Northern California Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Mill Creek
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 marina and a city

Fisherman's Wharf

4.5/5(7 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
Default Image

Downtown San Francisco

3/5(34 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
Union Square featuring a skyscraper and a city

Union Square

4/5(249 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
Greater Sacremento

Downtown Sacramento

3.5/5(7 area reviews)

Known for its abundant dining options and interesting museums, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Sacramento. Top attractions like Golden1Center and Cesar Chavez Park 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
Default Image

Downtown San Jose

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and great live music, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Jose. You can visit top attractions like SAP Center at San Jose and San Pedro Square, and jump on the metro at Santa Clara Station or St James Station to see more of the city.

Downtown San Jose
Default Image

Yosemite West

You'll enjoy the waterfalls and riverfront in Yosemite West. You might want to make time for a stop at Yosemite National Park or Sierra National Forest.

Yosemite West
King George Hotel
King George Hotel
3 out of 5
334 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA
The price is AU$159 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
AU$159
per night
8 Apr - 9 Apr
Stay at this hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,386 reviews)
Very good hotel
"Really great value for money. Perfect location for us. Easy access from BART station. Cable cars just around the corner. Pleasant walk to Fisherman’s Wharf. Room had everything you could need and a really comfy bed. Coffee and pastries included for breakfast which was great for early starts and long ..."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

King George Hotel
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
The price is AU$224 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
AU$224
per night
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,369 reviews)
"The city views from the room are amazing. The beds and linens are very comfortable. The bathrooms are clean too. The only downside is there is no sound proofing. We can hear the footsteps/movements from the other rooms."

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2024

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
4 out of 5
2500 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$222 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
AU$222
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (6,190 reviews)
"Breakfast was great!"

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
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 aparthotel in Alameda. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
6.6/10 (2,514 reviews)
"Ive been to this hotel 3 time in 7 months for my vacation needs and im never let down."

Reviewed on 9 Mar. 2024

Coral Reef Inn & Suites
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 spa tubs, and WiFi. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (844 reviews)
"Great for families and fun for kids. Spacious rooms. We wanted to ice skate but it was closed; the only negative."

Reviewed on 22 Mar. 2024

Hyatt Vacation Club at Northstar Lodge, Lake Tahoe
Tahoe Sands Resort
Tahoe Sands Resort
3 out of 5
6610 N Lake Blvd, Tahoe Vista, CA
Stay at this 3-star condo in Tahoe Vista. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (180 reviews)
"It was perfect for our group and close to the ski resort. Plenty of room and had what we needed."

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2024

Tahoe Sands Resort
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