California
San Francisco Locals Share the 6 Best Things to Do
By Marybeth Bond/GutsyTraveler The tourist season, when we have lots of out-of-town visitors is almost here and we’re gearing up for it. Here are our suggestions of where to go beyond “must see” tourist places: Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, Ghirardelli, and The Golden Gate Bridge. Free Wildlife Viewing. PIER 39 Watch mammoth sea lions cavort in the […]
Romantic Ocean View Resorts in Southern California
Eat, sleep and soak in Southern California’s most romantic ocean view resorts. The Lodge at Torres Pines, La Jolla and Bacara Resort and Spa, Santa Barbara Balanced on the coastal clips overlooking the Pacific Ocean, above the community of La Jolla, the Lodge has been drawing avid golfers and lovers to its sunny climate and majestic […]
Marin County. Easy getaway near San Francisco.
When the frigid fog rolls into San Francisco, locals head across the Golden Gate Bridge to hike, bike or drive to Marin County where the wether is sunnier and the temperatures are warmer. Although Marin was the birthplace of George Lucas’ Obi Wan Kenobi and home to the Grateful Dead, it is the […]
California Wines From Napa to Santa Barbara.
Visitors to San Francisco and locals head to the Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles, Carneros, or Santa Barbara to taste and discover new varietals at the many of the wineries and wine country towns. Consider these California wine pairings: Sauvignon Blanc & Oysters. A romantic, sensual classic: the bright, crisp liveliness of a California Sauvignon Blanc […]
Best Walks in San Francisco. Secrets From the Locals.
The best walks in San Francisco are free. As local residents, here are our secrets. Golden Gate Bridge Walk The Golden Gate Bridge is the icon of San Francisco and is considered to be one of the most beautiful bridges in the world. Luckily, visitors have the opportunity to walk across the 1.7 miles span […]
Mellow Mendocino – A favorite San Francisco getaway
There are many reasons San Franciscans drive north along the rugged, dramatic coast to Mendocino. With so may San Francisco-based IfOnly experiences, its hard to believe anyone would ever want to stray. Some of us seek distance from our stressed lives; others room for romance, or quiet for renewal. I go with my dog and […]
California road trip through the vineyards
Many travelers think only of Napa or Sonoma when they plan a California wine road trip. Don’t miss out on Santa Barbara County, where the “mountains meet the sea”. Santa Barbara County has a 200-plus year history that was put in the spotlight by the indie hit film, Sideways, and travel magazines worldwide. Located about 90 […]
Getaway to Carmel and Monterey Bay Aquarium
A shared obsession with with the ocean was the unlikely impetus for a family trip to Monterey Bay Aquarium. Our children are now adults, are 23 and 26 years old – and they are still obsessed with the aquarium. In fact, we all are passionate about the aquarium. Given all this, it […]
Romantic Wine Country Getaway in Sonoma Valley
From the moment I pulled into the discrete entrance to the Kenwood Inn and Spa, I felt like I’d returned to Tuscany. I almost expected the friendly Concierge to welcome me with the familiar greeting — Ciao Bella. Yes, it really feels like Italy; from the honey-colored Mediterranean-style buildings to the fountains and flower-filled courtyard. […]
Five Easy Hikes in San Francisco
With over 40 hilltops (and 70 by some accounts), San Francisco is the second hilliest city in the world. While we residents are accustomed to our unusual topography, visitors can get weak in the knees just thinking about some of our epic ascents. As the founder of Urban Hiker SF, it’s my job and my pleasure […]