Few visitors to San Francisco can resist the temptation of their proximity to California Wine Country. The Napa and Sonoma valleys are just a short car ride north of the city (about an hour), and it is well worth staying an extra day or two to sip at many world-renowned wineries or take in a mud bath in Calistoga. Check out www.sonomavalley.com and www.napavalley.com for complete trip-planning information.

Heading south, the Monterey/Carmel peninsula is one of the most popular destinations on the California Coast. Its breathtaking beauty and easygoing charm has drawn writers and artists for decades. It’s also home to the magnificent Monterey Bay Aquarium (www.monterey.com).

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