Never the same. Always San Francisco. | BEYOND SAN FRANCISO . 29 Tri-Valley Ice Cream Trail Sunset over Yosemite Valley Bixby Bridge in Big Sur EAST EAST BAY Less than 30 minutes from San Francisco, the East Bay is full of diverse culture and trendsetting restaurants. Notable locales include Oakland, with its flourishing creative community and dining scene; Berkeley, the destination that invented farm-to-table cuisine and home to one of the world’s leading universities; and the Tri-Valley, which features a small but thriving wine region and popular Tri-Valley Ice Cream Trail. YOSEMITE Getting away to natural surroundings clears minds and brings fresh perspectives. Yosemite, located just three hours from San Francisco, is an inspiring destination with iconic natural landmarks and a variety of meeting venues. Between meetings, attendees can experience hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, skiing and rafting, as well as famous sights like Yosemite Falls and the granite cliffs known as El Capitan. SOUTH BEACH COMMUNITIES Discover a wealth of corporate retreat venues and coastal meeting spaces just a short drive down scenic Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway). The beach communities south of San Francisco feature unique attractions, as well as a charming mix of surf shops, fishing stands and restaurants with a view. Attendees can watch surfers conquer the legendary swells at Half Moon Bay or ride the wooden rollercoaster on the historic Santa Cruz Boardwalk. SACRAMENTO In California’s rapidly growing state capital, visit Downtown Commons (DOCO), a popular shopping and entertainment area that includes Golden 1 Center, home to the NBA’s Sacramento Kings. Parts of the city still have an Old West ambiance and Old Sacramento offers restored 19th-century saloons and shops. En route via I-80, Yolo County offers verdant farmlands, bike trails, historic towns and cultural activities, many of them centered at the University of California-Davis. Fancy Crave; Shutterstock.com (2) GOLD COUNTRY MONTEREY COUNTY California’s Gold Country, which includes Tuolumne County, is one of the most direct routes to Yosemite National Park and the spectacular High Sierra. Jamestown, Sonora, Columbia and other historic towns are the perfect complement to days of hiking, biking, water sports and much more. One of California’s most beautiful areas, Monterey County is perfect for gatherings of all sizes. The iconic seaside location offers a variety of activities: the scenic 17-Mile Drive, rounds of golf at internationally renowned courses like Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill, world-class dining and wine country. LAKE TAHOE Nestled on the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America. With its crystal-clear waters, snowcapped mountains, fun casinos and thrilling outdoor activities, it’s an unforgettable destination for any event. SILICON VALLEY Headquarters for some of the world’s largest high-tech corporations and a hub of future-forward ideas, Silicon Valley is a natural choice for innovative gatherings. In San Jose, attendees will find fun museums, unique dining, historic sites and natural beauty. Nearby Santa Clara features Levi’s ® Stadium (home of the San Francisco 49ers), a perfect location for a team outing. sftravel.com