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 £132 per night from 20 Sept to 21 Sept
£132
20 Sept - 21 Sept
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
The price is £175 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
£175
8 Sept - 9 Sept
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! (7,673 reviews)
"Great staff. Especially the bar staff, really nice property. We would definitely stay again and recommend to all friends and families"

Reviewed on 7 Sept 2026

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hilton San Francisco Union Square

Hilton San Francisco Union Square

4 out of 5
333 O'Farrell St. San Francisco CA
The price is £147 per night from 3 Oct to 4 Oct
£147
3 Oct - 4 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy 2 bars/lounges, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
Hilton San Francisco Union Square
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! (1,446 reviews)
"The staff were super friendly and the location was perfect. The room was a little noisy (vehicles) but ear plugs were provided, no one in our room had to use them. I would highly recommend this property and will definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 6 Sept 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 (3,039 reviews)
"The room may be outdated, but their location is in very convenient area which is right next to the beach and shopping plaza! Their balcony view was very nice as well. Staff is very nice and i was very happy with our stay"

Reviewed on 7 Sept 2026

Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Kasa University-Airport Santa Clara

Kasa University-Airport Santa Clara

4 out of 5
588 El Camino Real Santa Clara CA
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Santa Clara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions SAP Center at San Jose ...
Kasa University-Airport Santa Clara
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

Explore a world of travel with Expedia