Bing Alison - Lonely Planet San Francisco Bay Area & Wine Country Road Trips

WELCOME TO SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA & WINE COUNTRY

San Francisco is the anchor of Californias most diverse region, even if earthquakes have shown it isnt rock solid. From exploring the rugged beaches of Marin County to floating down the isolated bends of the Russian River, from poking around (and through) the redwoods to picnicking beneath giant oaks, theres no shortage of natural places to explore and scenic roads to drive.

Then there is the wine and food Many visitors seek out the iconic Napa Valley for cabernets and sparkling wines, but you can sip equally impressive vintages in Sonoma and Dry Creek. Then soak in some hot springs, where conversations start with, Hey, dude! and end hours later.

Wine Country Vineyards stretch across rolling hills in Napa and Sonoma Valleys
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SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA & WINE COUNTRY HIGHLIGHTS

Other suspension bridges impress with engineering, but none can touch the Golden Gate Bridge for showmanship.

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Californias towering giants grow along much of the coast, from Big Sur north to the Oregon border.

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Swaths of vineyards carpet hillsides as far as the eye can see, but its quality, not quantity, that sets Californias Wine Country apart.

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CITY GUIDE

San Francisco Victorian houses
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Ride the clanging cable cars up unbelievably steep hills, snake down Lombard Sts famous hairpin turns, cruise through Golden Gate Park and drive across the arching Golden Gate Bridge. Then go get lost in the creatively offbeat neighborhoods of Californias capital of weird.

Avoid driving downtown. Cable cars are slow and scenic (single rides $6). MUNI streetcars and buses are faster but infrequent after 9pm (fares $2). BART (tickets from $1.75) run high-speed Bay Area trains. Taxis cost $2.75 per mile; meters start at $3.50.

Street parking is scarce and meter readers ruthless. Meters take coins, sometimes credit cards; central pay stations accept coins or cards. Overnight hotel parking averages $35 to $50; downtown parking garages start at $2.50 per hour or $25 per day.

The Ferry Building, Mission District and South of Market (SoMa) are foodie faves. Dont miss the citys outdoor farmers markets either. Head to North Beach for Italian, Chinatown for dim sum, the Mission District for Mexican, and the Sunset or Richmond for pan-Asian.

The Marina is near the family-friendly waterfront and Fishermans Wharf. Downtown and Union Square are more expensive, but conveniently located for walking. Avoid the rough-edged Civic Center and Tenderloin neighborhoods.

San Francisco Travel (www.sanfrancisco.travel) Destination info, events calendar and accommodations bookings.

SF Station (www.sfstation.com) Nightlife, restaurants, shopping and the arts.

Lonely Planet (www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/san-francisco) Travel tips and travelers forums.

Road Trip through San Francisco:
Destinations coverage:

NEED TO KNOW

CELL PHONES

The only foreign phones that will work in the USA are GSM multiband models. Network coverage is often spotty in remote areas (eg mountains, deserts).

INTERNET ACCESS

Wi-fi is available at most coffee shops and lodgings. Some accommodations have free guest computers. Cybercafes ($6 to $12 per hour) are common in cities.

FUEL

Gas stations are everywhere, except in national parks and remote areas. Expect to pay $4 to $5 per US gallon.

RENTAL CARS

Alamo (www.alamo.com)

Car Rental Express (www.carrentalexpress.com)

Simply Hybrid (www.simplyhybrid.com)

Zipcar (www.zipcar.com)

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

American Automobile Association (AAA; 877-428-2277)

Emergencies ( 911)

Highway conditions ( 800-427-7623)

Traffic updates ( 511)

When to Go

Climate

High Season (JunAug)

Accommodations prices up 50% to 100%.

Major holidays are even busier and more expensive.

Summer is low season in the desert: temperatures exceed 100F (38C).