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2 0 1 5 T R A V E L G U I D E T O C A L I F O R N I A 83 Also in the North Bay, Sonoma and Napa counties are home to acres of vineyards and dozens of wineries producing some of the world's finest wines. Among the small towns full of boutiques, shops and tasting rooms is the Napa Valley hamlet of Yountville, a foodie dining mecca, with several Michelin-starred restaurants. South Bay: Palo Alto & Santa Cruz In Palo Alto on the peninsula south of San Francisco, lies the bucolic campus of Stanford University, one of the country's leading universi- ties. Neighboring San Mateo County's coastline still shows its traditional fishing and agricultural roots. It's within a short drive of major population centers yet a world away, with its sprawling arti- choke fields and miles of pristine beaches. Santa Cruz County to the south offers visitors a wealth of attractions, including parks and wineries in its redwood-covered mountain range, and laid-back beaches where surfers polish their technique. MUST DO SEE, » THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE spans the entrance to San Francisco Bay, opposite. » San Francisco's Waterfront Spend a morning strolling the Ferry Building and its food hall, starting with a cappuccino at Blue Bottle Coffee and explore the city's waterfront, including bayfront promenades, piers and parks. There's the Exploratorium interactive science museum, vintage streetcars that whisk you to Fisherman's Wharf for a fresh sourdough sandwich lunch at Boudin's café, and the historic ships at the Maritime Museum. Finish the day with a walk over the Fort Mason hill for spectacular Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz views. › sanfrancisco.travel » Wine Country During Crush Sample Northern California's top-rated wines during the height of the har- vest, known as "crush," in September and October. You can even join in at wineries such as Napa's Grgich Hills Estates, which offers a day of stomping grapes from Labor Day to Halloween. Or, for a more sedentary time, have lunch or dinner on the Napa Wine Train that takes visitors through vineyards turning reds and golds during the harvest, the season when the wine country's weather is at its best. › napavalley.com » The San Mateo Coast Plan a trip to the San Mateo County coast during the height of whale watching season December through May or to the elephant seals' breeding grounds at Ano Nuevo State Park, where docents offer guided tours December through March. In October, orange pumpkins dot the fields and Half Moon Bay's Art and Pumpkin Festival rocks the town. › sanmateocountycvb.com » Marin County and Point Reyes A drive through Marin County to Point Reyes National Seashore is an unfor- gettable day excursion. Stop at the charming hamlet of Point Reyes Station and sample local cheese at Cowgirl Creamery. At park headquarters on Bear Valley Road, rangers direct you to a variety of outdoor adventures on this unique geologic peninsula that straddles the San Andreas Fault. The park's coastline is a prime point for whale watching mid January to early May, especially spectacular from the 1870 Point Reyes lighthouse perched atop a remote cliff. › nps.gov/pore » Sample Local Food The Bay Area is heaven for food lovers and farmers markets thrive year round, including at Marin's Civic Center and in San Francisco where three of the most impressive are the Ferry Building, Civic Center and Alemany markets. The food truck boom also puts the area's food loving culture on display with Off the Grid events, including a popular evening event at Fort Mason on Fridays. › sanfrancisco.travel › offthegridsf.com DRIVE TOUR » Start by crossing the Golden Gate Bridge driving north, stopping in SAUSALITO . Head northwest to MOUNT TAMALPAIS STATE PARK and take the steep, twisting road to the Pantoll Ranger Station and drive the PANORAMIC HIGHWAY for ocean, city and mountain views. Drive to MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT for a short walk among redwoods. Head back toward Sausalito and Highway 101 and drive north to the wine country town of SONOMA . Explore its shady plaza, surrounded by shops, wine tasting rooms and historic sites. From Sonoma, it's a short drive to California's other major wine region, Napa Valley, and the city of NAPA .