Top Bay Area Vacation Spots

1

Hotel Keen

Palo Alto, California

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+1 (650) 327 - 2775

Want to somewhere that is absolutely inspired by the area around it? Look no further than Hotel Keen, a Palo Alto-based hotel that is designed with the high-tech businesses of Silicon Valley in mind. How so? Well,... read more

Want to somewhere that is absolutely inspired by the area around it? Look no further than Hotel Keen, a Palo Alto-based hotel that is designed with the high-tech businesses of Silicon Valley in mind. How so? Well, mostly it feeds into the fact that Hotel Keen creates a guest experience that is innovative and on the cutting edge.

Like many hotels in Palo Alton, Hotel Keen is in the heart of downtown, within walking distance of the Stanford University campus and Stanford Shopping Center, and a few short minutes drive to Silicon Valley. The Orlando Diaz-Azcuy designed hotel is stylish to a fault, and offers fantastic accommodations that are fresh, stylish and functional. During the day, head out and sample the vibrant University Avenue bistros, cafés and fine dining. Then at night, return to your lavish accommodations and enjoy a complimentary wine-tasting.

Address

425 High Street, Palo Alto, California 94301

Highlights

Palo Alto is host to headquarters of global companies such as Hewlett-Packard (HP), VMware, Tesla Motors, PARC, Ning, IDEO, Skype, and Palantir Technologies

Fun facts

At $119,124 per capita income, Palo Alto is one of the richest neighborhoods in the world

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2

Cavallo Point Lodge

Fort Baker, California

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+1 (888) 651 - 2003

According to Travel + Leisure Magazine, there is no better hotel in the Bay Area than Cavallo Point. That’s a lot to live up to, but Cavallo does so with flying colors thanks to offering some of the finest... read more

According to Travel + Leisure Magazine, there is no better hotel in the Bay Area than Cavallo Point. That’s a lot to live up to, but Cavallo does so with flying colors thanks to offering some of the finest lodging, dining, and activities in the great state of California.

The guest rooms at Cavallo are actually all based in the husk of Fort Baker Military Base, with the rooms themselves being former officers' residences featuring glorious San Francisco skyline views. Rooms are brimming with everything you’d imagine a luxury five-star hotel would have: a private entrance, cozy gas fireplace, panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, radiant heat floor, bamboo furnishings, and some have an individual patio or deck. There’s so much to do, see, and eat that it can be overwhelming. Aside from the stunning Bay Area itself, guests can enjoy a spa day, cooking classes, or a hearty meal at any of the hotel’s extravagant restaurants. A stay at Cavallo Point is a commitment to ultimate relaxation.

Address

601 Murray Circle, Fort Baker, Sausalito, CA 94965

Population

The population of Sausalito was 7,061 as of the 2010 census.

Fun facts

The community is situated near the northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge, and prior to the building of that bridge served as a terminus for rail, car, and ferry traffic.

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3

Beach House Hotel Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay, California

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+1 (800) 315 - 9366

Twenty-five miles south of San Francisco sits a hotel known for its beauty and service. This hotel is spacious, cozy, and above all else, charming. Of course, the hotel in question is The Beach House Hotel Half Moon... read more

Twenty-five miles south of San Francisco sits a hotel known for its beauty and service. This hotel is spacious, cozy, and above all else, charming. Of course, the hotel in question is The Beach House Hotel Half Moon Bay, an ecologically friendly hotel full of just plain friendly people.

Offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Pillar Point Harbor, the hotel is set in an environment that just screams “Relax!”. The 54 spacious junior suites are all meticulously cared for, and provide the perfect romantic getaway or retreat for the entire family. 75% of them offer ocean views! If you need to relax, head over to the spa and get a massage, pedicure, or soak in the Jacuzzi. Then go out and see all that the Bay Area has to offer!

Address

4100 North Cabrillo Highway, P.O. Box 129, Half Moon Bay, CA. 94019

Population

California's population as of 2013 was 38.8 million.

Fun facts

The minimum wage in CA as of 2016 is $10/hour.

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4

InterContinental Mark Hopkins

San Francisco, California

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+1 (415) 392 - 3434

On the top of Nob Hill in the heart of San Francisco stands an institution: the InterContinental Mark Hopkins. Here, old meets new as the historic hotel has been updated with modern amenities, high-tech features and... read more

On the top of Nob Hill in the heart of San Francisco stands an institution: the InterContinental Mark Hopkins. Here, old meets new as the historic hotel has been updated with modern amenities, high-tech features and elegant design. Sounds pretty good, right?

Every Room in the InterContinental Mark Hopkins faces outward, most with spectacular views of the city and Bay Area. Inward, the rooms are stocked with rich woods, fine fabrics and classic décor hearkening to yesteryear. If you’re new to San Fran, consult the hotel’s concierge for recommendations on what to see. No English? The staff at the InterContinental speaks 17 (!) languages, so communication shouldn't be a problem. The hotel’s central location means that it’s simple to walk to many of San Francisco’s most famous areas, including Union Square, Chinatown and the Financial District. Finish your day with a breathtaking view of the Bay Area from your incredibly comfortable suite.

Address

999 California Street, San Francisco, California 94108

Population

Census-estimated 2014 population of 852,469

Fun facts

San Francisco has a density of about 18,187 people per square mile.

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5

Hotel Nikko San Francisco

San Francisco, California

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+1 (415) 394 - 1111

A slice of Asia right in the middle of San Francisco, Hotel Nikko is the perfect place to stay for business or pleasure. In many ways, Nikko is a perfect match for the city itself: it’s known world-wide for its... read more

A slice of Asia right in the middle of San Francisco, Hotel Nikko is the perfect place to stay for business or pleasure. In many ways, Nikko is a perfect match for the city itself: it’s known world-wide for its charming history, cutting-edge style, and LGBT friendliness.

The Hotel’s themes really shine through in their beautifully decorated 532 rooms. Subarashii Yume pillow-top beds complement a parade of authentic Asian decor, epitomizing luxury and worldliness. Perhaps just as famous as the hotel itself is its restaurant, ANZU. There, ANZU’s award-winning chefs create sustainable California cuisine enhanced with Asian flavors, creating a whole new delicious gourmet culture that patrons from all over the world appreciate. Nikko is located on the renowned Union Square, making it a fantastic home base should you wish to go and explore San Francisco for yourself. Of course if you’d rather relax, ANZU has an expansive heated indoor pool that’s calling your name.

Address

222 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Total area

San Francisco encompasses a land area of about 46.9 square miles.

Fun facts

San Francisco is Spanish for Saint Francis.

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6

Hotel Shattuck Plaza

Berkeley, California

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+1 (510) 845 - 7300

The Hotel Shattuck Plaza has been a downtown Berkeley landmark since 1910. If a hotel has that kind of longevity, it must be doing something right. While Shattuck does pretty much everything right, their guests most... read more

The Hotel Shattuck Plaza has been a downtown Berkeley landmark since 1910. If a hotel has that kind of longevity, it must be doing something right. While Shattuck does pretty much everything right, their guests most frequently cite their lavish accommodations, fantastic location, and incredible service.

Based in an authentic mission-style building Shattuck both represents California's architectural past and present. In addition to vintage-styled rooms, the Hotel features its own restaurant, FIVE, where you can sip craft cocktails in the Lounge and sample the local, farm-fresh California food. The hotel itself is central to all of downtown Berkeley’s dining, shopping, and attractions. Go out and experience the beautiful college campus or a show during the day, then come back and relax with a cocktail at night.

Address

2086 Allston Way, Berkeley, California 94704

Population

Berkeley's population at the 2010 census was 112,580.

Fun facts

The University of California was founded in 1868.

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7

Hotel Griffon

San Francisco, California

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+1 (415) 495 - 2100

Bearing the coveted title of “Best Boutique Hotel" and "Best 24 Hour Getaway" from San Francisco Magazine, Hotel Griffon’s reputation precedes it. Combine the splendor and activity of the city by the bay with... read more

Bearing the coveted title of “Best Boutique Hotel" and "Best 24 Hour Getaway" from San Francisco Magazine, Hotel Griffon’s reputation precedes it. Combine the splendor and activity of the city by the bay with the Hotel’s fantastic amenities and hospitality, and how could you not have a winner?

Situated snugly on the trendy Embarcadero waterfront, Hotel Griffon offers easy access to the Financial District, Moscone Convention Center, AT&T Park, SF MoMA and Fisherman's Wharf. This gives guests an unparalleled variety of things to do; they can hop on a ferry to Sausalito, take a tour of the Golden Gate Bridge, spend the day shopping at Union Square, or just sit back and bask in the San Francisco sun. For accommodations, the Hotel has 57 stylish guestrooms and five luxury suites, all designed with European sensibility in mind. You don't even have to leave to get an amazing meal: walk over to Perry’s and enjoy an an authentic bay-side meal!

Address

155 Steuart St, San Francisco, California 94105 155

Highlights

The city’s cable cars are the only National Historical Monument that can move.

Fun facts

The Chinese fortune cookie was invented by a Japanese resident of San Francisco.

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8

Seascape Beach Resort Monterey Bay

Aptos, California

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+1 (800) 230 - 4134

Going to the bay area but still want to feel like you’re on a tropical island getaway? Say no more, says Seascape Beach Resort Monterey Bay. With their luxurious beach villas and fantastic amenities, Seascape... read more

Going to the bay area but still want to feel like you’re on a tropical island getaway? Say no more, says Seascape Beach Resort Monterey Bay. With their luxurious beach villas and fantastic amenities, Seascape Beach is the perfect place to “get away” without really “getting away”.

Providing incredible views of the glistening Pacific Ocean, Seascape Beach’s 285 spacious suites and beach villas are all well-furnished and brimming with coastal personality. Private balconies offer some of the best vistas in California, while the in-suite spa treatments will make you body ooze relaxation. Outside, go hit the links on the championship golf course, or lay in the sand and work on a golden tan. At Seascape Beach, the unofficial motto is simple: “Treat your self!”

Address

One Seascape Resort Drive, Aptos, CA 95003-5854

Population

6,220 as of 2010

Total area

Aptos is 6.354 mi²

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9

The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay, California

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+1 (650) 712 - 7000

If you feel a pressing need to spoil yourself within an inch of your life, look no further than The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. Here, luxurious is an understatement. While golf is a huge draw for the average guest,... read more

If you feel a pressing need to spoil yourself within an inch of your life, look no further than The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. Here, luxurious is an understatement. While golf is a huge draw for the average guest, the Ritz is stuffed with activities for couples and families to do, in addition to their exquisite dining and lodging, of course.

Standing on the precipice of a towering seaside cliff, the resort is awe-inspiring to say the least. It would be tough to find a more picturesque location for a golf course. The Ritz has two courses with varying difficulties depending on your expertise. If golf isn't for you, undoubtedly the Ritz has something that is. Running, sea kayaking, horseback riding, Santa Cruz mountain wine tasting, Segway tours, surfing, swimming, and bird watching are all available for guests to try as they please. There has to be something on that list that tickles your fancy! Inside the hotel, guests are treated to feather beds (with Egyptian cotton sheets), marble bathrooms, and 24-hour room service. If it sounds like heaven, it’s because it very well might be.

Address

1 Miramontes Point Road, Half Moon Bay, California 94019

Population

Half Moon Bay's population was 11,324 as of the 2010 census.

Fun facts

The Ritz-Carlton is the largest employer in Half Moon Bay, employing around 550 employees year round!

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10

Greenhorn Creek Resort

Angels Camp, California

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+1 (888) 736 - 5900

Are you ready to enjoy some incredible views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains while sipping a vintage wine? Do you love golf? Do you like to have fun? If you said yes to any of those questions, maybe you should check... read more

Are you ready to enjoy some incredible views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains while sipping a vintage wine? Do you love golf? Do you like to have fun? If you said yes to any of those questions, maybe you should check out Greenhorn Creek Resort!

Located in the beautiful Sierra Foothills, Greenhorn Creek is home to an incredible Robert Trent Jones, Jr. re-designed golf course. The course makes its way through sun-drenched hills and century-old oak trees, all while remaining welcoming for beginners and challenging for veterans. As to where you’ll be staying, the most notable lodging at the resort is the five bedroom Caddy Shack. Intended for groups of 8-12, the Shack is the perfect place for an extended-family getaway or a golfing weekend with a group of buddies. Of course, Greenhorn Creek offers an amazing dining experience as well, with farm-fresh produce and Californian wine for your sipping pleasure.

Address

711 McCauley Ranch Road Angels Camp, CA 95222

Total area

3.637 mi²

Fun facts

In 1848 Henry Angel, a shopkeeper from Rhode Island, opened a trading post after deciding this would be a more profitable use of his time than digging for gold, thus founding the town of Angels Camp.

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11

Aqua Breeze Inn

Santa Cruz, California

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+1 (831) 426 - 7878

Gorgeous Aqua Breeze Inn combines superb personal service and an incredible location to yield a can't-miss vacation destination!Relax in an extremely well-appointed room, then head into scenic downtown Santa Cruz... read more

Gorgeous Aqua Breeze Inn combines superb personal service and an incredible location to yield a can't-miss vacation destination!

Relax in an extremely well-appointed room, then head into scenic downtown Santa Cruz and enjoy its plethora of unforgettable experiences. Award-winning restaurants, aquariums, museums, and shopping are everywhere you look, and you'll enjoy them all in Santa Cruz's nigh-perfect weather. The Inn is also only minutes away from the ocean and "The Beach Boardwalk" amusement park, ideal for families with kids!

Address

204 2nd St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Related activities

The hotel is three miles from Natural Bridges State Beach.

Related Onsite Offerings

There's also an outdoor pool and a sundeck overlooking the boardwalk.

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Hotel Keen

Address

Highlights

Fun facts

Cavallo Point Lodge

Address

Population

Fun facts

Beach House Hotel Half Moon Bay

Address

Population

Fun facts

InterContinental Mark Hopkins

Address

Population

Fun facts

Hotel Nikko San Francisco

Address

Total area

Fun facts

Hotel Shattuck Plaza

Address

Population

Fun facts

Hotel Griffon

Address

Highlights

Fun facts

Seascape Beach Resort Monterey Bay

Address

Population

Total area

The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay

Address

Population

Fun facts

Greenhorn Creek Resort

Address

Total area

Fun facts

Aqua Breeze Inn

Address

Related activities

Related Onsite Offerings

Related Reading

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