Northern California

Travel Guide

Mill Creek
Mill Creek
Mill Creek
Sacramento featuring street scenes
Napa showing landscape views, a sunset and tranquil scenes
See spectacular mountain regions, follow breathtaking roads winding through stunning wilderness and discover exciting food and art scenes in stylish cities. 

If Southern California is all glamour and beaches, Northern California promises something wilder. Enjoy the edgy, artistic atmosphere of San Francisco, tour some of the best wineries in the country or escape into a wilderness shaped by volcanoes.

The Oakland Museum of California provides one of the best overviews of the region’s history. Follow the story of the state through chronological exhibits, from the traditional crafts and oral stories of Native American culture to the emergence of the tech industry in Silicon Valley.

Start your exploration of Northern California in stunning San Francisco. Riding the trams through the city center is almost compulsory, as is getting a photo of the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge. Pick up some street eats in Chinatown or the Mission District, view artistic masterpieces at the de Young Museum and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art or simply relax in expansive, attraction-filled Golden Gate Park.

Northern California is also home to the charming and stylish state capital, Sacramento. Here you can trace the history of the Golden State at the State Capitol Museum and browse a treasure trove of antique engines at the California State Railroad Museum. Linger in the city to experience its artisan coffee and micro-brewed beer cultures.

Tour the wineries of the Napa Valley, one of the most prestigious wine-producing regions in the U.S. Enjoy outdoor tasting sessions with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Trek out into Northern California’s wilderness areas to find soaring mountain peaks and ancient trees. Marvel at gigantic sequoia in Redwood National Park or hike to the top of Lassen Peak in Lassen Volcanic National Park. The Shasta Cascades lie in the far north of the state and promise exploration in stunning scenery with very few crowds. Spend a day on the shores of Lake Tahoe, where you can ski in winter and kayak in summer.

Fly into San Francisco International Airport then drive north to the mountains and cliffs of the region. Northern California can be visited at any time of year, although some of the higher mountains become inaccessible through winter.

Where to stay in Northern California

Fisherman\'s Wharf featuring a bay or harbor

Fisherman's Wharf

4/5(38 area reviews)

Discover Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, and the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park in this bustling tourist hotspot. Savor seafood at family-owned restaurants and explore the sea lion colony, while enjoying convenient cable car access.

Fisherman's Wharf
Union Square which includes a high rise building and a city

Union Square

4/5(5,164 area reviews)

Major tourist destination in downtown San Francisco, Union Square boasts shopping, hotels, and theaters. Explore department stores, boutiques, and galleries, or catch a performance at various theaters. Enjoy the Dewey Monument and stunning views from nearby hotels. Easily accessible via cable car lines, buses, and subway systems.

Union Square
Downtown San Francisco featuring railway items

Downtown San Francisco

3/5(1,084 area reviews)

Serving as San Francisco's central business district, this area boasts Northern California's two tallest buildings, the Salesforce Tower and Transamerica Pyramid. Explore shopping malls like the Embarcadero Center and enjoy parks such as Sue Biermann Park, all easily accessible via Muni bus and rail lines.

Downtown San Francisco
Greater Sacremento

Downtown Sacramento

3.5/5(2,063 area reviews)

Undergoing revitalization, Downtown Sacramento boasts the retail and entertainment hub, Downtown Commons (DOCO), with Macy's and various dining options. Explore the California State Capitol, Sacramento City Hall, and enjoy convenient public transit options.

Downtown Sacramento
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
Nob Hill showing a city and street scenes

Nob Hill

4.5/5(1,100 area reviews)

Luxury hotels, historic mansions, and Michelin-starred restaurants abound in this upscale area. Explore Union Square shopping district, Grace Cathedral, and the SF Masonic Auditorium for a taste of culture and history.

Nob Hill
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$3,708 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
NT$3,708
NT$4,364 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
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! (4,256 reviews)
A total surprise
"I enjoyed my stay, but was shocked when I checked in, I was not assigned the room with two beds I had requested initially. On top of that, I was asked for a deposit of five hundred dollars."

Reviewed on 2025/7/10

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 NT$3,773 per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
NT$3,773
NT$5,645 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
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! (6,529 reviews)
"Staff were friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 2025/7/11

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
4 out of 5
5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA
The price is NT$4,959 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
NT$4,959
NT$7,176 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star 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! (1,727 reviews)
"Love this hotel. The staff here is always fantastic! Amy at the front desk was so kind and funny, Tonny in valet was also helpful, kind and a pleasure to talk to. I look forward to our next stay!"

Reviewed on 2025/7/8

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.
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 (2,758 reviews)
"This hotel is a little dated but it is in an excellent location - only one block to the Alameda beach and shoreline. Plenty of dining options within walking distance. Located in a safe quiet area with awesome views of SF just steps away! Great value for the money."

Reviewed on 2025/6/30

Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Hyatt Vacation Club at Northstar Lodge, Lake Tahoe
Hyatt Vacation Club at Northstar Lodge, Lake Tahoe
4.5 out of 5
970 Northstar Drive, Truckee, CA
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Truckee. Enjoy free parking, 3 hot tubs, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,053 reviews)
"This was exactly what I wanted. Absolutely amazing. Met all expectations. I was stunned at all the amenities available. I give the staff and the room five stars. This was definitely luxury and I wish I could’ve stayed longer. I plan to return when the snow comes."

Reviewed on 2025/7/7

Hyatt Vacation Club at Northstar Lodge, Lake Tahoe
RiverPointe Napa Valley Resort
RiverPointe Napa Valley Resort
3 out of 5
500 Lincoln Ave, Napa, CA
Stay at this 3-star condo in Napa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,267 reviews)
"Was a good size and decent price. Would stay again."

Reviewed on 2025/7/9

RiverPointe Napa Valley Resort
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 Northern California