Page 74 - 2014 Travel Guide to California

TOP CITIES
San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, San Jose, Napa,
Sonoma, Palo Alto, Santa Rosa, Sausalito
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
sanfrancisco.travel oaklandcvb.com
visitnapavalley.com santaclara.org
santacruzca.org sanjose.org
sanmateocountycvb.com visitmarin.org
visitberkeley.com sonomacounty.com
POPULATION
7.35 million
SAN
FRANCISCO
BAY AREA
72 2014 T R AV E L G U I D E TO C A L I F O R N I A
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
The Bay Area’s transcendent beauty and
culture invite exploration
B Y L A U R A D E L R O S S O
The San Francisco Bay Area is a destination that never disap-
points visitors: the majestic towers of the Golden Gate Bridge,
the skyline of San Francisco, the vast Pacific Ocean, ancient red-
wood groves, acres of 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 diversity and high energy of its residents and the
great outdoors at its doorstep. The hub of the area is San Francisco,
famed for its colorful neighborhoods, world-class cuisine and a wel-
coming 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.”
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. Among its many inviting towns
are Sausalito,Tiburon and Mill Valley. 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.
SAN FRANCISCO TRAVEL ASSOCIATION/SCOTT CHERNIS