Central Valley, CA

Travel Guide

My bucket list is to visit all 59 US National Parks. So far, we've visited over 30... here's one of them.

Lassen National Park is up there with the newest national park, Pinnacles, as most obscure in California. This park used to be a volcano that went off in the not-so-far past. Lassen boasts mountains, lakes, and thermal features. Go in the winter for less crowds and lots of #snow!
My bucket list is to visit all 59 US National Parks. So far, we've visited over 30... here's one of them.

Lassen National Park is up there with the newest national park, Pinnacles, as most obscure in California. This park used to be a volcano that went off in the not-so-far past. Lassen boasts mountains, lakes, and thermal features. Go in the winter for less crowds and lots of #snow!
The final stretch of  the 400 steps leading to the top of Sequoia National Park's Moro Rock.  

The granite dome rock formation is located in the center of the park, at the head of Moro Creek, between Giant Forest and Crescent Meadow.  

We were greeted at the top by beautiful vistas of San Joaquin Valley.  If I had it to do again, I'd time the 30-minute hike up to catch the sunrise or sunset with the spectacular views available.  The road to Moro Rock is closed during winter months, necessitating a 2-mile hike to reach this dome-shaped granite monolith.  

See the full story of our hike up Moro Rock via my blog at http://www.aplacecalledroam.com/home/moro-rock-a-chance-to-touch-the-sky.
Here one of my sunset photo of South Lake Tahoe during my visit last week , enjoy!
Rafting the Kern River. Even though this year has been dry in California, there's still enough water for some fun. #weekendgetaway

Where to stay in Central Valley

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
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Northstar

While visiting Northstar, you might make a stop by sights like Northstar California Resort and Big Springs Express Gondola.

Northstar
Heavenly Valley, Ski Resort at South Lake Tahoe

Heavenly Valley

While visiting Heavenly Valley, you might make a stop by sights like Heavenly Ski Resort and Aerial Tramway.

Heavenly Valley
The Donner lake under the snow in winter, in California, panorama, with tunnels in the mountain for the train

Northstar Village

If you're spending some time in Northstar Village, Northstar California Resort and Big Springs Express Gondola are top sights worth seeing.

Northstar Village
Lake Tahoe Panoramic Overlook in Winter from Heavenly

Heavenly Village

If you're spending some time in Heavenly Village, The Shops at Heavenly Village and Heavenly Gondola are top sights worth seeing.

Heavenly Village
A tourist man bathing sunrise at Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, California

Lakeside Park

4/5(665 area reviews)

Lakeside Park might not have many top sights, but Casino at Harrah's Lake Tahoe and Heavenly Gondola are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Lakeside Park
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

4 out of 5
4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd South Lake Tahoe CA
The price is NT$3,357 per night from Mar 3 to Mar 4
NT$3,357
NT$5,749 total
Mar 3 - Mar 4
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly resort in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Hotel Piccadilly

Hotel Piccadilly

3 out of 5
2305 W Shaw Ave Fresno CA
The price is NT$2,509 per night from Feb 25 to Feb 26
NT$2,509
NT$2,865 total
Feb 25 - Feb 26
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Fresno. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,816 reviews)
Great

Reviewed on 2026/2/16

Hotel Piccadilly
Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites

Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites

3.5 out of 5
40644 Hwy 41 Oakhurst CA
The price is NT$2,821 per night from Feb 19 to Feb 20
NT$2,821
NT$3,151 total
Feb 19 - Feb 20
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Oakhurst. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,792 reviews)
The suite room was very spacious and clean. The staff was very attentive. I had booked thru expedia and paid using my expedia key rewards $ and used a third party to pay for it. Everything was so easy when I checked in. Will definitely stay here again.

Reviewed on 2026/2/16

Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites
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's Timber Lodge

Marriott's Timber Lodge

4 out of 5
4100 Lake Tahoe Blvd South Lake Tahoe CA
Stay at this hotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 hot tubs, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
The staff was very accommodating and helpful. The room was very clean and nicely orchestrated. I really like that. They have a spa on site a swimming pool that’s heated on site and a gym on site. You can buy a heavenly ski pass at the front desk instead of having to wait in line elsewhere. All the ...

Reviewed on 2026/2/16

Marriott's Timber Lodge
The Americana Village

The Americana Village

2 out of 5
3845 Pioneer Trl South Lake Tahoe CA
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,562 reviews)
The room was clean, the staff was very friendly. We love the amenities and location. We definitely come back.

Reviewed on 2026/2/15

The Americana Village
Stardust Lodge

Stardust Lodge

2.5 out of 5
4061 Lake Tahoe Blvd South Lake Tahoe CA
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (809 reviews)
All of the above. Great staff, hot tub, nice room and free parking. Fantastic location

Reviewed on 2026/2/14

Stardust Lodge
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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