Bay Area, CA

Travel Guide
California State Capitol which includes heritage architecture
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 showing a city and a marina

Fisherman's Wharf

4/5(38 area reviews)

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

3/5(1,084 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
Union Square which includes a high rise building and a city

Union Square

4/5(5,164 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
Downtown San Jose featuring heritage architecture

Downtown San Jose

4/5(936 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
Western Addition showing a coastal town, heritage architecture and a house

Western Addition

4/5(453 area reviews)

Travelers love Western Addition for its popular shops, and you can see more of San Francisco by jumping on the metro at Duboce Avenue & Noe Street Station or Duboce Ave & Church St Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Alamo Square and Painted Ladies.

Western Addition
South of Market featuring skyline, a city and city views

South of Market

3.5/5(3,655 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
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
The price is NT$4,692 per night from May 27 to May 28
NT$4,692
per night
May 27 - May 28
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,502 reviews)
Must stay IN SAN FRAN
"Great service clean hotel will definitely stay again"

Reviewed on 2024/5/3

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
4 out of 5
5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA
The price is NT$6,440 per night from May 10 to May 11
NT$6,440
per night
May 10 - May 11
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,857 reviews)
"Beautiful facility with nice staff, beautiful area clean rooms, nice stay!"

Reviewed on 2024/4/30

Hyatt Regency San Francisco
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 NT$4,693 per night from May 27 to May 28
NT$4,693
per night
May 27 - May 28
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (6,157 reviews)
Do stay here
"Delightful stay. Incredible breakfast included. Already recommended to friends coming in June and will continue to recommend it. The staff seemed genuinely friendly. A breath of fresh air in an overly expensive town."

Reviewed on 2024/5/2

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
Stay at this aparthotel in Alameda. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
6.6/10 (2,550 reviews)
"soda machines dont work or are sold out"

Reviewed on 2024/4/23

Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Baden Apartments
Baden Apartments
2 out of 5
411 Baden Ave, South San Francisco, CA
Stay at this apartment in South San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi and a microwave. Popular attractions Serramonte Center and Cow Palace are located nearby. Discover ...
7.4/10 Good! (13 reviews)
"Everything was great with the property. I would have loved to watch tv before bed but all wax well."

Reviewed on 2023/10/23

Baden Apartments
Modern Trendy Spacious Homes SSFDowntown
Modern Trendy Spacious Homes SSFDowntown
2 out of 5
429 Baden Ave, South San Francisco, CA
Stay at this apartment in South San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a Smart TV, and satellite TV. Popular attractions Serramonte Center and Cow Palace are located ...
7/10 Good! (4 reviews)
"It feel like home!"

Reviewed on 2024/2/25

Modern Trendy Spacious Homes SSFDowntown
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