Monterey Bay Coastline1

When one thinks of California, visions of celebrities, beaches, surfing and sunny weather often come to mind, especially for people who endure the sometimes grueling snow and cold of winter in other parts of the world. Yet there is more than just tabloids and tan lines to keep people up at night in a state that boasts the mysterious redwood forest and wine country to the north, and the history of the Spanish missions, settlements and the ethnic diversity to the south.

Starting in San Francisco, even the pickiest of travelers will revel in a journey north or south of this eclectic "city by the bay" but only after they have discovered the city's numerous tasty restaurants and explored the Golden Gate Park and the craggy coastline spotted with brave surfers. Make sure to breathe in the fragrant flowers that cascade along the hilly and winding streets and listen for the calming sounds of the distant fog horns before leaving this thriving metropolitan city.

A rental car, a warm jacket and good walking shoes are a must for the traveler who wants to explore this state, which is speckled with spectacular ocean views, magnificent mountains and lakes and interesting historic towns, all of which await the eager adventurer.

HEAD NORTH

The best months to visit northern California are late August, September and October, the warmest months of the year. This part of the state has a temperate climate with cool evenings and a rainy winter season. Surprisingly, the fall evenings in most cities in northern California are warmer than the summer nights, which can be quiete chilly and foggy.

St. Helena & Calistoga
Northern California is definitely a wine lovers paradise but there are surprises right around the corner, such as St. Helena and Calistoga. A less crowded city than its more crowded Napa and Calistoga neighbors, St. Helena is for the tourist who wants to experience more than just wine tasting in the Napa County area. This city of approximately 6,000 people is a two-hour drive north, or 51 mi (81 km), from San Francisco and a relatively short drive 18 mi (28 km) north along the St. Helena Highway (Hwy 29) from Napa. Food as well as wine is the main focus of St. Helena due to the placement of The Culinary Institute of America (CIA).

	Culinary Institute of America2

The CIA is home to the culinary college, the Spice Islands Marketplace and the Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant, an excellent place to have lunch on the way to a wine tour or spa in Calistoga. During the day, the CIA features public cooking demonstrations and dessert samplings from up-and-coming chefs. Browse the Spice Islands gift shop for a wide selection of cook books, cooking utensils and keepsakes or check out the display of 1940s cooking utensils and machinery at the entrance to the building.

Calistoga is also worth a visit, located 25 mi (40 km) north of Napa. Once here, explore the many hiking trails in the area and afterwards, enjoy a mud bath or a massage at one of the many spas located in town. Cute shops and a variety of restaurants line the main road running through the town. On a warm night, reserve a table on the patio and select from a wide variety of wines at the Wappo Bar & Bistro on Washington Street.

Day Trips By Rail
For a few short day trips from San Francisco, travel on BART, the city's rapid transit system which also connects to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport. BART runs daily from San Francisco to South San Francisco and across the Bay Bridge to Oakland and Berkeley, where the weather is always at least a few degrees warmer than San Francisco.

Hearst Castle
The lure of warmer weather in southern California may prompt the desire to discover the city of Los Angeles. But if walking on celebrity stars, surfing or skateboarding isn't entertaining enough to make the 348 mi (559 km) drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles, going as far as Hearst Castle may be just as satisfying or more so. Situated in San Simeon, Hearst Castle can be made into a romantic day trip or part of a weekend getaway. Halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, drive 162 mi (261 km) from San Francisco to San Simeon via the 101, heading south to Highway 46, and then exit on Hearst Castle Road. The history behind this castle is worth the visit. William Randolph Hearst, a publisher, politician and media mogul designed the castle after decades of dreaming of similar structures he saw in Europe as a child. One of his former residences, this Mediterranean revival style castle was built on an acreage owned by William's father, George Hearst, and still showcases some of William's original collection of artwork. Stay overnight at the Sand Pebbles Inn in Cambria, California, within walking distance to the ocean and only a short drive to the castle. Decent restaurants with patios surround the inn, which boasts friendly service and spacious rooms.

Sausalito
For those travelers craving only a short jaunt in the San Francisco Bay area, head northwest to Sausalito, a two-hour round trip by ferry or car. Situated in Marin County, across the bay from where many San Francisco commuters travel to and from every day, this ungated marina is ideal for the outdoor adventurer due to the many biking and walking trails in the area. Stop at one of several small pubs before heading back on the ferry to Pier 39 on the other side of the bay. The better quality of life in Sausalito compared to its more expensive neighbor across the bay attracts many locals and tourists alike who may dream of living in this beautiful city nestled amongst the hills. Plan a visit over the Labor Day weekend, when the city hosts its annual Sausalito Art Festival, which brings in local, regional and international talent to this charming waterfront community. For an overnight stay there are a number of accommodations to choose from, including the Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa, which features both traditional and theme rooms overlooking the San Francisco Bay.

San Juan Bautista
Finding a town that is a little different from what is typical of this sunny state is worth a page or two in any travel journal. Heading south on Highway 101 from San Jose in Santa Clara County to San Juan Bautista is one of those discoveries. This city is less well-known but definitely worth a day trip or an overnight stay. Take the 101 towards the San Juan Valley, 80 mi (129 km) south of San Francisco. This historic agricultural town is home to the largest mission in California, Old Mission San Juan Bautista and an interesting Spanish plaza at the State Historic Park. A small town feel takes over on the drive into this town as roosters roam the sidewalks leading into the Main Street. The town's history prompted Alfred Hitchcock to film Vertigo in this city. An interest in art will also be satisfied by a visit to the Mission Gallery, a gallery and print shop on the main drag that hosts local artists' work every other weekend. Call ahead before making dinner plans at the Fault Line Restaurant & Gazebo on Franklin Street for a home-cooked meal and to hear locals talk about the history of California's ranchos era (1836-1848). The Cutting Horse Restaurant is also a good dinner option and there is no rush to leave the Mission Cafe, a great coffee and breakfast location in the middle of town. Theater, hiking, art events and several cozy places to sleep are also attractive features of this place. On the way to San Juan Bautista, stop in to taste some garlic ice cream at the annual Garlic Festival in Gilroy, 16 mi (26 km) from San Jose.

Salinas
The next stop is Salinas. With a population of 148,000, it is the largest municipality of Monterey County. Located approximately 8 mi (12.9 km) from the Pacific Coast in the Salinas Valley, the city is the hometown of writer John Steinbeck and boasts being one of the most expensive cities to live in the United States, making it an excellent place to visit. Known as the salad bowl of America, the Salinas Valley produces 80 per cent of the country's lettuce. It has a mild climate but bring a jacket as fog often rolls in from the Monterey Bay. Visit at the end of September to experience the annual California International AirShow Salinas at the city's municipal airport or take in some cowboy poetry and a rodeo competition at the California Rodeo Salinas in July.

	Monterey Bay Aquarium3

For some of the most scenic surprises on the west coast of the United States, drive along Highway 1, also called Cabrillo Highway, which runs along the coastline of the Pacific Ocean.

Monterey
Head south from San Francisco to find Monterey, California, which deserves at least a day to fully discover the bay's interesting marine life. Be sure to spend at least a few hours at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a 86 mi (139 km) drive from San Francisco, where visitors will spend the day learning about the history of cannery row, discover jelly fish and the kelp forest, spot sea otters from the aquarium's on-site restaurant and watch the volunteers feed the black-footed penguins. Don't miss the Outer Bay exhibit, a 15 ft (5 m) tall, one-million gallon underwater tank offering a world view of the sea life in the bay. Here hammerhead and great white sharks, bluefin tuna and sunfish are just a few of the creatures that will amaze and educate visitors both young and old.

Pebble Beach4

Carmel
From Monterey, get back onto Highway 1 heading south or for a more scenic drive explore the coastline by taking the popular 17-mile drive to Pacific Grove and Carmel. For the golf enthusiast, the Pebble Beach Golf Links is an obvious stop, especially in the month of February for their annual AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Tournament. Situated on the outskirts of Carmel, this course is one of the most well-known courses in the state of California. While the clubhouse's somewhat fancy exterior may scare away weary travelers, anyone can stop in for a drink or a bite to eat either in the lounge or in the pub tucked in the back of the clubhouse. After a leisurely walk around the grounds, away from the beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, hop in the car for a relatively short drive to Carmel-by-the-Sea, commonly called Carmel, this town is full of seaside restaurants and numerous golf courses to the north. Carmel is a small town that boasts crashing waves at every turn, sea otters that bask in the sun and Clint Eastwood's Mission Ranch lodge and restaurant.

Pacific Grove
Coming straight from San Francisco, Carmel is only an 89 mi (143 km) drive and worth every minute on the road. An interesting pit stop on the way to Carmel is the city of Pacific Grove. In the fall, watch out for hundreds of thousands of Monarch butterflies that flutter through this town. Lover's Point is situated in Monterey County, only 4 mi (7 km) north of Carmel and makes for a popular stop for a picnic lunch. This point is simply rocks that jut out into the ocean but acts as a cozy spot to rest tired feet and a perfect setting for camera-happy tourists. For music lovers, think about attending the Carmel Bach Festival, a three-week music festival featuring music by Bach, Beethoven, Handel and Vivaldi. A day trip is possible but many visitors will want to stay overnight in this picturesque town. The Tickle Pink Inn in Carmel is ideal for a romantic night or just a relaxing night of dreams for the solo trekker. On those cool Californian evenings, a dip in the hot tub or some reading by the fireplace will satisfy.

1. Monterey Bay Coastline; Monterey, CA, USA
2. Debbie McGarry; Culinary Institute of America, St. Helena, CA, USA
3. Randy Wilder; c/o Monterey Bay Aquarium; The million-gallon Outer Bay exhibit; Monterey, CA,USA
4. Debbie McGarry; Pebble Beach Clubhouse, Carmel, CA, USA