Travel Guide to California

2017 Travel Guide to California

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74 2 0 1 7 T R A V E L G U I D E T O C A L I F O R N I A B Y L A U R A D E L R O S S O T he San Francisco Bay Area never disappoints visitors: the majestic towers of the Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco skyline and other cities of culture and great dining, ancient red- wood groves, expansive vineyards and a coastline of rocky cliffs and sandy beaches. Combine those with a Mediterranean climate and a dynamic environment of high-tech entrepreneurs and it's no wonder the San Francisco Bay Area encourages a seductive, can-do way of life that revolves around the high energy of its residents and the great out- doors at its doorstep. The hub of the area is San Francisco, a city of diverse neighborhoods, world-class cuisine and a welcoming spirit of openness and tolerance in the most European of American cities. Besides the landmark bridge, other popular attractions draw millions each year to what boosters call "Everyone's Favorite City" at the center of the Bay Area. North Bay: Marin, Sonoma & Napa Across the Golden Gate to the north lies Marin County, one of the most beautiful and affluent areas of the U.S. Sausalito, Tiburon and Mill Valley are among its many inviting towns. The mountain bike was invented here to maneuver the twisty trails on Mount Tamalpais. On the Marin coast, one ruggedly gorgeous beach follows another, including along spectacular Point Reyes National Seashore. 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 PUNG/SHUTTERSTOCK . OPPOSITE: LYNN WATSON/SHUTTERSTOCK SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA TOP CITIES San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, San Jose, Napa, Sonoma, Palo Alto, Santa Rosa, Sausalito, Healdsburg INTERNATIONAL GATEWAYS San Francisco International Airport (SFO), 12 miles (19 km) from downtown San Francisco; Oakland International Airport (OAK), 8 miles (13 km) from downtown Oakland; San Jose International Airport (SJC), 4 miles (6 km) from downtown San Jose TOURISM WEBSITES sftravel.com visitoakland.org visitnapavalley.com santaclara.org santacruzca.org sanjose.org smccvb.com visitmarin.org visitberkeley.com sonomacounty.com sonomavalley.com healdsburg.com POPULATION 7.35 million SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA A place of diversity and astonishing scenic beauty

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