San Francisco is a vibrant and colourful city with a beautiful waterfront setting that’s known for the stunning views from the Golden Gate Bridge.

 

Websites like Visit California and Discover America will offer some advice on the best places to visit but these ten spots offer something a little different.
Sausalito

At Sausalito you can shop for ceramics from the Edith Heath studio or take in the city landscape and bayside view from Cavallo Point.

Napa Valley

The wine region offers gourmet picnicking on the Silverado Trail, or hot air balloon rides over the picturesque landscape.

Berkeley

Here lunch at Chez Panisse is highly recommended, and a visit to Tail of the Yak, the shop that most customers are so astonished at that they can’t describe, is also a must.

Sonoma

History buffs should experience California’s birthplace, Mission San Francisco Solano, and then dine at a wonderful restaurant called The General’s Daughter.

Point Reyes

The best way to see America is by road, so you’ll need to visit a car rental place like alamo.co.uk, Hertz or Avis car hire centre when you’re in the states. Getting to Point Reyes isn’t the hard part, it’s leaving that will be difficult, especially if you stroll out towards the lighthouse where the view is unsurpassed in California.

Halfmoon Bay

A pony ride to see the sights is one of the best attractions at Halfmoon Bay. As you’d expect for a waterfront paradise like this seafood is the way to go and there’s nowhere better than Flying Fish Grill.

Yuba River

This is a little further afield, but definitely worth the drive. It’s a beautiful area where you’ll never stop taking photos.

Nevada City

This is a small town that was first settled during the California Gold Rush. It’s full of history at every turn with attractions like the South Yuba River State Park and a host of museums.

Santa Cruz

This is a surfers dream but there’s no reason why you couldn’t just lay back and enjoy the sun and sand.

Mendocino

Despite its small size, Mendocino’s scenery and the surrounding Pacific Ocean has made it extremely popular with holiday makers.

Final word

For any advice on travelling to the USA from the UK check out www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice   where you’ll get the answers you need on visas and other travel requirements.