Bay Area

Travel Guide

North Beach featuring cycling and street scenes
California State Capitol which includes heritage architecture
Hakone Gardens showing a garden
South of Market showing central business district, skyline and a garden
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

Union Square which includes a high rise building and a city

Union Square

4.5/5(7 area reviews)

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.

Union Square
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Downtown San Francisco

4/5(1 area review)

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.

Downtown San Francisco
Fisherman\'s Wharf featuring a bay or harbor

Fisherman's Wharf

Pier 39 and San Francisco Bay are top sights in Fisherman's Wharf, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Jones St and Beach St Stop or Jefferson St & Taylor St Stop to see more sights in the area.

Fisherman's Wharf
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Downtown San Jose

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 San Jose Museum of Art, and jump on the metro at Santa Clara Station or St James Station to see more of the city.

Downtown San Jose
South of Market showing central business district, skyline and a garden

South of Market

3/5(2 area reviews)

Oracle Park and San Francisco Bay 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(1 area review)

Travelers love Nob Hill for its popular shops, and you can see more of San Francisco by jumping on the metro at Washington St & Leavenworth St Stop or Washington St & Jones St Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like SF Masonic Auditorium and Cable Car Museum.

Nob Hill
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 P5,855 per night from Jan 5 to Jan 6
P5,855
P9,312 total
Jan 5 - Jan 6, 2026
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (7,230 reviews)
Food is good and staff friendly

Reviewed on Dec 27, 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hilton San Francisco Financial District

Hilton San Francisco Financial District

4 out of 5
750 Kearny St San Francisco CA
The price is P6,214 per night from Jan 5 to Jan 6
P6,214
P7,314 total
Jan 5 - Jan 6, 2026
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! (2,184 reviews)
Pacifico our bellman was amazing! The room was great and all super easy.

Reviewed on Dec 27, 2025

Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Fairmont San Francisco

Fairmont San Francisco

5 out of 5
950 Mason Street Atop Nob Hill San Francisco CA
The price is P13,218 per night from Jan 4 to Jan 5
P13,218
P18,323 total
Jan 4 - Jan 5, 2026
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,438 reviews)
YES!

Reviewed on Dec 27, 2025

Fairmont San Francisco
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 (2,873 reviews)
Older place but clean and comfortable.

Reviewed on Dec 28, 2025

Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Kasa University-Airport Santa Clara

Kasa University-Airport Santa Clara

4 out of 5
588 El Camino Real Santa Clara CA
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Santa Clara. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions SAP Center at ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (56 reviews)
The unit was spacious, clean, and comfortable. The location is close to SAP Center. There’s a cafe downstairs. Otherwise you need to drive for eateries.

Reviewed on Dec 14, 2025

Kasa University-Airport Santa Clara
Cozy and Affordable Homes in Santa Ana

Cozy and Affordable Homes in Santa Ana

2 out of 5
5 Santa Ana Ave Daly City CA
Stay at this apartment in Daly City. Popular attractions Serramonte Center and Stonestown Galleria are located nearby.
6/10 (27 reviews)
Location for work was great but the room was cold

Reviewed on Oct 23, 2025

Cozy and Affordable Homes in Santa Ana
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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