California
There’s no doubt about it, California is one of the most distinctive, iconic and diverse states in all of the USA. Whether you’re craving adventure or relaxation, you’re bound to find it in the Golden State. California is idyllic vineyards, charming cities and towns, beautiful mountains and national parks, and sweeping coastal views from the border of Mexico to the redwood forests of Northern California. Rugged mountains, desert landscapes and the dazzling beaches make for endless imagery and lasting memories. Everything you’ve heard about California is true. It’s both upscale and laid-back, outdoorsy and rugged, polished and beautiful.
California Wine Country
Situated within a two-hour drive north of San Francisco are two of the premier wine growing areas in the United States and the world, the Napa and Sonoma valleys. With the perfect combination of soil, sun, and seasonal moisture, the hundreds of area wineries produce award-winning Sauvignon Blancs, Chardonnays, Cabernet Sauvignons, and others. In addition to fabulous wine, these valleys are also known for serving outstanding cuisine. Yountville, Sonoma, Healdsburg, St. Helena and Calistoga have small-town charm as well as luxurious inns, hotels, and soothing spas. The natural setting in these two picturesque valleys is equally sublime, whether experienced from your car, the back set of your chauffeured sedan, on an electric bike, a canoe on the Russian River or the deck of a winery overlooking endless rows of vines while sampling your favorite Cabernets.
Carmel & Monterey
Carmel was developed in the early 20th century by artists, poets, and visionaries. Its residents have retained the friendly, small-town, sophisticated character with boutique stores, coffee shops, restaurants, a laid-back atmosphere, intimate bed-and-breakfast inns, and luxury lodges. Inland from the shore is Carmel Valley, known for its high-end golf and spa resorts. Carmel is located immediately south of Monterey, separated by the hilly Monterey Peninsula. Monterey Peninsula is famous for its famous golf courses, beautiful homes and 17-Mile Drive, which loops through the Pebble Beach golf course and along the rugged shore, past Seal Rock and the much-photographed Cypress Point. To the south of Carmel lies the diverse wildlife habitat of Point Lobos. Further beyond, the dramatic coast of Big Sur lures visitors along one of the most scenic coastal highways in the U.S., Highway 1..
Sausalito
On a sunny day, Sausalito could easily be mistaken for a Mediterranean fishing village. This picturesque seaside town has the ambience of a European vacation resort with its quaint boutiques, upscale art galleries, scenic waterfront walk, and yacht-filled marinas. Even locals from “The City” have the impression of getting away when they spend an afternoon or evening here, even though it’s just a short drive, ferry or sail from San Francisco. The ferry ride from San Francisco across the bay offers a spectacular approach to Sausalito allowing visitors to admire elegant houses nestled on wooded hillsides, enjoy marvelous views of the Golden Gate Bridge along the way, and view the San Francisco skyline over their shoulders. Sheltered by the Marin Headlands, which lie just beyond the bridge, Sausalito is usually warmer than San Francisco but is often breezy in the early evening when the fog rolls in.