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

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.
Book now

Where to stay in Central Valley

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 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
Default Image

Northstar

If you're spending some time in Northstar, Northstar California Resort and Big Springs Express Gondola 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 Big Springs Express Gondola.

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

Lakeside Park

5/5(2 area reviews)

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

Lakeside Park
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

4 out of 5
4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd South Lake Tahoe CA
The price is NZ$307 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
NZ$307
1 Mar - 2 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! (3,496 reviews)
Great day, but we liked it when it was Lake Tahoe resort

Reviewed on 19 Feb 2026

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Hotel Piccadilly

Hotel Piccadilly

3 out of 5
2305 W Shaw Ave Fresno CA
The price is NZ$146 per night from 24 Mar to 25 Mar
NZ$146
24 Mar - 25 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! (2,817 reviews)
Friendly staff, quiet location and great rate.

Reviewed on 20 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 NZ$195 per night from 5 Mar to 6 Mar
NZ$195
5 Mar - 6 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! (1,405 reviews)
The check-in was friendly, and the hotel is just fine. A bit dated, based on the room. We didn't use any of the amenities, so no comment there. The breakfast was a B or a B+. I'm not a fan of bread for breakfast, so I didn't enjoy all the bagels and muffins. But there were eggs and bacon one day ...

Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026

Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia/Kings Canyon
See all 14,061 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! (1,002 reviews)
The staff was very accommodating and helpful. The room was very clean and nicely orchestrated. I really like that. They have a spa on site a swimming pool that’s heated on site and a gym on site. You can buy a heavenly ski pass at the front desk instead of having to wait in line elsewhere. All the ...

Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026

Marriott's Timber Lodge
Stardust Lodge

Stardust Lodge

2.5 out of 5
4061 Lake Tahoe Blvd 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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (811 reviews)
Room was good. Staff was helpful and very nice. If Expedia gives us good rate like this next time , we will stay at Stardust, booking on Expedia's website. No more donuts for breakfast please.

Reviewed on 19 Feb 2026

Stardust 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! (1,013 reviews)
Best place I have been in South Lake Tahoe, the room is spotless,very spacious and comfortable . The staff very professional the room have a full size refrigerator,microwave e oven.

Reviewed on 20 Feb 2026

Tahoe Beach & Ski Club
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

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

Palisades Tahoe

4/5(3 reviews)

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

Northstar California Resort

5/5(1 review)

Amid the beautiful landscapes along Lake Tahoe is a mountain resort with family-friendly snow sports, hiking trails, golf and boutique shopping.

Northstar California Resort
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

4.5/5(4 reviews)

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 featuring tranquil scenes, a lake or waterhole and a bay or harbour

Heavenly Gondola

4.5/5(4 reviews)

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 which includes forests 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

4/5(5 reviews)

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

Adobe

Inyokern

Yosemite valley and merced river

Merced

Central Interior California featuring snowboarding, forest scenes and snow

Mammoth Lakes

Explore a world of travel with Expedia