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EXPLORE LOCAL AREA | | | | | | | I-80 northeast of San Francisco
Berkeley,
CA
| | | | | Description: BERKELEY. Although Berkeley has experienced public unrest in the past, especially during the '60s, the city as a whole has redirected its energies and experienced a flowering of late. Today, Berkeley offers a variety of cultural opportunities: a flourishing music scene, innovative art galleries and several theater companies. Dining in Berkeley is also a unique experience. The presence and success of businesses like Chez Panisse and the Cheese Board have given rise to a number of specialty food shops, cafes and restaurants along Shattuck Avenue, now known as the Gourmet Ghetto. The town's main attraction, though, is still the university. UC's Berkeley campus has an enrollment of some 30,000 students and is recognized around the globe as a center of academic excellence.
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| 1 Telegraph Hill Blvd
San Francisco,
CA
94133
415-362-0808 | | | | | Description: NORTH BEACH. Often considered a tribute to San Francisco's volunteer firefighters, this 210-foot-tall tower has been a prominent feature in the city's skyline since its dedication in 1933. Endowed by the will of Lillie Hitchcock Coit, the tower was chosen as the manifestation of Coit's wish for a project to beautify the city. The Art Deco tower affords breathtaking 360° views of the city and the Bay, and while the vista from the top is ideal, the one from the parking lot is almost as grand. The tower's interior features fantastic murals commissioned by a public-arts predecessor to the WPA. Since parking in the area is scarce, it's best to walk up Telegraph Hill on your own.
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| Fort Point National Historic SiteLong Ave and Marine Dr
San Francisco,
CA
94129
415-556-1693 | | | | | Description: THE PRESIDIO. Built to defend the city and bay during the Civil War, this stone fort and its cannons soon became obsolete. Luckily for tourists, the designer of the Golden Gate Bridge was amazed by the fort's master masonry and decided to build around it rather than remove it for the bridge's south anchorage. Fort Point now functions as a museum, and guided and self-guided tours are available, along with exhibits and demonstrations. Located at the south end of the Golden Gate Bridge.
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| 801 Panoramic Hwy
Mill Valley,
CA
94941
415-388-2070 | | | | | Description: MILL VALLEY. Your reward for making the half-mile climb to the top of this 2571-foot peak is what many visitors consider to be the best view of San Francisco. On clear days, you can even see the Farallon Islands (25 miles to the west) and the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains (140 miles to the east). Hiking and biking trails provide distraction as well, along with a visitor center and picnic area. Tamalpais is located 12 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Camping is permitted.
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| Muir Woods National MonumentHwy 101 N to Hwy 1 exit
Mill Valley,
CA
94941
415-388-2595 | | | | | Description: MILL VALLEY. More than 1½ million people visit Muir Woods National Monument each year, and for good reason. The grove of coast redwoods has been protected for a century, and the amazing specimens rank among the tallest trees in the world. Some reach 252 feet, are 14 feet across, and are more than 1000 years old! Paved trails promise about an hour of strolling, while unpaved trails can occupy hikers for a full day or more.
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| 3301 Lyon St
San Francisco,
CA
94123
415-563-6504 | | | | | Description: MARINA DISTRICT. Intended as a temporary exhibit for the Panama Pacific Exposition of 1915, this elegant structure has proven to be one of San Francisco's most famous landmarks. It was saved soon after the expo, although its impermanent construction didn't hold up well over the next decades. In the 1960s, the structure was recreated in cast concrete from molds of the original, and the beautiful rotunda and peristyle were preserved. Performances, concerts, and lectures are now hosted at the site, located at Baker and Beach Streets.
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| US Hwy 101
Sausalito,
CA
94965
| | | | | Description: SAUSALITO. When Spanish explorers discovered this region in the 18th century, they were so intrigued by its small willow trees that they named the settlement after them. Known today for its natural beauty, the little town of 7500 residents hosts the Sausalito Art Festival each year and is a center for artists and art dealers. The community also serves as a gateway to the wine country just to the north. Easily reached via ferry or car, Sausalito offers great dining and hotels with fabulous Bay views. For more information, contact the Sausalito Chamber of Commerce (415-332-0505).
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| US Hwy 1
Carmel-by-the-Sea,
CA
| | | | | Description: CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA. Waves breaking against sharp cliffs. A beach of pearly white sand. A backdrop of tree-topped rolling hills. Sound too good to be true? It's not it's Carmel-by-the-Sea. This picturesque community delivers both dynamic atmosphere and a place to get away and recharge. Its relaxed pace mingles with European ambience, and its many annual arts festivals draw visitors from near and far. You can also browse unique shops, enjoy one-of-a-kind dining, and capitalize on the flexibility that such a village can provide. Proximity to scenic spots like not-to-be-missed Big Sur and charming Monterey add to the little town's big punch.
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| US Hwy 101
Marin County,
CA
415-331-1540 | | | | | Description: MARIN COUNTY. Make your way across the Golden Gate Bridge and step into one of the area's last bastions of open space. The Marin Headlands, known for their inspiring views, showcase Mother Nature in all her bounty. They're a great place to enjoy the outdoors, whether you choose to camp at beautiful Kirby Cove or hike along more than 200 miles of scenic trails. For the best views around, make your way to the summit of 2571-foot Mount Tamalpais. Historic military bases on the preserved site also add to the appeal.
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| US Hwy 1
Monterey,
CA
93950
| | | | | Description: MONTEREY. Whether you're in the mood for coastal nostalgia or hope to catch a glimpse of migrating grey whales, Monterey is not to be missed. Walk down historic Canary Row and investigate the lively district's many converted warehouses, which now house a variety of shops. Or, grab a bite to eat, breathe in the sea air, and imagine what the bustling spot used to be like. The town is also home to the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, located in a former cannery, and to Old Fisherman's Wharf, where working fishermen unload their catches. If you feel like doing some fishing yourself, book a spot on one of the available excursions. For more information, contact the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau (888-221-1010).
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