Central Valley

Travel 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 Sacramento

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
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

4.5/5(8 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 €155 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
€155
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,460 reviews)
Clean clean clean

Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites

Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites

3.5 out of 5
40644 Hwy 41 Oakhurst CA
The price is €85 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
€85
16 Feb - 17 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Oakhurst. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,787 reviews)
Everything was wonderful

Reviewed on 12 Feb 2026

Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites
Hotel Piccadilly

Hotel Piccadilly

3 out of 5
2305 W Shaw Ave Fresno CA
The price is €77 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
€77
16 Feb - 17 Feb
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! (2,802 reviews)
Great customer service

Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026

Hotel Piccadilly
See all 14,055 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
Great room, clean, great staff. Wonderful location with gondola nearby. Great perks like hot cookies in the lobby! The pools and jacuzzis were nice and warm. Nice to stay right there in the village.

Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026

Marriott's Timber Lodge
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! (1,556 reviews)
Clean room, great customer service

Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026

The Americana Village
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! (1,010 reviews)
It was a good experience but it did take until almost 4:00 pm to get into my room.

Reviewed on 11 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

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

Northstar California Resort

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
Sequoia National Park featuring forests as well as a small group of people

General Sherman Tree

The world’s largest tree by volume, this giant sequoia is more than 2,000 years old. You must see it in place to fully appreciate its colossal size.

General Sherman Tree
Guy West Bridge on a semi cloudy day

California State University Sacramento

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit California State University Sacramento during your trip to Sacramento. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

California State University Sacramento
Heavenly Mountain Gondola which includes a lake or waterhole, a bay or harbour and tranquil scenes

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

Things to do

Northern California: Self-Guided Gold Rush Towns Driving Tour

Northern California: Self-Guided Gold Rush Towns Driving Tour

€13
per traveller
80% of travellers recommend
Northern California: Self-Guided Gold Rush Towns Driving Tour
See all activities in Central Valley
Bakersfield

Bakersfield

Yosemite valley and merced river

Merced

Central Interior California showing snow, forests and snowboarding

Mammoth Lakes

Napa featuring a sunset, tranquil scenes and farmland

Napa

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