Page 76 - 2019 Travel Guide to California

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
Epicenter of cultural treasures, scenic beauty and iconic attractions
B Y L A U R A D E L R O S S O
TOP CITIES
San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, San Jose, Napa, Sonoma,
Palo Alto, Santa Clara, 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
visitberkeley.com sanjose.org
santaclara.org visitnapavalley.com
sonomacounty.com sonomavalley.com
healdsburg.com santacruzca.org
smccvb.com visitmarin.org
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 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 Bay Area is San Francisco, a city of
diverse neighborhoods, world-class cuisine and a welcoming spirit of
tolerance in the most European of American cities.
POPULATION
7.35 million
SAN
FRANCISCO
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
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, and, a bit north, the
74 2019 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA
SUPAVADEE BUTRADEE/SHUTTERSTOCK