Los Angeles may be the second largest city in the country, but it is San Francisco that is often considered to be the most cultural, cosmopolitan, and diverse city in California.  Drawing in tourists for the gorgeous year-round weather, Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, there are many facets of San Francisco that make it worth visiting besides these getaway hotspots.  To reiterate, the weather is amazing ? even in the hottest portion of the summer you can expect cool temperatures in the 60s and 70s.  And the cool Pacific breezes are always refreshing, whether you´re spending a day in the metropolitan downtown or walking along the many beaches and parks.  For your next trip to central California, consider staying in a vacation rental: they are less expensive than urban hotels and have much more space for you and your family!  Check out some examples of San Francisco vacation rentals at CoastRentals.com. 

            Situated on a seven by seven mile square of land separating the Pacific Ocean from the San Francisco Bay, San Francisco has been settled since 1776, and experienced a huge influx of residents during the California Gold Rush.  Today, we know it as a unique city with lots to see and do.  Access is easy through Sam Francisco International, Oakland International, and San Jose International airports.  Once here, whether you flew or drove, it is advisable to avoid driving in the downtown area, as parking is scarce and expensive.  Never fear: San Francisco is a great pedestrian city and has tons of options for public transportation.  Besides walking, there are taxis, a railway system, the historic streetcar/cable car line, and comprehensive bus lines.  However you decide to get around the city, there are several locations you can´t miss.  Chinatown gives tourists a look into real Chinese culture, with great authentic restaurants, specialty imported products, and tons of opportunities for souvenirs.  Ocean Beach is open to pedestrians and makes sure you don´t forget that San Francisco is indeed a coastal city, with Golden Gate Park and lots of sun and sand.  Haight Ashbury is an eclectic district of San Francisco well known for its hippie culture and concert scene. 

            It´s impossible to visit San Francisco and not see Alcatraz.  This decommissioned island prison offers tours via ferry, and you´ll get to see the cells that housed some of the nation´s most notorious criminals.  Another essential hotspot in San Francisco is the Golden Gate Bridge, which connects San Francisco to Marin County to the north.  Noted as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, the Golden Gate Bridge is an everlasting symbol of the western American coast.  Harbor tours, art museums, and concerts are other fantastic options while in San Francisco.  Start planning your vacation today!

            It´s worth nothing that San Francisco is surrounded by smaller communities that make up the San Francisco metropolitan area.  One such community is Castro Valley, located across the bay in Alameda County.  With gorgeous tree lined hills and several parks (Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area, Anthony Chabot Regional Park, Don Castro Regional Park, Redwood Regional Park, and many more) Castro Valley is a great place for a relaxing and peaceful vacation.  There are several golf courses as well, and Lake Chabot is located nearby as well.  If you want to experience San Francisco without staying in the urban districts, then Castro Valley is a great compromise.  Check out the vacation rentals in Castro Valley today at CoastRentals.com.

            Directly south of San Francisco by about 30 miles lies Half Moon Bay, a rural seaside community and great headquarters for any vacation to the Bay Area.  Make sure you see Bean Hollow and Pebble Beaches, which have nature trails, and impressive surf.  At Gray Whale Cove State Beach a popular activity is whale watching, as gray whales can be seen from the eponymous beach.  In fact, there are over two dozen beaches in Half Moon Bay, each of them with their own beautiful vistas and relaxing sand.  The community is also home to concerts, a Portuguese Festival, car shows, and flower markets, as well as two distinguished wineries.  For your next vacation to the San Francisco bay area, check out the various beach homes available for rent at CoastRentals.com.  

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