Central Valley Travel Guide

Tourist 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(8 area reviews)

Known for its abundant dining options and interesting museums, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Sacramento. Top attractions like K Street Mall and Golden 1 Center are major draws, and you can catch the metro at 8th & H/County Center Station or 7th & I/County Center Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Sacramento
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Northstar

If you're spending some time in Northstar, Northstar California Resort and Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort Golf Course are top sights worth seeing.

Northstar
Heavenly Valley, Ski Resort at South Lake Tahoe

Heavenly Valley

If you're spending some time in Heavenly Valley, Heavenly Ski Resort and Aerial Tramway are top sights worth seeing.

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

Northstar Village

While visiting Northstar Village, you might make a stop by sights like Northstar California Resort and Village Ice Skating Rink.

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

Lakeside Park

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

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

Lakeside Park
Lake Tahoe Panoramic Overlook in Winter from Heavenly

Heavenly Village

While visiting Heavenly Village, you might make a stop by sights like The Shops at Heavenly Village and Heavenly Gondola.

Heavenly Village
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

4 out of 5
4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd South Lake Tahoe CA
The price is ₹8,923 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
₹8,923
₹15,747 total
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly resort in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,516 reviews)
The staff, every one of them we encountered went above and beyond

Reviewed on 26 Feb 2026

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Hotel Piccadilly

Hotel Piccadilly

3 out of 5
2305 W Shaw Ave Fresno CA
The price is ₹6,886 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
₹6,886
₹7,863 total
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Fresno. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,829 reviews)
Clean room

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2026

Hotel Piccadilly
Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia/Kings Canyon

Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia/Kings Canyon

2.5 out of 5
40820 Sierra Dr Three Rivers CA
The price is ₹10,201 per night from 3 Mar to 4 Mar
₹10,201
₹11,221 total
3 Mar - 4 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Three Rivers. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,398 reviews)
The room was fine, I was and still am pretty upset I was made to pay an additional $50 for my son’s service dog to stay. I was unaware that any charges for a service animal is legal??

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026

Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia/Kings Canyon
See all 14,064 properties in Central Valley
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 Wi-Fi, 4 hot tubs and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
Room was clean, and right next to Gondola. However, neighbors were very loud, disappointing especially how much those rooms are per night.

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026

Marriott's Timber Lodge
Tahoe Beach & Ski Club

Tahoe Beach & Ski Club

3 out of 5
3601 Lake Tahoe Blvd. South Lake Tahoe CA
Stay at this beach condo in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,017 reviews)
The room was very clean and the location is fantastic. To be so close to food and entertainment as well as beach front is amazing.

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026

Tahoe Beach & Ski Club
The Americana Village

The Americana Village

2 out of 5
3845 Pioneer Trl South Lake Tahoe CA
Stay at this beach aparthotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,574 reviews)
They are very limited in the breakfast section and quantity for the guests

Reviewed on 26 Feb 2026

The Americana Village
See all properties in Central Valley
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

Northstar California Resort which includes a hotel and ice skating as well as a small group of people

Northstar California Resort

When you picture California, sunny beaches, surf, and the sea are sure to come to mind first. Don't forget that snow is falling down on the mountain, making Northstar Ski Resort one of the top destinations when ski season arrives.

Northstar California Resort
Squaw Valley Resort showing snowboarding and snow as well as an individual male

Palisades Tahoe

Two expansive ski resorts in North Lake Tahoe have joined to provide some of the finest snow experiences on the whole continent, with an added dash of celebrity sparkle.

Palisades Tahoe
Aerial perspective of Sacramento, California, highlighting the Golden 1 Center, high rise buildings, and the Sacramento River under a clear blue sky.

Golden 1 Center

Catch an event at Golden 1 Center and enjoy other activities in Sacramento such as cycling.Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Golden 1 Center
Heavenly Mountain Gondola which includes a bay or harbour, a lake or waterhole and a beach

Heavenly Gondola

Glide across the sky and appreciate breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Tahoe on this scenic gondola ride to a summit where exciting adventure activities await.

Heavenly Gondola
Sequoia National Park showing forest scenes as well as an individual female

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Be humbled by nature at its most impressive in these two breathtaking national parks, home to some of the largest living things on this planet.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Lake Tahoe

The Shops at Heavenly Village

You can enjoy retail therapy at The Shops at Heavenly Village during your visit to South Lake Tahoe. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this quaint area or seek out the ski slopes.

The Shops at Heavenly Village

Cities near Central Valley

Bakersfield

Bakersfield

Fresno featuring signage

Fresno

Adobe

Inyokern

Yosemite valley and merced river

Merced

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