Central Valley, CA

Travel Guide

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!
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

Where to stay in Central Valley

Greater Sacremento

Downtown Sacramento

3.5/5(2,063 area reviews)

Undergoing revitalization, Downtown Sacramento boasts the retail and entertainment hub, Downtown Commons (DOCO), with Macy's and various dining options. Explore the California State Capitol, Sacramento City Hall, and enjoy convenient public transit options.

Downtown Sacramento
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Northstar

While visiting Northstar, you might make a stop by sights like Northstar California Resort and Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort Golf Course.

Northstar
Heavenly Valley, Ski Resort at South Lake Tahoe

Heavenly Valley

While visiting Heavenly Valley, you might make a stop by sights like Heavenly Ski Resort and Aerial Tramway.

Heavenly Valley
The Donner lake under the snow in winter, in California, panorama, with tunnels in the mountain for the train

Northstar Village

If you're spending some time in Northstar Village, Northstar California Resort and Village Ice Skating Rink are top sights worth seeing.

Northstar Village
Lake Tahoe Panoramic Overlook in Winter from Heavenly

Heavenly Village

If you're spending some time in Heavenly Village, The Shops at Heavenly Village and Heavenly Gondola are top sights worth seeing.

Heavenly Village
A tourist man bathing sunrise at Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, California

Lakeside Park

4/5(665 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.

Lakeside Park
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

4 out of 5
4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd South Lake Tahoe CA
The price is ¥16,562 per night from Mar 1 to Mar 2
¥16,562
¥28,362 total
Mar 1 - Mar 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly resort in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,507 reviews)
Just ok. Resort and valet staff overwhelmed during prez day weekend/ valentines weekend.

Reviewed on Feb 23, 2026

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Hotel Piccadilly

Hotel Piccadilly

3 out of 5
2305 W Shaw Ave Fresno CA
The price is ¥12,330 per night from Mar 24 to Mar 25
¥12,330
¥14,079 total
Mar 24 - Mar 25
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Fresno. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,829 reviews)
Breakfast staff were very helpful Room was clean. I was given a room in a single story building, meaning there was no one above or below me. Location was near all the places I wanted to visit in Fresno. Room decor was perhaps a bit dated but adequate and functional. Suited me just fine.

Reviewed on Feb 24, 2026

Hotel Piccadilly
Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia/Kings Canyon

Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia/Kings Canyon

2.5 out of 5
40820 Sierra Dr Three Rivers CA
The price is ¥17,351 per night from Feb 26 to Feb 27
¥17,351
¥19,086 total
Feb 26 - Feb 27
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Three Rivers. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,408 reviews)
The check-in was friendly, and the hotel is just fine. A bit dated, based on the room. We didn't use any of the amenities, so no comment there. The breakfast was a B or a B+. I'm not a fan of bread for breakfast, so I didn't enjoy all the bagels and muffins. But there were eggs and bacon one day ...

Reviewed on Feb 17, 2026

Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia/Kings Canyon
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.
Marriott's Timber Lodge

Marriott's Timber Lodge

4 out of 5
4100 Lake Tahoe Blvd South Lake Tahoe CA
Stay at this hotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 hot tubs, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
The staff was very accommodating and helpful. The room was very clean and nicely orchestrated. I really like that. They have a spa on site a swimming pool that’s heated on site and a gym on site. You can buy a heavenly ski pass at the front desk instead of having to wait in line elsewhere. All the ...

Reviewed on Feb 16, 2026

Marriott's Timber Lodge
Tahoe Beach & Ski Club

Tahoe Beach & Ski Club

3 out of 5
3601 Lake Tahoe Blvd. South Lake Tahoe CA
Book a stay at this beach condo in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,017 reviews)
The room was very clean and the location is fantastic. To be so close to food and entertainment as well as beach front is amazing.

Reviewed on Feb 24, 2026

Tahoe Beach & Ski Club
The Americana Village

The Americana Village

2 out of 5
3845 Pioneer Trl South Lake Tahoe CA
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,571 reviews)
My son and I were very pleased with the room and overall service.

Reviewed on Feb 23, 2026

The Americana Village
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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