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

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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 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 Heavenly Gondola and Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Casino 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 S$232 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
S$232
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! (3,507 reviews)
Just ok. Resort and valet staff overwhelmed during prez day weekend/ valentines weekend.

Reviewed on 23 Feb, 2026

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Hotel Piccadilly

Hotel Piccadilly

3 out of 5
2305 W Shaw Ave Fresno CA
The price is S$115 per night from 24 Mar to 25 Mar
S$115
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! (2,828 reviews)
Breakfast staff were very helpful Room was clean. I was given a room in a single story building, meaning there was no one above or below me. Location was near all the places I wanted to visit in Fresno. Room decor was perhaps a bit dated but adequate and functional. Suited me just fine.

Reviewed on 24 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 S$156 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
S$156
1 Mar - 2 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! (1,408 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
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! (1,003 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
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! (1,017 reviews)
The room was very clean and the location is fantastic. To be so close to food and entertainment as well as beach front is amazing.

Reviewed on 24 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! (1,571 reviews)
My son and I were very pleased with the room and overall service.

Reviewed on 23 Feb, 2026

The Americana Village
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.

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