Bay Area Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

North Beach which includes street scenes and cycling
California State Capitol showing heritage architecture
Hakone Gardens featuring a park
South of Market which includes skyline, a park and cbd
Bay Area showing cbd

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

Fisherman\'s Wharf featuring a bay or harbour

Fisherman's Wharf

5/5(4 area reviews)

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.

Fisherman's Wharf
Union Square featuring a skyscraper and a city

Union Square

4/5(287 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

3/5(52 area reviews)

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
South of Market which includes skyline, a park and cbd

South of Market

3.5/5(113 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants great entertainment and top sights from Oracle Park to Chase Center – discover South of Market, a destination also famous for its shopping.

South of Market
Nob Hill showing street scenes and a city

Nob Hill

4.5/5(78 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants Chinatown and top sights from Grace Cathedral to SF Masonic Auditorium – discover Nob Hill, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Nob Hill
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Downtown San Jose

3.5/5(5 area reviews)

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 St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica, and jump on the metro at Santa Clara Station or St James Station to see more of the city.

Downtown San Jose
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 £114 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£114
6 Jul - 7 Jul
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,201 reviews)
"Not bad location, spacious room for family with children. Breakfast is value for money when could paid while making booking but only 2 adults allowed so it turned out expensive for teenagers when bought at the counter. Don’t like the shower without hand held shower head. No drinking water bottles ..."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

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
The price is £141 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£141
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (6,507 reviews)
"Very clean and wonderful breakfast!"

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
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 £84 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
£84
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Burlingame. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,849 reviews)
"After a very frustrating experience at the airport, we felt extremely welcomed here! The check-in staff was so friendly and sweet, and we had only reserved our room less than a half hour before showing up. Not a problem at all! We had a pleasant dinner at the resaurant and enjoyed a soak on the hottub. ..."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG
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
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 (2,756 reviews)
"This hotel is a little dated but it is in an excellent location - only one block to the Alameda beach and shoreline. Plenty of dining options within walking distance. Located in a safe quiet area with awesome views of SF just steps away! Great value for the money."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Standard Queen Room w/Ensuite Bathroom
Standard Queen Room w/Ensuite Bathroom
San Francisco, California
Stay at this guesthouse in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi. Popular attractions Lombard Street and Oracle Park are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (31 reviews)
Great Value for the City!
"We stayed one night here since we needed to be close to the airport for our ladt night.Centrally located and short walk to China Town and Fishermans Wharf. Cool artwork in the room plus the overall accommodation definitely give a NYC vibe - definitely recommend!"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Standard Queen Room w/Ensuite Bathroom
Kasa The Addison San Francisco
Kasa The Addison San Francisco
4 out of 5
2263 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, memory foam beds and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Lombard Street and Pier ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (9 reviews)
Great amenities and good location
"The location is great, but very expensive. We like having a kitchen and laundry facility. There is no fan provided, so be prepared in warmer months. The bathroom door is frosted glass and does not reach the ceiling."

Reviewed on 26 Apr 2025

Kasa The Addison 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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Bay Area