Northern California Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Mill Creek
Mill Creek
Mill Creek
Sacramento which includes street scenes
Napa showing farmland, a sunset and landscape views

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 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 San Francisco Bay.

Fisherman's Wharf
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
Default Image

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 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
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 Golden 1 Center and K Street Mall 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
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 Chase Center – 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 Grace Cathedral to SF Masonic Auditorium – discover Nob Hill, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Nob Hill
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 ₹11,571 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
₹11,571
₹17,150 total
8 Jul - 9 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (6,507 reviews)
"Very clean and wonderful breakfast!"

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
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 ₹11,241 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
₹11,241
₹13,230 total
6 Jul - 7 Jul
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! (4,201 reviews)
"Not bad location, spacious room for family with children. Breakfast is value for money when could paid while making booking but only 2 adults allowed so it turned out expensive for teenagers when bought at the counter. Don’t like the shower without hand held shower head. No drinking water bottles ..."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG
Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG
3.5 out of 5
1177 Airport Blvd, Burlingame, CA
The price is ₹7,971 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
₹7,971
₹9,063 total
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Burlingame. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,849 reviews)
"After a very frustrating experience at the airport, we felt extremely welcomed here! The check-in staff was so friendly and sweet, and we had only reserved our room less than a half hour before showing up. Not a problem at all! We had a pleasant dinner at the resaurant and enjoyed a soak on the hottub. ..."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG
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.
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 centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,049 reviews)
"Quiet in summertime..next time we will ask for a room in the back to avoid pool noise however. Good restaurants in area (a few)- amazed that people left trash near the pool area- and wasn't picked up in the morning."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,262 reviews)
Cute trailer hotel
"This is a cute property right next to Napa River, with 100 separate trailers with good size bedroom, kitchen/living room with sleeper sofa, and separated by a bathroom with tubs and closet. Room is slightly dated but clean and functional. Kitchen has a large fridge and sink and microwave and coffee ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

RiverPointe Napa Valley Resort
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 (2,756 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 30 Jun 2025

Coral Reef Inn & 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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Northern California