• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Santa Cruz ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Santa Cruz
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2. Gilroy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Gilroy
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3. Alcatraz Island

Romantic Islands
Alcatraz Island
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4. Angel Island State Park

Category: Activities
Angel Island State Park
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5. Armstrong Redwood State Reserve

Category: Activities
Armstrong Redwood State Reserve
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6. Big Sur

Big Sur
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7. Carmel-By-Sea

Carmel-By-Sea
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8. Gold Country

Gold Country
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9. Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay
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10. Los Gatos

Los Gatos
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11. Mendocino

Mendocino
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12. Monterey

Monterey
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13. Muir Woods National Monument

Category: Activities
Muir Woods National Monument
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14. Napa Valley

Napa Valley
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15. Pescadero Marsh Nature Preserve

Category: Activities
Pescadero Marsh Nature Preserve
© Brian E Kushner/stock.adobe.com

16. Point Lobos

Category: Activities
Point Lobos
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17. Point Reyes and Tomales Bay

Category: Activities
Point Reyes and Tomales Bay
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18. Sausalito

Sausalito
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19. Sebastopol

Sebastopol
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20. Silicon Valley

Silicon Valley
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21. Skyline Boulevard

Category: Activities
Skyline Boulevard
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22. Sonoma Valley

Sonoma Valley
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23. Stinson Beach

Category: Beaches
Stinson Beach
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24. Yosemite National Park

Category: Activities
Yosemite National Park
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Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • The San Francisco Bay Area is a metropolitan area in Northern California that comprises San Francisco and the eight surrounding counties, with more than 7.75 million people.
  • The area is known for being one of the most ethnically diverse in the United States and is celebrated for its amazing food and laid-back coastal atmosphere.
  • There are also many National and State Parks in the area, which is very ecologically diverse and home to many endangered and threatened species.
  • Because the Bay Area is so expansive, there are many places that make for an ideal day trip in the region.

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