Bay Area Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A busy urban street with cars, a cyclist, and a red double-decker bus.
A large white building with a dome and columns, an American flag, and a clear blue sky.
A lush garden with a wooden bridge, a large tree, and a waterfall.
A cityscape with modern skyscrapers, a central park with pathways, and a few people walking.
A modern skyscraper with a pointed top, surrounded by other tall buildings.

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.

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 £126 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
£126
23 Aug - 24 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the ...
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
2500 Mason St San Francisco CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £175 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
£175
9 Aug - 10 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (7,570 reviews)
"Room: B The hotel room was a decent size with 2 queen beds and a little sitting area with a couch. The bed was a little firm to my liking and my wife noticed the left side had a little dip. The air conditioning was a little loud, but luckily we are heavy sleepers. The TV only had a few channels but ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2026

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Parc 55 San Francisco - A Hilton Hotel

Parc 55 San Francisco - A Hilton Hotel

4 out of 5
55 Cyril Magnin St San Francisco CA
The price is £159 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
£159
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,548 reviews)
"The stay at this hotel was second to none in every category. The staff was very friendly and very professional and they went above and beyond to make sure our stay was as good as possible. Maria was very kind and friendly and I highly recommend that someone recognize her as the best agent on the ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2026

Parc 55 San Francisco - A Hilton Hotel
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 aparthotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,352 reviews)
"Room was very clean and the staff was courteous and professional. The hotel was walking distance to most sites. I would definitely stay here again!"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2026

Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco
Coral Reef Inn & Suites

Coral Reef Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
400 Park St Alameda CA
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Alameda. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
6.8/10 (3,011 reviews)
"We were gone all day, and only slept and showered there. Its quite dated, but in good condition. The only complaint would be the front desk never being answered. Pretty much have to walk down to the lobby. Once you're there though, the staff is very helpful :)"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2026

Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Cozy quiet & relaxing hide-a-way in the heart of Sausalito's ‘Hurricane Gulch.’

Cozy quiet & relaxing hide-a-way in the heart of Sausalito's ‘Hurricane Gulch.’

Sausalito CA
Stay at this cottage in Sausalito. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
"My wife and I stayed here for two nights with our 1 year old Jack. The place was absolutely spectacular, with breathtaking views of the bay and SF from all the windows of the house. It's super walkable to town, and we really enjoyed all the nautical decor. Charles and his family were very accommodating ..."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2026

Cozy quiet & relaxing hide-a-way in the heart of Sausalito's ‘Hurricane Gulch.’
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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