Page 84 - 2015 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 visitoakland.org
visitnapavalley.com santaclara.org
santacruzca.org sanjose.org
sanmateocountycvb.com visitmarin.org
visitberkeley.com sonomacounty.com
POPULATION
7.35 million
SAN
FRANCISCO
BAY AREA
82 2015 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 diversity, cultural amenities and
scenic beauty make it a top destination
B Y L A U R A D E L R O S S O
The 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
redwood 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 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.
SUPAVADEE BUTRADEE/SHUTTERSTOCK