Bay Area Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

North Beach which includes street scenes and cycling
North Beach which includes street scenes and cycling
California State Capitol showing heritage architecture
Hakone Gardens featuring a park
South of Market which includes skyline, a park and cbd

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 featuring a skyscraper and a city

Union Square

4/5(287 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 Francisco featuring railway items

Downtown San Francisco

3/5(52 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 Warfield Theatre 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
Fisherman\'s Wharf featuring a bay or harbour

Fisherman's Wharf

5/5(4 area reviews)

Travellers love Fisherman's Wharf for its popular shops, and you can see more of San Francisco by jumping on the metro at Jones St and Beach St Stop or Jefferson St & Taylor St Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Square.

Fisherman's Wharf
South of Market which includes skyline, a park and cbd

South of Market

3.5/5(113 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants great entertainment and top sights from Oracle Park to SOMA Pilipinas – discover South of Market, a destination also famous for its shopping.

South of Market
Nob Hill showing street scenes and a city

Nob Hill

4.5/5(78 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants Chinatown and top sights from SF Masonic Auditorium to Cable Car Museum – discover Nob Hill, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Nob Hill
Mission District which includes outdoor art

Mission District

3.5/5(11 area reviews)

You might enjoy the bars while in Mission District. SF Armory is a notable sight, and you can get around town at 16th Street Mission Station or 24th Street Mission Station to see more of the city.

Mission District
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 ₹11,590 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
₹11,590
₹13,641 total
16 Feb - 17 Feb
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (5,202 reviews)
Room is clean

Reviewed on 30 Jan 2026

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 ₹10,859 per night from 10 Feb to 11 Feb
₹10,859
₹16,551 total
10 Feb - 11 Feb
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (7,308 reviews)
Comfy beds. Short walk to Pier 39. Safe surroundings. Fire pits. Quiet.

Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hilton San Francisco Financial District

Hilton San Francisco Financial District

4 out of 5
750 Kearny St San Francisco CA
The price is ₹10,440 per night from 15 Feb to 16 Feb
₹10,440
₹12,287 total
15 Feb - 16 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness centre and Wi-Fi (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,361 reviews)
Savvy, clean, sleek in a very clean China town. I love the cars a aialbe to pick you up and drop off as part of the guest services. The breakfast was not buffet style but still covered side orders of fruit and drinks. It was a good deal to have it connected with your room purchase. The view was breathe ...

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026

Hilton San Francisco Financial District
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 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 (2,892 reviews)
Yes very clean and staff very nice and accommodating

Reviewed on 27 Jan 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (59 reviews)
Spacious unit. Newer building with nice amenities and secure parking. Building was quiet and peaceful, even though it is adjacent to a university. We enjoyed the space and the location. The unit is modern inside and nicely furnished We appreciated the detailed check in instructions. The only minor ...

Reviewed on 21 Jan 2026

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 Serramonte Center and Stonestown Galleria are located nearby.
6/10 (27 reviews)
Location for work was great but the room was cold

Reviewed on 23 Oct 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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Bay Area

Explore a world of travel with Expedia