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

The Annual Vacation Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.
Book now

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
Default Image

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
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
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
See our Where To Stay guide
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

4 out of 5
4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd South Lake Tahoe CA
$159 nightly
The price is $185 total per night from Mar 29 to Mar 30
$185 total
Mar 29 - Mar 30
Total with taxes and 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! (3,524 reviews)
Yes

Reviewed on Mar 1, 2026

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Hotel Piccadilly

Hotel Piccadilly

3 out of 5
2305 W Shaw Ave Fresno CA
$82 nightly
The price is $94 total per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
$94 total
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Total with taxes and 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! (2,835 reviews)
Very nice and room was big and enjoyed the breakfast

Reviewed on Mar 2, 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
$112 nightly
The price is $123 total per night from Mar 6 to Mar 7
$123 total
Mar 6 - Mar 7
Total with taxes and 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! (1,400 reviews)
The staff was excellent! Very helpful and kind. The room was clean and our quick overnight trip was comfortable after a long day at Sequoia.

Reviewed on Mar 1, 2026

Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia/Kings Canyon
See all 14,064 properties in Central Valley
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 condo 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! (1,010 reviews)
Perfect location and amenities.

Reviewed on Mar 2, 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! (1,020 reviews)
Beautiful view over the lake

Reviewed on Feb 28, 2026

Tahoe Beach & Ski Club
Stardust Lodge

Stardust Lodge

2.5 out of 5
4061 Lake Tahoe Blvd 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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (814 reviews)
Super close to the Gondola, room super clean, staff amazing and super friendly. During peak times, it can be overly expensive for what one gets, but that's true for all of South Lake Tahoe.

Reviewed on Feb 23, 2026

Stardust Lodge
See all properties in Central Valley
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.

Popular places to visit

Squaw Valley Resort which includes snow boarding and snow as well as an individual male

Palisades Tahoe

Two expansive ski resorts in North Lake Tahoe have joined to provide some of the finest snow experiences on the whole continent, with an added dash of celebrity sparkle.

Palisades Tahoe
Northstar California Resort featuring a hotel and ice skating as well as a small group of people

Northstar California Resort

Amid the beautiful landscapes along Lake Tahoe is a mountain resort with family-friendly snow sports, hiking trails, golf and boutique shopping.

Northstar California Resort
Aerial perspective of Sacramento, California, highlighting the Golden 1 Center, high rise buildings, and the Sacramento River under a clear blue sky.

Golden 1 Center

Catch an event at Golden 1 Center, and enjoy other activities in Sacramento such as biking. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Golden 1 Center
Heavenly Mountain Gondola showing tranquil scenes, a lake or waterhole and a bay or harbor

Heavenly Gondola

Glide across the sky and appreciate breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Tahoe on this scenic gondola ride to a summit where exciting adventure activities await.

Heavenly Gondola
Sequoia National Park which includes forests as well as an individual femail

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Be humbled by nature at its most impressive in these two breathtaking national parks, home to some of the largest living things on this planet.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Lake Tahoe

The Shops at Heavenly Village

You can enjoy retail therapy at The Shops at Heavenly Village during your stay in South Lake Tahoe. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this quaint area, or seek out the ski slopes.

The Shops at Heavenly Village

Cities near Central Valley

Bakersfield

Bakersfield

Fresno which includes signage

Fresno

Adobe

Inyokern

Yosemite valley and merced river

Merced

Explore a world of travel with Expedia