San Francisco looks even better in real life than it does in the movies. Crammed into a relatively small area surrounded by bay and the Pacific Ocean, its streets can be explored on foot, taking in the various neighbourhoods - Chinatown, Japantown, Italian North Beach and Russian Hill. Down at Fisherman's Wharf, you can meet sea lions, sample delicious local seafood and take the ferry to Alcatraz Island, home of the world's most notorious prison. Golden Gate Bridge must be walked over and an afternoon in Golden Gate Park is a delight. Sonoma and Napa wine valleys are slightly north with Carmel and Monterey 2 hours south down beautiful Highway One.
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