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

Vibrant activity in Union Square, San Francisco with palm trees and bustling city life

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
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
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 SOMA Pilipinas 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
Downtown San Jose featuring heritage architecture

Downtown San Jose

4/5(936 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 San Pedro Square and Plaza de Cesar Chavez, and jump on the metro at Santa Clara Station or St James Station to see more of the city.

Downtown San Jose
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 ₩194,530 per night from Apr 12 to Apr 13
₩194,530
₩228,962 total
Apr 12 - Apr 13
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (5,393 reviews)
I’m not sure ir I stayed in room 2322 or 2320, but the room was very clean and neat at my arrival. As someone that worked in hospitality for many years I know exactly when I room is clean. Very friendly and helpful staff starting by my housekeeper who gave me some advice to navigate around the city ...

Reviewed on Mar 13, 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
The price is ₩220,369 per night from Apr 11 to Apr 12
₩220,369
₩259,363 total
Apr 11 - Apr 12
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-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! (2,911 reviews)
Shops nearby were helpful. Super close to a big Macy’s that had food options and in walking distance of a Trader Joe’s. The pool was under maintenance while we stayed which we were not informed about before hand. That was disappointing.

Reviewed on Mar 11, 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
The price is ₩194,826 per night from Apr 12 to Apr 13
₩194,826
₩290,133 total
Apr 12 - Apr 13
includes taxes & 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! (7,335 reviews)
Room was small and very outdated definitely not worth the 400+ a night price

Reviewed on Mar 12, 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! (1,171 reviews)
Super close to the pier

Reviewed on Mar 12, 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 (2,927 reviews)
Large room with surprise kitchenette. Leaky faucets, tepid water, burned out bulbs, frayed carpeting, sway back beds. Hate to sound so negative. Beautiful location less than half block from bird refuge path and other shopping areas. Certainly the price was right and this is why. Just needs a complete ...

Reviewed on Mar 10, 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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Bay Area