Bay Area, CA

Travel Guide

North Beach showing street scenes and cycling
California State Capitol which includes heritage architecture
Hakone Gardens showing a garden
South of Market featuring skyline, a city and city views
Bay Area showing city views

The Bay Area has one of the most iconic cities in the U.S., as well as cutting-edge universities, acclaimed vineyards and stunning state parks.

Stride out across the Golden Gate Bridge, which crosses the entrance to San Francisco Bay and gaze out across the Bay Area stretching out in front of you. The artistic, energetic city of San Francisco is just one of the many attractions of this region, which encompasses other trendy cities and breathtaking natural wonders.

Follow the story of the region in the Oakland Museum of California, a multifaceted museum that charts the history of the Golden State from its Native American communities to 21st-century technological innovation. The museum also contains galleries dedicated to art and natural history.

Start your journey through the Bay Area in San Francisco, a city of world-famous landmarks and lesser-known delights. Bring your camera for photos of the winding roads of Lombard Street, the haunting prison tour on Alcatraz Island and the barking sea lions of Fisherman’s Wharf.

Beyond these popular spots, however, ‘Frisco promises even more to see. City Lights Bookstore is famed for its connection to beat poetry, while the collection in the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is broad and exciting. Hop between countless museums and stroll through botanic gardens in Golden Gate Park. Lose the crowds on the windswept bluffs of the Presidio.

The East Bay is the home of legendary educational establishments. Wander around the campus of the famously progressive Berkeley University or visit the museums at the University of Richmond.

Tour the prestigious vineyards of Napa Valley and Sonoma County. Sip on acclaimed vintages in famous destinations such as To Kalon Vineyard and Chateau Montelena Winery.

Stand in awe of the redwoods of the Muir Woods in Marin County, which is located on the northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge. The county also features Mount Tamalpais State Park, a popular destination for hiking and views of the city.

Busy international airports in San Jose and San Francisco make the Bay Area easily accessible from around the U.S. and beyond. The fall months between September and November offer warm temperatures and fewer crowds in the region’s more famous attractions.

Where to stay in Bay Area

Union Square which includes a high rise building and a city

Union Square

4/5(5,164 area reviews)

Major tourist destination in downtown San Francisco, Union Square boasts shopping, hotels, and theaters. Explore department stores, boutiques, and galleries, or catch a performance at various theaters. Enjoy the Dewey Monument and stunning views from nearby hotels. Easily accessible via cable car lines, buses, and subway systems.

Union Square
Downtown San Francisco featuring railway items

Downtown San Francisco

3/5(1,084 area reviews)

Serving as San Francisco's central business district, this area boasts Northern California's two tallest buildings, the Salesforce Tower and Transamerica Pyramid. Explore shopping malls like the Embarcadero Center and enjoy parks such as Sue Biermann Park, all easily accessible via Muni bus and rail lines.

Downtown San Francisco
Fisherman\'s Wharf featuring a bay or harbor

Fisherman's Wharf

4/5(38 area reviews)

Discover Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, and the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park in this bustling tourist hotspot. Savor seafood at family-owned restaurants and explore the sea lion colony, while enjoying convenient cable car access.

Fisherman's Wharf
Downtown San Jose featuring heritage architecture

Downtown San Jose

4/5(936 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and great live music, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Jose. You can visit top attractions like San Pedro Square and San Jose Museum of Art, and jump on the metro at Santa Clara Station or St James Station to see more of the city.

Downtown San Jose
South of Market featuring skyline, a city and city views

South of Market

3.5/5(3,655 area reviews)

Oracle Park and San Francisco Bay are top sights in South of Market, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Yerba Buena-Moscone Station or Fourth-Brannan Station to see more sights in the area.

South of Market
Nob Hill showing a city and street scenes

Nob Hill

4.5/5(1,100 area reviews)

Luxury hotels, historic mansions, and Michelin-starred restaurants abound in this upscale area. Explore Union Square shopping district, Grace Cathedral, and the SF Masonic Auditorium for a taste of culture and history.

Nob Hill
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
2500 Mason St San Francisco CA
The price is ¥16,723 per night from Dec 23 to Dec 24
¥16,723
¥26,094 total
Dec 23 - Dec 24
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (7,187 reviews)
Very clean hotel & staff were very polite

Reviewed on Dec 17, 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Fairmont San Francisco

Fairmont San Francisco

5 out of 5
950 Mason Street Atop Nob Hill San Francisco CA
The price is ¥35,010 per night from Jan 4 to Jan 5
¥35,010
¥47,613 total
Jan 4 - Jan 5, 2026
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,424 reviews)
Very good hotel. Love it

Reviewed on Dec 17, 2025

Fairmont San Francisco
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina

4 out of 5
200 Marina Blvd Berkeley CA
The price is ¥17,458 per night from Jan 4 to Jan 5
¥17,458
¥20,111 total
Jan 4 - Jan 5, 2026
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Berkeley. Enjoy free WiFi, a marina, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,949 reviews)
Nice staff, clean room

Reviewed on Dec 19, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Coral Reef Inn & Suites

Coral Reef Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
400 Park St Alameda CA
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Alameda. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
6.8/10 (2,867 reviews)
Problems: heater didn't work; shower: lukewarm, no shower valve on/off; burned-out light bulbs. To your advantage: the breakfast offering was very good.

Reviewed on Dec 10, 2025

Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Cozy 2BR, Totally Private Suite With Parking, Convenient Public Transit

Cozy 2BR, Totally Private Suite With Parking, Convenient Public Transit

SF CA
Stay at this apartment in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Golden Gate Park and Ocean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (165 reviews)
Host was quick to respond when needed!

Reviewed on Dec 17, 2025

Cozy 2BR, Totally Private Suite With Parking, Convenient Public Transit
Unforgettable Luxury Penthouse ★Breathtaking Waterfront ~ SF Bay & Skyline Views

Unforgettable Luxury Penthouse ★Breathtaking Waterfront ~ SF Bay & Skyline Views

San Francisco CA
Stay at this apartment in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a garden. Popular attractions Pier 39 and Golden Gate Bridge are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
It really was an amazing stay! I felt safe and comfortable. There were some expired food, but thank goodness for grocery shopping apps! 😀

Reviewed on Nov 17, 2025

Unforgettable Luxury Penthouse ★Breathtaking Waterfront ~ SF Bay & Skyline Views
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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