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

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
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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
#adventure #california #tahoe #lovetohike #luv2travel #borntoexplore #wanderingwidower

The Village At Palisades Tahoe

If you're spending some time in The Village At Palisades Tahoe, Olympic Museum and Red Dog Ski Lift are top sights worth seeing.

The Village At Palisades Tahoe
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

4 out of 5
4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd South Lake Tahoe CA
The price is ₩141,711 per night from Feb 8 to Feb 9
₩141,711
₩250,089 total
Feb 8 - Feb 9
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,424 reviews)
The only thing was there was no water pressure in the shower. For hot water you had to Let the water run for about 20 min.

Reviewed on Jan 29, 2026

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites

Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites

3.5 out of 5
40644 Hwy 41 Oakhurst CA
The price is ₩132,610 per night from Feb 26 to Feb 27
₩132,610
₩148,119 total
Feb 26 - Feb 27
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Oakhurst. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,782 reviews)
The man who help in the front desk was so nice, great costumer service skills

Reviewed on Jan 25, 2026

Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites
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 ₩164,102 per night from Feb 16 to Feb 17
₩164,102
₩180,512 total
Feb 16 - Feb 17
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,382 reviews)
The room was clean and in good condition. The staff was nice and the breakfast area was large and the food was kept full. The location is as convenient as you can get to the entrance of Sequoia National Park.

Reviewed on Jan 21, 2026

Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia/Kings Canyon
See all 14,029 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.
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! (1,547 reviews)
Love the location, close to the California lodge of Heavenly. Staff is friendly and the room is spacious

Reviewed on Jan 26, 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! (795 reviews)
Great room, very nice staff, best location!

Reviewed on Jan 26, 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! (997 reviews)
Room was clean, the staff was nice. The pool and hot tub was open in winter. The downside is the floor is very thin, and you can hear every foot step from above.

Reviewed on Jan 26, 2026

Tahoe Beach & Ski Club
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

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
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

When you picture California, sunny beaches, surf, and the sea are sure to come to mind first. Don't forget that snow is falling down on the mountain, making Northstar Ski Resort one of the top destinations when ski season arrives.

Northstar California Resort
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