CALIFORNIA, EUREKA...
I HAVE FOUND IT!
BY CLAY
LARROY
Across the America many couples are having
wonderful wedding after months of planning. The bride and groom will need a
honeymoon to rest and recuperate. Vacations are so
important, as it gives us a way to connect with each other in a stress free
relaxed environment. Couples that take vacations together build memories that
will last a lifetime. Couples vacations and travel can be a most rewarding
experience. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!
San Francisco, "The City by the Bay"
About San Francisco
Gold diggers, boho artists, leftie activists and techie whizz-kids
have all left their mark on San Francisco, a seaside metropolis overflowing
with boundless innovation in a mind-blowing setting.
The undulating
City by the Bay has a prime spot between the Pacific Ocean and Sierra Nevada
mountains to the east and west and redwood forests and the California desert to
the north and south.
One of the USA's
most walkable cities, San Francisco shows off a stellar line-up of iconic
sights. Wait for a window in the city's favorite weather (fog, of course) and
catch a glimpse of the vermilion towers of the Golden Gate Bridge. Hop on a
ferry from Fisherman's Wharf and pay a visit to Al Capone's west-coast pad
behind bars, Alcatraz. Embrace your tourist status and throw caution (and
potentially a lot more) to the wind trundling over the city's rollercoaster
hills on the edge of a cable car.
The city's neighborhoods
all tell their own stories, from the hotbed of politics that made
Haight-Ashbury what it is, to the bohemia of the Mission and the Tenderloin, to
the culinary wonder of Chinatown and the understated affluence of Nob Hill. San
Francisco has one of the world's oldest and largest gay neighborhoods in the
Castro, a testament to the accepting nature and spirit of civic acceptance that
exists here.
The famous,
glorious vineyards of the Napa and Sonoma wine regions ensure weekend escapes
are part of the San Francisco experience too. If you don't have time to visit
them, pull up a stool in one of the city's slick wine tasting rooms and sip a
few glasses.
When the fog and
cold sets in, it's time to head indoors, to jazz venues, cosy restaurants,
old-school saloons and micro-distilleries.
The downside?
San Francisco's stratospheric success means the arty types who gave the city
its creative vibe can barely afford to live here anymore. So if you're inspired
to launch own start-up, bring a wealthy sponsor and a back-up plan.
Tourist Information Centers
San Francisco Visitor Information
Centre
900 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
San Francisco, CA 94102
http://www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com
Sonoma
Valley Wine Country
San Francisco is delightfully positioned within less than an
hour's drive of northern California's famous wine region. The Sonoma and Napa
Valleys are the most travelled by wine lovers, and hold a blend of elegant
lodging, superb food, choice wines and dazzling scenery. Less crowded than the
Napa Valley, Sonoma has more than 400 wineries to visit in rolling hills and
fragrant vineyards that stretch westwards to the Pacific Ocean.
http://www.sonomavalley.com
Monterey and Carmel
Even if you're not a driver, it's a shame to miss out on the
incredible coast road that makes up the Pacific Coast Highway, or Highway 1. A
two-hour drive south will bring you to the Monterey Peninsula, home to some
spectacular coastline and attractions such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its former mayor (a certain Mr Clint Eastwood),
and its historic mission and great downtown shopping.
http://www.monterey.org
Yosemite National Park
Ready yourself for a full-on day that starts with a 4-5 hour
drive, but the early start is worth it once you get to the natural splendor of
this incredible National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once there, take
a bracing 4-5 hour hike (or hire bikes) waterfalls, woodland and some stunning
wildlife, including black bears and Giant Sequoias. Even the drive through the
Sierra Nevada range is worth the admission price.
http://www.nps.gov/yose
Tours
Seaplane tours
San Francisco Seaplane Tours depart daily from Sausalito for
flights over the Golden Gate Bridge. A complimentary shuttle service is
available from Pier 39. There is also a sunset tour with champagne, which
lasts 40 minutes and a charter flight to Lake County, home of Ceago Vinegarden
winery on the shores of Clear Lake. The trip includes an educational tour of
the winery, private tasting and cheese plate.
http://www.seaplane.com
Boat tours
A boat tour of the Bay is a must, providing perhaps the best
panorama of the city and a unique view of the Golden Gate Bridge. A number of
tour operators offer departures from Fisherman's Wharf. Blue and Gold Fleet
runs a daily narrated cruise, with regular departures from Pier 39. Tours last
around one hour.
http://www.blueandgoldfleet.com
Culinary tours
Local Tastes of the City Tours savors the best of San Francisco's
culinary traditions. Three-hour walking tours experience a behind-the-scenes
look at local bakeries, cafes, restaurants, and the places where locals shop.
Sample fresh bread, pastries, chocolates, truffles, coffees, dim sum, seafood
and olive oils, or watch artisans at work.
http://www.sffoodtour.com
REFERENCE SITES:
San Francisco is perhaps the
most European of all American cities.
Cecil Beaton
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