. Herman Gundert, the revered German missionary, scholar and lexicographer. He lived here for 20 years from 1839 and has written 18 books in Malayalam including a grammar book. He had also established a church on Nettur Hill in 1889. Gundert Bungalow is a prominent structure with wide doors and verandahs and deep tiled eaves. It was here that one of the first Malayalam dictionaries and the first Malayalam Newspaper - 'Paschimodayam' - took shape. Gundert's bungalow, now houses part of the Nettur Technical Training Foundation, a unique institution started by the Swiss Foundation. 

Madayi Para
Historically and religiously significant Madayi Para, is a small hill located near Pazhayangadi, around 25 km from Kannur. The major attractions here are the Madayi Kavu Temple, the Vadakunnu Shiva Temple and the 12th century mosque (1124 A.D) with white marble imported from Arabia, built by a Muslim preacher, Malik Ibn Dinar, who came from Mecca to India. There is a pond here in the shape of a hand held mirror, which is supposed to have connection with the ancient Jewish settlers. The remains of the dilapidated Pazhi Kotta (fort) supposed to have been built by Tipu Sultan of Mysore, can be seen on the southern side of the hill. The view from the fort is fascinating.

Remnants from the past can be found in and around Madayipara. Madayipara was the administrative center of the Ezhimala kings and was used as the place for the coronation ceremony of the rulers of the princely state of the erstwhile Kolathunadu, between AD14 and AD18. 

Anjarakandy
Anjarakandy, a village well-known for its Cinnamon estate, lies 19kms south east of Kannur. The 1000 acre estate, set up by the British in 1797 comprises of coffee, pepper and sandal wood plants. The estate was destroyed during the fight between Pazhassiraja and the British in the year 1803 and was later revived.

Gymnastic Center
Thalassery is famous for having given birth to many famous circus artists. The first circus training center set up under the Sports Authority of India, known as the Gymnastic Center is functioning in Thalassery. Experts from India and abroad are working in this center.