Bay Area

Travel Guide

North Beach featuring cycling and street scenes
California State Capitol showing heritage architecture
Hakone Gardens featuring a park
South of Market showing 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 harbour

Fisherman's Wharf

4/5(6 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 featuring a city and a skyscraper

Union Square

4/5(525 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
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Downtown San Francisco

2.5/5(84 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 showing skyline, a city and city views

South of Market

3.5/5(292 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 featuring street scenes and a city

Nob Hill

4.5/5(124 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
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Downtown San Jose

4.5/5(31 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 SAP Center at San Jose and San Pedro Square, and jump on the metro at Santa Clara Station or St James Station to see more of the city.

Downtown San Jose
Hilton San Francisco Financial District

Hilton San Francisco Financial District

4 out of 5
750 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA
The price is CA $164 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
CA $164
CA $193 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and WiFi (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,630 reviews)
No free parking.
"$75 for parking every night. That sucked. Would of been fine if it was $20 but Everything else was great."

Reviewed on Aug. 15, 2025

Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG

Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1177 Airport Blvd, Burlingame, CA
Fully refundable
The price is CA $134 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
CA $134
CA $152 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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! (2,027 reviews)
Fair enough
"Our family stayed overnight before taking an early morning flight. The hotel was a mile from SFO, clean, comfortable and very reasonably priced. We’d stay again for the convenience."

Reviewed on Aug. 12, 2025

Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG
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 CA $182 per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
CA $182
CA $271 total
Aug 19 - Aug 20
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! (6,653 reviews)
"Stayed there as a child. Always enjoyed the convenience, environment and standards."

Reviewed on Aug. 13, 2025

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.
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 (2,785 reviews)
"Fine room."

Reviewed on Aug. 13, 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 Oracle Park and Pier 39 are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (42 reviews)
"Pretty typically for the city....main thing was it is clean, safe and close to Chinatown!"

Reviewed on Aug. 5, 2025

Standard Queen Room w/Ensuite Bathroom
Oceanfront Beauty with views from every room

Oceanfront Beauty with views from every room

Stinson Beach
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Stinson Beach. Enjoy a beach locale, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Muir Woods National Monument ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (22 reviews)
"Beachfront convenience. Comfortable and clean and kitchen was well-stocked. Property management was responsive to any questions."

Reviewed on Jul. 29, 2025

Oceanfront Beauty with views from every room
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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