Central Valley

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

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Where to stay in Central Valley

Greater Sacremento

Downtown Sacramento

3.5/5(35 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 Big Springs Express Gondola.

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 Big Springs Express Gondola 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

4.5/5(4 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 CA $145 per night from Mar 3 to Mar 4
CA $145
CA $249 total
Mar 3 - Mar 4
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 ...
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Hotel Piccadilly

Hotel Piccadilly

3 out of 5
2305 W Shaw Ave Fresno CA
The price is CA $106 per night from Feb 17 to Feb 18
CA $106
CA $122 total
Feb 17 - Feb 18
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! (2,798 reviews)
Great customer service

Reviewed on Feb 10, 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 CA $154 per night from Feb 24 to Feb 25
CA $154
CA $169 total
Feb 24 - Feb 25
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! (1,397 reviews)
Yes

Reviewed on Feb 11, 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.
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! (1,557 reviews)
Clean room, great customer service

Reviewed on Feb 10, 2026

The Americana Village
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! (803 reviews)
The proximity to the gondola is excellent, literally across the street. This is a lodge, not a hotel but most of the properties in Tahoe are lodges/inns. It is an old property and it is not like staying at the Marriot on the other side of the street. However, the people are great, the rooms are just ...

Reviewed on Feb 11, 2026

Stardust 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! (1,009 reviews)
It was a good experience but it did take until almost 4:00 pm to get into my room.

Reviewed on Feb 11, 2026

Tahoe Beach & Ski Club
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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