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

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
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
South of Market featuring skyline, a city and city views

South of Market

3.5/5(3,655 area reviews)

Oracle Park and Chase Center 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
Mission District which includes outdoor art

Mission District

3.5/5(140 area reviews)

Mission District is a destination travelers like for its bars, and you might hop aboard the metro at 16th Street Mission Station or 24th Street Mission Station to explore sights like Southern Exposure.

Mission District
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 ¥18,662 per night from Jul 1 to Jul 2
¥18,662
¥27,923 total
Jul 1 - Jul 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (6,529 reviews)
"Highly recommend staying here! Within walking distance to many attractions and close to the Hop—On/Hop-Off bus terminal."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
The price is ¥18,443 per night from Jul 2 to Jul 3
¥18,443
¥21,706 total
Jul 2 - Jul 3
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,184 reviews)
"Amazing"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG
Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG
3.5 out of 5
1177 Airport Blvd, Burlingame, CA
The price is ¥14,031 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
¥14,031
¥15,953 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Burlingame. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,847 reviews)
"Air conditioning was poor. Window could have blocked sunlight better"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG
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 (2,750 reviews)
"By the water but the area has really gone down"

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Standard Queen Room w/Ensuite Bathroom
Standard Queen Room w/Ensuite Bathroom
San Francisco
Stay at this guesthouse in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi. Popular attractions Lombard Street and Oracle Park are located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (29 reviews)
Great stay for the price
"Good location, the lack of a front desk attendant was interesting but just fine. The bar attached to the hotel is really cool!"

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Standard Queen Room w/Ensuite Bathroom
Kasa The Addison San Francisco
Kasa The Addison San Francisco
4 out of 5
2263 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, memory foam beds, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Lombard Street and Pier 39 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (9 reviews)
Great amenities and good location
"The location is great, but very expensive. We like having a kitchen and laundry facility. There is no fan provided, so be prepared in warmer months. The bathroom door is frosted glass and does not reach the ceiling."

Reviewed on Apr 26, 2025

Kasa The Addison San Francisco
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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