Must-see hotels in Sacramento & the Central Valley

  • Padre Hotel

    San Joaquin Valley

    A stylish update revived this exceptional historic hotel, adding an upscale restaurant and two bars that instantly became the places for cocktails in…

  • Citizen Hotel

    Sacramento

    After an elegant, ultrahip upgrade, this long-vacant 1927 beaux-arts tower became Downtown's coolest place to stay. The details are spot-on: luxe linens,…

  • Lake Oroville State Recreation Area Campground

    Sacramento & the Central Valley

    Drive-in campgrounds aren't the most rustic choice, but there are good primitive campsites if you’re willing to hike or – perhaps the coolest feature of…

  • University Plaza Waterfront Hotel

    San Joaquin Valley

    If you’re spending the night here, the best option is University Plaza Waterfront Hotel, where business travelers mingle with University of the Pacific…

  • Greens Hotel

    Sacramento

    This stylishly updated mid-century motel is one of Sacramento's hippest places to stay. The area is charming, with a cute coffee shop and an art gallery…

  • USFS Campgrounds

    San Joaquin Valley

    These campgrounds line the 10-mile stretch between Lake Isabella and Kernville, and several more lie north of Kernville on Mountain Hwy 99. There are…

  • Wine & Roses

    San Joaquin Valley

    Surrounded by a vast rose garden, this is the most luxurious offering to spring up amid Lodi’s vineyards. Tasteful and romantic, the rooms have slate…

  • Hotel Diamond

    Sacramento & the Central Valley

    This 1904 building is the most luxurious place to lay your head in Chico, with high-thread counts and attentive room service. The sunny Diamond Suite,…

  • Aggie Inn

    Sacramento & the Central Valley

    Across from UCD’s east entrance, the Aggie is neat, modern and unassuming. Cottages are not much more than regular rooms with kitchenettes and Jacuzzis.

  • Sycamore Grove Camping Area

    Sacramento & the Central Valley

    Beside the river in the Red Bluff Recreation Area is this quiet USFS campground. Campsites for tents and RVs are first-come, first-served, and offer new,…

  • HI Sacramento Hostel

    Sacramento

    In a grand Victorian mansion, this hostel offers impressive trimmings at rock-bottom prices. It’s within walking distance of the capitol, Old Sac and the…

  • Hooper House Bear Creek Inn

    San Joaquin Valley

    In a grand old Colonial-style mansion, Hooper House Bear Creek Inn is a leisurely retreat. Rooms are large and beautifully furnished with hardwood…

  • Delta King

    Sacramento

    It's a kitschy treat to sleep aboard the Delta King, a 1927 paddle wheeler docked on the river in Old Sacramento. It lights up like a Christmas tree at…

  • University Park Inn & Suites

    Sacramento & the Central Valley

    Right off the highway, this independent hotel isn't the Ritz but it's clean, serves breakfast and offers free bikes for guests. Rates double in June.

  • Whispering Pines Lodge

    San Joaquin Valley

    This secluded B&B, blending rustic character with luxurious comfort, is just north of town. Rooms with kitchens book up quickly in the summer.

  • Piccadilly Inn Shaw

    San Joaquin Valley

    This is Fresno’s nicest option, with a lovely pool, big rooms and tons of amenities. Ask for a room with a fireplace to cuddle by in winter.

  • Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area

    Sacramento & the Central Valley

    This shaded campground on the banks of the Sacramento River is popular with anglers. It's surrounded by a dense riparian forest preserve home to bald…

  • Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

    Sacramento & the Central Valley

    Sacramento is a good place for a final gear check before heading into the Sierras. This campground is not ideal – the lake can be overrun by powerboats –…

  • Amber House

    Sacramento

    This Dutch Colonial home in Midtown has been transformed into a B&B, where rooms have Jacuzzis, fireplaces and lots of frill. The Mozart and Vivaldi rooms…