While we spent most of our northern California tour in remote areas of the state – dominated by majestic mountains, towering trees, and granite cliffs (along with it being quite hot and dry) – we actually began and ended our trip in areas that were VERY different from the rest of our time. From the city vibe of San Francisco to the quaint and historical areas of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Cannery Row, it was fascinating to explore these coastal areas – to say nothing of experiencing how different (in many ways) they were from what we saw the rest of the week.
We began our California adventure in San Francisco, and this was certainly a city that I had been looking forward to visiting for a long time. Having been to Los Angeles and southern California, we knew San Francisco was going to be different from that part of the state – and we weren’t disappointed!
Of course, the major highlight of this iconic city is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, and it truly is a marvel to see – that is, when you *can* see it. Because that was one of the first things we learned about San Francisco – that their famous fog (or “marine layer” as it’s called there), is no joke! Seeing the 1.7 miles of this bridge that crosses San Francisco Bay is often a challenge, but patience is rewarded, as that marine layer moves and changes so quickly that it was often a “now you see it, now you don’t” experience. But fog notwithstanding, the Golden Gate Bridge IS beautiful!
For all the beauty of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge, this body of water is also home to one of America’s most notorious sites. Alcatraz Island – often referred to as ‘The Rock’ – sits 1.5 miles off-shore and is home to the complex of buildings that was once Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, where Al Capone and others were infamously held. Nowadays, it is a museum where visitors can glimpse the cells and exercise yards that held some of America’s most dangerous figures.
Fortunately, San Francisco has less gloomy cultural attractions to explore, with a number of fascinating museums, to say nothing of the many fabulous restaurants to be found in the Mission district, Chinatown, and Little Italy.
Speaking of food, no visit to San Francisco is complete without spending time at bustling Pier 39 and the lively waterfront district of Fisherman’s Wharf, with its seafood eateries and street entertainers. We had a fun (and delicious!) time here, enjoying two floors of restaurants, shops and attractions – AND seeing the resident sea lions that lounge around the waterfront. (Touring tip: Get the sourdough bread bowl with clam chowder!) (Second Touring Tip: Don’t miss Ghiradelli!)
After our time in the city by the bay, we headed inland for wine country, the Sierra Nevada mountains, Lake Tahoe – and a 30 degree+ increase in temperature! While our time in San Francisco – and later in the Monterey area at the end of our trip – was in the 60s during the day (and cloudy/overcast for much of it), the further east we went, the higher the temperatures got, so for much of the rest of the week we experienced 90+ degrees each day. This proved to be one of the challenges when packing for our vacation, as I needed clothes what would cover a WIDE range of temperatures and weather! (Touring tip: Make sure you look at the weather for your destinations before you leave and pack accordingly!)
The last two days of our trip were spent back on the coast – and back in the cooler weather and marine layer – in the scenic town of Monterey. From here we enjoyed traveling on the famous 17 Mile Drive along the Pacific Ocean coast. As an “East Coast” girl used to mid-Atlantic beaches in our area, it was fascinating to see both the rocky coastline, as well as the different vegetation that grows there.
Of course, this area also has some rather famous and fun places to visit – and the stop at world famous Pebble Beach Golf Course was a highlight for all of the golfers on our tour! Our time spent exploring lovely Carmel-by-the-Sea and the historic Cannery Row was enjoyed by everyone – so much food and shopping! (Touring tip: Dutch Door Donuts makes your donuts *while you wait*, and they are divine!!)
I’m so glad that our Globus tour included these fun, fascinating – and foggy – areas of northern California!
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