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 K Street Mall and Golden 1 Center 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
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Northstar

If you're spending some time in Northstar, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort Golf Course and Northstar California Resort 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 Village Ice Skating Rink.

Northstar 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 Heavenly Gondola and Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Casino are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Lakeside Park
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
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

4 out of 5
4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd South Lake Tahoe CA
The price is HK$727 per night from 26 Mar to 27 Mar
HK$727
HK$1,308 total
26 Mar - 27 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! (3,545 reviews)
We love staying at this Margaritaville! Unfortunately, this say felt a little on the dirty side...

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
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 HK$944 per night from 18 Mar to 19 Mar
HK$944
HK$1,038 total
18 Mar - 19 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! (1,410 reviews)
Great staff and great hotel

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026

Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia/Kings Canyon
Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown-Arena by IHG

Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown-Arena by IHG

3 out of 5
300 J St Sacramento CA
The price is HK$994 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
HK$994
HK$1,159 total
2 Apr - 3 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Sacramento. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,615 reviews)
In heart of downtown, close to plenty of restaurants, clean premises, and very nice staff.

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026

Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown-Arena by IHG
See all 14,049 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 condo 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! (1,018 reviews)
Love all about this hotel especially very convenient to gondola, all the shoppings, restaurants and walkable to everything. The ski resort mountain vibe is fantastics; the room is comfort and roomy with impressive design for skiers. Great lodging to enjoy a wonderful Winter holidays.

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026

Marriott's Timber 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! (1,024 reviews)
Beautiful view over the lake

Reviewed on 28 Feb 2026

Tahoe Beach & Ski Club
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! (1,578 reviews)
Absolutely loved this place!

Reviewed on 7 Mar 2026

The Americana Village
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

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 featuring a hotel and ice skating as well as a small group of people

Northstar California Resort

When you picture California, sunny beaches, surf, and the sea are sure to come to mind first. Don't forget that snow is falling down on the mountain, making Northstar Ski Resort one of the top destinations when ski season arrives.

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

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
Sequoia National Park showing forest scenes 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
Heavenly Mountain Gondola featuring a lake or waterhole, a beach and a bay or harbour

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
Emerald Bay State Park showing forest scenes, landscape views and general coastal views

Emerald Bay State Park

This scenic inlet offers a beautiful beach, island, waterfalls, wreck dives, heritage sites and campgrounds with views over the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe.

Emerald Bay State Park
Bakersfield

Bakersfield

Fresno which includes signage

Fresno

Central Interior California featuring forest scenes, snow and mountains

Mammoth Lakes

Modesto featuring a garden

Modesto

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