Bay Area, CA

Travel Guide

Bay Area
Bay Area
Bay Area
Bay Area
Bay Area

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

Fisherman's Wharf

4/5(39 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

Union Square

4/5(5,227 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

Downtown San Francisco

3/5(1,093 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
North Beach

North Beach

4.5/5(2,726 area reviews)

Adjacent to Chinatown and the Financial District, this "Little Italy" boasts Italian restaurants, cafes, and bakeries along Columbus Avenue and Washington Square. Explore the National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi and City Lights Bookstore.

North Beach
Nob Hill

Nob Hill

4.5/5(1,107 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
South of Market

South of Market

3.5/5(3,694 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
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave San Francisco CA
$132 nightly
The price is $155 total per night from Apr 19 to Apr 20
$155 total
Apr 19 - Apr 20
Total with taxes and 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (5,561 reviews)
It was a great location. There was a whole foods 1 block away for when I didn't want to eat out and plenty of restaurant options close by. It felt like a good/safe neighbourhood.

Reviewed on Apr 15, 2026

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Handlery Union Square Hotel

Handlery Union Square Hotel

3.5 out of 5
351 Geary St San Francisco CA
$143 nightly
The price is $169 total per night from May 9 to May 10
$169 total
May 9 - May 10
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,013 reviews)
good location, very quiet room, comfortable bed. Pleasant enough staff. Enough staff 24 hours to feel safe. The neighbourhood felt safe. No breakfast onsite. Fridge in my room didnt work and the engineer staff were not available. The front desk person did offer me to use the fridge in the reception. ...

Reviewed on Apr 14, 2026

Handlery Union Square Hotel
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
2500 Mason St San Francisco CA
$173 nightly
The price is $203 total per night from Apr 19 to Apr 20
$203 total
Apr 19 - Apr 20
Total with taxes and 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (7,416 reviews)
Loved it! Would stay again!

Reviewed on Apr 15, 2026

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
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 Vacation Club®, San Francisco

Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco

3 out of 5
2620 Jones St San Francisco CA
Stay at this condo in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,206 reviews)
Great location, clean room and very nice staff. Property could use a renovation

Reviewed on Apr 13, 2026

Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco
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 (2,941 reviews)
The staff were friendly. Breakfast could have more variety. The location was convenient for our activities. The pool needs cleaning.

Reviewed on Apr 14, 2026

Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Mint House Menlo Park by Kasa

Mint House Menlo Park by Kasa

4 out of 5
550 Oak Grove Ave Menlo Park CA
Stay at this aparthotel in Menlo Park. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a garden. Popular attractions Stanford Stadium and Shoreline Amphitheatre are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (22 reviews)
Kasa (the facility) cancelled 2min prior to check-in by Kasa. This after I had completed all pre-check activities. Prior

Reviewed on Feb 12, 2026

Mint House Menlo Park by Kasa
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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