Stuart Thornton - Moon Coastal California

common warning sign along Californias coast

The politics, the culture, the foodthese are what make San Francisco world famous. Dine on cutting-edge cuisine at high-end restaurants and offbeat food-trucks, tour classical and avant-garde museums, and bike through Golden Gate Park or stroll along Fishermans Wharf. The surrounding region is as diverse as the city itself. To the north, Marin offers wilderness seekers a quick respite from the city, while ethnic diversity and intellectual curiosity give the East Bay a hip urban edge. Meanwhile, the beaches of Coastside are a short drive away.

Wine Country is famous for a reason. This is the place to pamper yourself with excellent wines, fantastic food, and luxurious spas. Napa offers all of the above in spades, while Sonoma boasts a bit of history and a mellower atmosphere. The Russian River adds redwoods and river rafting to the mix.

For deserted beaches, towering redwoods, and scenic coastal towns, cruise north along the Redwood Coast. Explore Russian history at Fort Ross on the grassy bluffs of the Sonoma Coast, and fall in love with Mendocinos small-town charm and nearby wineries. Detour west to the Lost Coast to experience coastline barely touched by human development.

Go surfing in Santa Cruz. Witness gray whales and sea lions off rugged Monterey Bay, and then explore their environment at the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium. Wander around in the art galleries of Carmel-by-the-Sea and then take a stroll on the light sands of Carmel Beach. If you are a wine lover, be sure to head out to Carmel Valley to taste some of the regions best varietals.

the Monterey Bay Aquarium