SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
Exploring San Francisco’s Vibrant Culture and Iconic Landmarks
TOP CITIES
San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, San Jose, Napa, Sonoma, Palo Alto, Santa Clara, Santa Rosa, Sausalito, Healdsburg, Petaluma
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 visitberkeley.com santaclara.org sonomacounty.com stayhealdsburg.com visitpetaluma.com visitmarin.org
POPULATION 7,750,000 visitoakland.com sanjose.org visitnapavalley.com sonomavalley.com santacruz.org thesanfranciscopeninsula.com
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, 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 outdoors 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.
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 spa town of Calistoga. More wineries are drawing visitors with architecturally striking tasting rooms that offer wine pairing with food, picnic grounds set in lavish gardens, and activities such as bocce courts and vineyard tours.
SOUTH BAY: Silicon Valley, San Mateo County & Santa Cruz
In Palo Alto, on the peninsula south of San Francisco, lies the bucolic campus of Stanford University, one of the country’s leading universities. Silicon Valley—home of Apple, Facebook, Google, Intel and other high-tech powerhouses—has emerged as a center for the arts, with a vibrant cultural scene and attractions such as San Jose’s Museum of Art and The Tech Interactive, which pays homage to the valley’s innovative spirit. Mountain View’s Castro Street and Palo Alto’s University Avenue are hopping, and San Jose’s booming downtown and Santana Row shopping and dining center are bustling.
Neighboring San Mateo County’s coastline still shows its traditional fishing and agricultural roots. It’s within a short drive of major population centers yet a world away, with its sprawling artichoke fields and miles of pristine beaches. Santa Cruz County to the south offers visitors a wealth of attractions, including parks and wineries in its redwood-covered mountain range, and laid-back beaches where surfers polish their technique.