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 £131 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
£131
10 Aug - 11 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 Zoe Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
425 North Point San Francisco CA
The price is £167 per night from 19 Aug to 20 Aug
£167
19 Aug - 20 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf
Fairmont San Francisco

Fairmont San Francisco

5 out of 5
950 Mason Street Atop Nob Hill San Francisco CA
The price is £258 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
£258
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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 their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,550 reviews)
"Nickeled and Dimed, but still a good time! The hotel is gorgeous and the location is perfect. The "urban fee" is a ridiculous way to make you overspend - just charge me $10 more dollars at the top and don't make me 'figure out hot how to utilize the $10 minibar credit that I am getting charged $10 ..."

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2026

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.
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! (1,329 reviews)
"Hotel staff was super friendly, great location too! Adam the Manager handled a very small situation with the utmost professionalism. This will be out go to hotel when we visit San Francisco in the future."

Reviewed on 19 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 (3,003 reviews)
"I loved and been here first time stay at Coral Reef November 2016. Changed in some ways but not much."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2026

Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Acqua-suite. Experience luxury on the water in this amazing floating suite.

Acqua-suite. Experience luxury on the water in this amazing floating suite.

Sausalito CA
Stay at this houseboat in Sausalito. Enjoy an in-room coffee maker and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (64 reviews)
"Wonderful stay in a beautiful location in Sausalito harbor. Within walking distance of great restaurants and downtown Sausalito. Highly recommended!"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2026

Acqua-suite. Experience luxury on the water in this amazing floating suite.
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.

Stay near popular Bay Area attractions

Things to do

Cities near Bay Area

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