Marin County HotTubbing
For the discriminating tourist, there is no disputing the feast of options available in the Bay Area. There is a reason why the area remains one of the top ten worldwide destinations. It offers a breathtaking balance of natural beauty and unique monuments and urban hot-spots. While San Francisco is the destination of choice for the majority of the tourists making their way to the area, those in the know will head for more northern destinations.
Known as Marin County, the North Bay is home to some of the most breathtaking natural beauty to be found anywhere in California. This includes the bird sanctuary near Mill Valley, as well as Mount Tamalpais and the verdant Muir Woods. Consequently, the region is an outdoor enthusiast's dream -- especially if that enthusiast is partial to hiking, biking, or jogging. After a long day jumping over fallen trees and babbling brooks, you can soak your bones in a lovely hot tub, which most Marin county hotels seem to come equipped with.
Should a day at the beach be more appealing, you need look no further than Stinson Beach, approximately 10 miles north of Mill Valley. Though Northern California prides itself more on its rocky shoreline, it does have a number of sandy beaches on par with Southern California. While these beaches tend to be smaller -- and therefore more crowded -- they are generally cleaner than beaches in Los Angeles and Huntington Beach.
A quick drive over the Golden Gate Bridge will deliver the dauntless tourist to the inner sanctum of San Francisco. Here one can do all that one is expected to do, namely, see North Beach (the Italian enclave), visit the Transamerica Pyramid, visit City Lights Bookstore, shop at Union Square, and then have dinner on Fisherman's Wharf. Keep in mind there is no public transportation to and from the North Bay, so, unless you ferry in, you will have to provide your own transportation.
Never mind the fact that San Francisco enjoys the lion's share of tourist traffic. You should know that Marin County is as lovely a place as any you might find on the French Riviera. Except, of course, for the fact that it is far more verdant than the Riviera. Reserve your room in advance and be sure to allocate more money than you had initially budgeted.
