Northern California

Travel Guide

Mill Creek showing tranquil scenes and a sunset
Mill Creek featuring mountains, tranquil scenes and a lake or waterhole
Mill Creek which includes forests and dangerous animals
Sacramento showing street scenes
Napa featuring tranquil scenes, a sunset and farmland

See spectacular mountain regions, follow breathtaking roads winding through stunning wilderness and discover exciting food and art scenes in stylish cities. 

If Southern California is all glamour and beaches, Northern California promises something wilder. Enjoy the edgy, artistic atmosphere of San Francisco, tour some of the best wineries in the country or escape into a wilderness shaped by volcanoes.

The Oakland Museum of California provides one of the best overviews of the region’s history. Follow the story of the state through chronological exhibits, from the traditional crafts and oral stories of Native American culture to the emergence of the tech industry in Silicon Valley.

Start your exploration of Northern California in stunning San Francisco. Riding the trams through the city center is almost compulsory, as is getting a photo of the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge. Pick up some street eats in Chinatown or the Mission District, view artistic masterpieces at the de Young Museum and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art or simply relax in expansive, attraction-filled Golden Gate Park.

Northern California is also home to the charming and stylish state capital, Sacramento. Here you can trace the history of the Golden State at the State Capitol Museum and browse a treasure trove of antique engines at the California State Railroad Museum. Linger in the city to experience its artisan coffee and micro-brewed beer cultures.

Tour the wineries of the Napa Valley, one of the most prestigious wine-producing regions in the U.S. Enjoy outdoor tasting sessions with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Trek out into Northern California’s wilderness areas to find soaring mountain peaks and ancient trees. Marvel at gigantic sequoia in Redwood National Park or hike to the top of Lassen Peak in Lassen Volcanic National Park. The Shasta Cascades lie in the far north of the state and promise exploration in stunning scenery with very few crowds. Spend a day on the shores of Lake Tahoe, where you can ski in winter and kayak in summer.

Fly into San Francisco International Airport then drive north to the mountains and cliffs of the region. Northern California can be visited at any time of year, although some of the higher mountains become inaccessible through winter.

Where to stay in Northern California

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
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
Default Image

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 Chase Center 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
Greater Sacramento

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.

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

South of Market

3/5(2 area reviews)

Oracle Park and Chase Center 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 Grace Cathedral and SF Masonic Auditorium.

Nob Hill
Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG

Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1177 Airport Blvd, Burlingame, CA
Fully refundable
The price is P6,023 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P6,023
P6,848 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Burlingame. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,978 reviews)
"This property was a pretty good deal for the price. The location was fantastic, the daily buffet breakfast at the restaurant was nice and the other food there was tasty as well. The property itself needed a little TLC but nonetheless we enjoyed our stay in our comfortable room. We would consider ..."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG
Hilton San Francisco Financial District

Hilton San Francisco Financial District

4 out of 5
750 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA
The price is P7,265 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P7,265
P8,551 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (1,576 reviews)
"Great location. Walking distance to chinatown, financial district and little Italy. My room location was a little noisy. It was located right beside/behind the elevators. I can hear rumbling noise, I thought at first I was near a train station but realized it must be the elevators."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Hilton San Francisco Financial District
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 P7,569 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
P7,569
P11,272 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (6,637 reviews)
Great location, comfortable and clean
"The rooms were very comfortable and the breakfast was delicious. The location was super convenient to Pier 39, fishermen warf and Pier 33"

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

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.
Hyatt Vacation Club at Northstar Lodge, Lake Tahoe

Hyatt Vacation Club at Northstar Lodge, Lake Tahoe

4.5 out of 5
970 Northstar Drive, Truckee, CA
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Truckee. Enjoy free parking, 3 hot tubs, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,066 reviews)
"The location is nice - close to grocery and restaurants. Some of the rooms could use some updates and some detailed cleaning. One of our sinks did not drain properly, a shower head needed replacement and some cobwebs in the corners of rooms. Otherwise beds were comfy, kitchen was nice and had the ..."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Hyatt Vacation Club at Northstar Lodge, Lake Tahoe
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 (2,774 reviews)
"Love coral reef, been visiting them for about 5 years. Love the views, and the availability of food in the area is amazing!!!!!"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Coral Reef Inn & Suites
RiverPointe Napa Valley Resort

RiverPointe Napa Valley Resort

3 out of 5
500 Lincoln Ave, Napa, CA
Stay at this 3-star condo in Napa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,282 reviews)
"Cute and cozy cabin. Nice pool and hot tub"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

RiverPointe Napa Valley Resort
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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