Bay Area

Travel Guide

North Beach featuring cycling and street scenes
California State Capitol which includes heritage architecture
Hakone Gardens showing a garden
South of Market showing central business district, skyline and a garden
Bay Area showing city views

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

Union Square which includes a high rise building and a city

Union Square

4.5/5(7 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
Fisherman\'s Wharf featuring a bay or harbor

Fisherman's Wharf

Pier 39 and San Francisco Bay are top sights in Fisherman's Wharf, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Jones St and Beach St Stop or Jefferson St & Taylor St Stop to see more sights in the area.

Fisherman's Wharf
Downtown San Francisco featuring railway items

Downtown San Francisco

4/5(1 area review)

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 featuring skyline, a city and city views

South of Market

3/5(2 area reviews)

Oracle Park and Chase Center are top sights in South of Market, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Yerba Buena-Moscone Station or Fourth-Brannan Station to see more sights in the area.

South of Market
Nob Hill showing a city and street scenes

Nob Hill

4/5(1 area review)

Travelers love Nob Hill for its popular shops, and you can see more of San Francisco by jumping on the metro at Washington St & Leavenworth St Stop or Washington St & Jones St Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Grace Cathedral and SF Masonic Auditorium.

Nob Hill
Mission District which includes outdoor art

Mission District

Mission District is a destination travelers like for its bars, and you might hop aboard the metro at 16th Street Mission Station or 24th Street Mission Station to explore sights like Southern Exposure.

Mission District
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
4 out of 5
5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA
The price is P10,550 per night from Jun 13 to Jun 14
P10,550
P14,983 total
Jun 13 - Jun 14
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,695 reviews)
"It is peefect for short vacation with a family."

Reviewed on Jun 9, 2025

Hyatt Regency San Francisco
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 P7,356 per night from Jun 12 to Jun 13
P7,356
P8,658 total
Jun 12 - Jun 13
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,068 reviews)
"Very nice and clean hotel. Highly recommend and will definitely be staying here again!"

Reviewed on Jun 10, 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 P7,535 per night from Jun 23 to Jun 24
P7,535
P11,168 total
Jun 23 - Jun 24
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (6,469 reviews)
"The location was very good, the facility was great, the buffet breakfast was very generous. The person that checked us in was amazing!"

Reviewed on Jun 10, 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
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
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Alameda. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
6.8/10 (2,735 reviews)
"Very friendly they help you if you need something thank you so much"

Reviewed on Jun 1, 2025

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 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Santa Clara. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Santana Row Shopping ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (44 reviews)
"This place is very nice and clean. The rooftop pool is great. Just as others commented, there are codes to remember and the pull out couch is not meant to be slept on. It’s all springs. I booked a place that is supposed to sleep four. I put my two kids on the floor on mats. The sleeper sofa is terrible. ..."

Reviewed on Jun 4, 2025

Kasa University-Airport Santa Clara
Cozy and Affordable Homes in Santa Ana
Cozy and Affordable Homes in Santa Ana
2 out of 5
5 Santa Ana Ave, Daly City, CA
Stay at this apartment in Daly City. Popular attractions San Francisco Zoo and Serramonte Center are located nearby.
6.4/10 (24 reviews)
"Overall a great place to stay. It was very clean and the bad was very comfortable. Having a private bathroom is a luxury. My only dislike was the paper thin door which didn't block out any sounds in or out."

Reviewed on May 13, 2025

Cozy and Affordable Homes in Santa Ana
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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