Northern California Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Northern California
Where to stay in Northern California
Union Square
Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Union Square. Check out top attractions like Westin St Francis Hotel Glass Elevators and Union Square, and jump on the metro at Powell St & Geary Blvd Stop or Powell St & Post St Stop to see more of the city.
Downtown San Francisco
Known for its fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Francisco. Top attractions like Oracle Park and San Francisco Bay are major draws. Catch the metro at Market St & 5th St Stop or Market St & Taylor St Stop to see more of the city.
Fisherman's Wharf
Travellers love Fisherman's Wharf for its popular shops, and you can see more of San Francisco by jumping on the metro at Jones St and Beach St Stop or Jefferson St & Taylor St Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Pier 39 and San Francisco Bay.
Downtown Sacramento
Known for its abundant dining options and interesting museums, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Sacramento. Top attractions like Golden 1 Center and K Street Mall are major draws, and you can catch the metro at 8th & H/County Center Station or 7th & I/County Center Station to see more of the city.
Northstar
If you're spending some time in Northstar, Northstar California Resort and Big Springs Express Gondola are top sights worth seeing.
South of Market
Gourmet restaurants great entertainment and top sights from Oracle Park to San Francisco Bay – discover South of Market, a destination also famous for its shopping.
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
First time staying and won’t be the last; we enjoyed the amenities and every staff member we met was so nice. I really enjoyed the spa, too. Thank you for a great stay!
Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
The room was very clear. I loved the modern decor. The gentleman who checked me in was extremely warm and friendly! Sorry. I forgot to write his name down.
Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
A great View and a great value. Staff was friendly!
Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026
Hyatt Vacation Club at Northstar Lodge, Lake Tahoe
Clean but rooms are overly used.
Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026
Coral Reef Inn & Suites
The kitchen, great for when yo you are cooking for a toddler.
Reviewed on 10 Jan 2026
Olympic Village Inn
The staff were all VERY nice and helpful. This was a good deal to stay right by Squaw, within walking distance to the ski hill and village.
Reviewed on 9 Jan 2026
Popular places to visit
Stanford University
Enjoy the student vibe around Stanford University, a top university in Palo Alto. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
Yosemite Valley
Explore the great outdoors at Yosemite Valley, a popular spot to commune with nature in Yosemite National Park. Amble around the area's riverfront or seek out its hiking trails.
Golden Gate Bridge
After visiting Golden Gate Bridge, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in San Francisco. Amble around this vibrant area's seaside or experience its acclaimed theatre scene.
Golden 1 Center
Catch an event at Golden 1 Center and enjoy other activities in Sacramento such as cycling.Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort
Hit the slopes at Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort, a top ski area in Mammoth Lakes. Wander the lakeside or discover the mountain views in this quaint area.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Take the family to visit the sea life at Monterey Bay Aquarium, and find out why this is a top attraction in Monterey. Stroll along the area's seaside or simply savour its seafood restaurants.
- Stanford University
- Redwood National and State Parks
- Yosemite National Park
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Levi's Stadium
- Golden 1 Center
- Monterey Bay
- Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Palisades Tahoe
- Golden Gate Park
- Pier 39
- Moscone Convention Center
- Napa Valley Wine Train
- Northstar California Resort
- SAP Center at San Jose
- Lombard Street
- Tesla Motors
- Chase Center
- Presidio of San Francisco
- Alcatraz Island
- Jack London Square
- Sonoma Plaza
