BEYonD SAn FRAnCISCo 23 STOP EAST EAST BAY Just a short drive or quick BART ride east of San Francisco is a region full of booming culture and trendsetting restaurants. notable locales in the East Bay include oakland, with its 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. SACRAMENTO In California’s rapidly growing state capital, visit Downtown Commons (DoCo), a popular shopping and entertainment area that includes the Golden 1 Center, home to the nBA’s Sacramento Kings. Parts of the city still have an old West ambiance; 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. GOLD COUNTRY 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. LAKE TAHOE E Fehrenbacher / Shutterstock.com; My Good Images / Shutterstock.com; San Francisco Travel Association The largest alpine lake in north America, Lake Tahoe is famous for its crystal clear waters and snowcapped mountains. Sitting on the border of California and nevada, the area offers a wide variety of outdoor activities for every season. It’s also home to a number of top casinos on its nevada side. YOSEMITE outdoor lovers around the world know Yosemite, and its iconic natural landmarks are accessible from San Francisco. In just a three-hour drive, visitors can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, skiing and rafting, as well as famous sights like Yosemite Falls and the granite cliffs known as El Capitan. They’ll also discover a variety of accommodations, ranging from campsites to a historic AAA four-diamond hotel. Fox Theater, Oakland SOUTH BEACH COMMUNITIES Experience a stunning scenic drive down Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Hwy.) to the string of beach communities south of the city. Visitors can watch surfers conquer the legendary swells at Half Moon Bay or ride the wooden rollercoaster on the historic Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Each beach town offers unique attractions, as well as a charming mix of surf shops, fishing stands and restaurants with a view. MONTEREY COUNTY one of California’s most beautiful areas, Monterey County offers a variety of activities: the scenic 17-Mile Drive, rounds of golf at internationally famous courses like Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill, world-class dining, a renowned aquarium and wine tastings. SILICON VALLEY The world’s most famous region for high-tech entrepreneurship is just a short trip south from San Francisco. In San Jose, travelers will find fun museums, unique dining, historic sites and natural beauty. nearby Santa Clara features Levi’s® Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers, and thrilling rollercoasters at California’s Great America amusement park. Yosemite National Park Monterey County sftravel.com
San Francisco Travel Planner's Guide 2020 TPG: Page 23
