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.

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 £162 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
£162
20 Jul - 21 Jul
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! (7,573 reviews)
"Really great hotel and amenities. The location was perfect for families staying near Pier 39. The hotel did nickel and dime for receiving a package at the hotel ($5 fee). Parking and resort fee was expensive on top of the room rate. They are strict about how many people per room for the breakfast ..."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2026

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Handlery Union Square Hotel

Handlery Union Square Hotel

3.5 out of 5
351 Geary St San Francisco CA
The price is £157 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
£157
26 Jul - 27 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,308 reviews)
"The location was wonderful right down from Union Square. Great spot to get on the trolleys and plenty of shopping nearby. Lots of restaurants within walking distance. Staff was very friendly and they gave us a discount card for nearby restaurants. There was a small pool, but we were away too much ..."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2026

Handlery Union Square Hotel
Hyatt Regency San Francisco

Hyatt Regency San Francisco

4 out of 5
5 Embarcadero Center San Francisco CA
The price is £209 per night from 17 Jul to 18 Jul
£209
17 Jul - 18 Jul
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 helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,366 reviews)
"We stay here every time when planning an overnight stay in the city. Best rooms are the balcony ones with a bay view. The evelavtors are also a fun experience. The cable car station is right in front of the hotel as well so it’s super easy to get to the big tourist spots"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2026

Hyatt Regency 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! (1,316 reviews)
"My family and I stayed here and it was such a great experience. The staff were very attentive and always willing to serve. The room was very clean and it was as we expected in general. The hotel is close to the Pier 39 and one block away drop the cable car. We were will definitively stay here ..."

Reviewed on 11 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 (3,002 reviews)
"Parking was easy. Super convenient and close to things and it was nice to have an actual kitchen. Anytime I saw the staff and had a question they were very nice and helpful"

Reviewed on 8 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! (61 reviews)
"Loved it - so fun!! Only issue at all was steps down to bathroom - a little steep. But the view was beautiful and the ambiance was laid back and creative. Thanks so much!!"

Reviewed on 21 Jun 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.

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