
Featured getaway: San Francisco, California


San Francisco was largely defined by the Gold Rush of 1849, but continues to be reinvented every few years. Innovation and entrepreneurship are synonymous with the city and its neighbor, Silicon Valley. The area is most famous for technology, witnessing the dot-com craze and crash, Web 2.0 mania, and the rise of social networking and the smartphone. But San Francisco is still a great place to enjoy all manner of unplugged activities. Walk along the uninterrupted waterfront, through the renovated, foodie-adored Ferry Building, across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, up the quad-busting inclines to Nob Hill or past the windmills of Golden Gate Park. Mind-expanding cultural attractions exist alongside invigorating outdoor activities. Gaze at the work of Jackson Pollock at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in the morning and then head to Muir Woods to peer up at gigantic redwoods in the afternoon. From the hippie haunts of Haight-Ashbury to the colorful Victorian architecture of the predominantly gay Castro District, from Japantown to Chinatown, San Francisco is all about neighborhoods. Each has a distinct look and vibe. You could easily spend a day in each or hop on a streetcar to sample a few.
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If you took a stroll down Napa's busy Main Street in the 1800s, you would have seen hundreds of horses tied to fence posts. Today, the area is still bustling, but the horses and fences have been replaced by bicycles and bike racks. A cyclist's dream destination, the city serves as a starting off point for a number of rides through the beautiful Napa Valley. Grab a free map from City Hall and take your pick: a manageable 10-mile jaunt to Yountville or, for the super fit, a 30-mile power pedal to Calistoga. Stop along the way to sample wine from local vineyards or just to take in the breathtaking scenery. Bike trails are clearly marked and easy to follow. Back in town, there are even more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Spend the day cycling or strolling along the Napa River. Or head to the northwest hills of Alston Park for a day of hiking and picnicking. After a vigorous or relaxing day, satisfy your appetite at any of Napa's fine restaurants and recharge with a stay at a comfy inn or bed and breakfast.
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