San Francisco is a vigorous and exquisite metropolis, but it surely’s additionally surrounded by plenty of incredible locations and cultural treasures which can be simply ready to be explored. From the beautiful seashores and coastal cities of the Pacific Ocean to the luxurious valleys of wine nation, there are numerous locations and experiences which can be only a brief drive from town. Whether or not you’re trying to find your first residence in San Francisco or wish to hire an condominium, the encompassing area has one thing for everybody. Listed here are 10 must-visit locations close to San Francisco which can be certain to thrill you.
1. Sausalito
Sausalito is a captivating and picturesque waterfront city positioned only a brief drive north of San Francisco. This Mediterranean-style city is residence to quite a lot of artwork galleries, boutiques, and eating places, and boasts beautiful views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. Guests can stroll alongside the waterfront, take a look at the boats and marinas, or discover the winding streets of its historic downtown full of distinct structure and colourful properties. Sausalito additionally has many mountaineering trails, parks, and seashores, making it the right vacation spot for these seeking to benefit from the outdoor. As well as, quite a lot of occasions and festivals all year long, together with the Sausalito Artwork Pageant and the Lighted Boat Parade.
2. Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore
Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore is a rugged and scenic park positioned simply north of San Francisco. It options miles of gorgeous seashores, dramatic cliffs, and numerous wildlife, together with tule elk, harbor seals, and quite a lot of birds. Guests can discover the park’s many trails, which wind by means of forests, alongside coastal bluffs, and previous historic ranches and lighthouses. It’s also possible to kayak, seashore comb, camp, picnic, and fish, to call a number of actions.
3. Muir Woods Nationwide Monument
Muir Woods Nationwide Monument is a protected forest that’s residence to a number of the oldest and tallest timber on this planet, together with the coast redwood, which might attain heights of over 300 ft. Guests can discover the park’s many trails, which wind by means of the beautiful forest and alongside the banks of the Redwood Creek. Whereas there, you too can partake in plenty of out of doors leisure actions, together with mountaineering, birdwatching, and pictures. Some should do hikes embody the Muir Woods Fern Creek Loop, Cardiac Hill, and Hillside Path.
4. Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a ravishing alpine lake positioned within the Sierra Nevada Mountains, which straddles the border between California and Nevada. It’s surrounded by towering mountains and dense forests, providing breathtaking views and out of doors leisure alternatives year-round. Guests can swim, fish, or kayak within the crystal-clear waters of the lake, or discover the numerous mountaineering and biking trails that wind by means of the encompassing mountains. The realm can also be residence to quite a lot of world-class ski resorts, comparable to Heavenly, Palisades, Kirkwood, and Northstar, providing a number of the finest snowboarding and snowboarding in the USA.
5. Napa Valley
Napa Valley is a world-renowned wine area residence to over 400 wineries providing guests the possibility to style a number of the finest wines on this planet – a few of which embody V. Sattui Vineyard, Castello di Amorosa, and Spottswoode. Along with its wineries, Napa Valley can also be residence to quite a lot of scrumptious eating places, providing delicacies starting from farm-to-table to worldwide fusion. Guests may also discover the realm’s charming cities, artwork galleries, and cultural points of interest, in addition to the numerous out of doors leisure alternatives obtainable, together with scorching air balloon rides and mountaineering trails.
6. Monterey
Monterey is a captivating city that’s residence to a handful of points of interest, together with the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, the historic Cannery Row, and the scenic 17-Mile Drive, which winds alongside the coast and affords breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Guests can discover the realm’s many seashores, parks, and out of doors alternatives, together with kayaking, whale watching, and mountaineering. Monterey can also be a terrific vacation spot for foodies, with quite a lot of eating places, cafes, and outlets providing contemporary seafood and native delicacies, like Alta Bakery and Cafe and Alvarado Road Brewery & Grill.
7. Yosemite Nationwide Park
Yosemite Nationwide Park is a surprising nationwide park that options towering granite cliffs, historical sequoias, and beautiful waterfalls. Guests can discover the park’s many trails, which wind by means of forests, alongside rivers, and as much as the park’s many peaks and lookout factors. Yosemite can also be a terrific vacation spot for out of doors leisure actions, together with mountain climbing, fishing, and tenting. Some must-visit websites embody Vernal and Nevada Falls, Glacier Level, and Sentinel Dome.
8. Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is a captivating and picturesque coastal city which is residence to quite a lot of points of interest, together with a captivating historic downtown, stunning seashores, and world-class golf programs. Guests can discover the realm’s many mountaineering trails, which supply beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and the encompassing coastal mountains. Half Moon Bay can also be a terrific vacation spot for foodies, with quite a lot of eating places, cafes, breweries and outlets providing contemporary seafood and native delicacies, together with Hop Dogma Brewing Co., La Costanera, and Half Moon Bay Brewing Firm.
9. Sonoma Valley
Sonoma Valley is a wine area residence to over 400 wineries, together with Buena Vista Vineyard, Truett Hurst Vineyard, and Matanzas Creek Vineyard, providing guests the possibility to style a number of the finest wines on this planet. Along with its wineries, Sonoma Valley can also be residence to quite a lot of world-class eating places, providing delicacies starting from farm-to-table to worldwide fusion. Guests may also discover the realm’s charming cities, artwork galleries, and cultural points of interest, in addition to the numerous out of doors leisure alternatives obtainable, together with scorching air balloon rides and mountaineering trails.
10. Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a laid-back seashore city residence to quite a lot of points of interest, together with the well-known Santa Cruz Seaside Boardwalk, which options amusement park rides and video games, in addition to a historic curler coaster. You possibly can discover the realm’s seashores and parks, the place you possibly can surf, kayak, and hike.