Bay Area Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A busy urban street with cars, a cyclist, and a red double-decker bus.
A large white building with a dome and columns, an American flag, and a clear blue sky.
A lush garden with a wooden bridge, a large tree, and a waterfall.
A cityscape with modern skyscrapers, a central park with pathways, and a few people walking.
A modern skyscraper with a pointed top, surrounded by other tall buildings.

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.

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 AU$294 per night from 20 July to 21 July
AU$294
20 July - 21 July
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (7,596 reviews)
"Nice location. Easy parking"

Reviewed on 15 July 2026

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 AU$262 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
AU$262
11 Aug - 12 Aug
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (5,982 reviews)
"Great place to stay. It’s clean. Everyone is very polite and lots of places to eat. But make sure your room is not next to the elevators. Other than that it was a great stay"

Reviewed on 15 July 2026

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Hyatt Regency San Francisco

Hyatt Regency San Francisco

4 out of 5
5 Embarcadero Center San Francisco CA
The price is AU$402 per night from 17 July to 18 July
AU$402
17 July - 18 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,379 reviews)
"Check in was weird since you need to go up 2 floors. For valet parking its $95 a day... which seems insane. So we parked a block over at a parking garage for $45 overnight. The hotel it self is nice and clean. But we made the mistake of getting a drink at the bar in the lobby. 2 drinks costs $50 ..."

Reviewed on 14 July 2026

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.
Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco

Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco

3 out of 5
2620 Jones St San Francisco CA
Stay at this aparthotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,323 reviews)
"Whole property was very nice. Bed was comfortable and would definitely stay here again. I wouldn’t get a courtyard view because it was loud."

Reviewed on 15 July 2026

Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco
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 (3,003 reviews)
"They need to invest in: new carpeting, table and chair sets, a carpet shampooed, taller toilets, and desk chairs."

Reviewed on 13 July 2026

Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Mint House Menlo Park by Kasa

Mint House Menlo Park by Kasa

4 out of 5
550 Oak Grove Ave Menlo Park CA
Stay at this aparthotel in Menlo Park. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and a garden. Popular attractions Stanford Shopping Center and Stanford Stadium are ...
7.2/10 Good! (30 reviews)
"Very nice luxurious apartment. You hear the train during the day but not at night. Apartment was clean. Kitchen had enough cookware to cook. Bathroom needed more towels. No other complaints. Definitely will be booking again when back in town."

Reviewed on 14 July 2026

Mint House Menlo Park by Kasa
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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