Side Trips

The City by the Bay is, without question, captivating, but don't let it ensnare you to the point of ignoring its environs. The surrounding areas contain a multitude of natural spectacles such as Mount Tamalpais and Muir Woods; scenic communities like Tiburon and Sausalito; and great cities such as up-and-coming Oakland and its youth-oriented next-door neighbor, Berkeley.

From San Francisco, you can reach any of these points in an hour or less by car. Public transportation options are also listed. Another option is to hitch a ride with San Francisco Sightseeing (tel. 415/434-8687; www.sanfranciscosightseeing.com), which runs regularly scheduled bus tours to neighboring towns and the countryside. Half-day trips to Muir Woods and Sausalito, and full-day trips to Napa and Sonoma are available, as are excursions to Yosemite and the Monterey Peninsula. Phone for prices and schedules.