Sonoma
When it comes to the wine region of California, people always think of Napa Valley first. However, Sonoma Valley is the true birthplace of California's wine industry with 17 AVA wine regions and over 400 wineries. It also has a charming name, "Moon Valley". If Napa is like a handsome man in a suit standing at the entrance of a popular bar, politely inviting people in, Sonoma is like a casual country boy, wearing jeans and a ripped T-shirt, leaning against the wall and holding a wine glass, saying "come try some wine, it's up to you".
Peta Lummaa
The town of Petaluma is located in Sonoma County near Highway 101, but many people passing through the Bay Area may not realize that it is more than just farms and happy cows. Petaluma's history dates back to the Spanish colonial period of 1776 and the California Gold Rush of 1849. Unlike many other towns, Petaluma's Victorian architecture survived the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, making it a popular filming location for American movies. Even if you're not an architecture enthusiast, the town's unique cultural atmosphere has attracted many specialty coffee shops and art stores, making it a must-visit for any bohemian.
Lax
Larkspur maintains the typical California small town style, and its visible historic buildings make it one of the National Historic Places in the United States. Whether it's Victorian-era buildings or Renaissance-style churches and town halls, they all demonstrate Larkspur's sense of history. These buildings are also witnesses of the rise and fall of the Gold Rush. The entire Larkspur is divided into two parts by the highway. The west side of the highway is the historic town center, while the east side is an old quarry called Larkspur Landing, which is now a bustling market and a center for shopping, concerts, and leisure activities.
Tiburon
The harbor-themed town of Tiburon is an unquestionable gathering place for the wealthy. Most homes are built on the hillsides, with views of the beautiful San Francisco across the bay. The mirage-like cityscape of San Francisco can be seen in different seasons and weather conditions. Additionally, the town was once the terminus of the North Pacific Railroad until its final mission ended on September 25, 1967. After the train became inactive, a bicycle path was built on the original track line.
Sausalito
In 2000, Maggie Cheung and Leon Lai starred in a romantic love story called "Sausalito", which was translated into "Love at First Sight" in Chinese. Set against the backdrop of San Francisco and Sausalito, the town by the bay, just like the English and Chinese movie titles, Sausalito is a place that can make people fall in love at first sight. Sausalito was developed in the 19th century and is one of the oldest communities in the San Francisco Bay Area, considered a historic landmark. Spanish explorers called the area "Saucalito," named after the drooping willows that grew along the waterways and underground streams. Today, the town remains a favorite destination for sailors from around the world.
Niles
Most people know Niles town because of Chaplin, but finding it is not that easy, and even people who have lived in the Bay Area of California for decades may not know about it. Niles Blvd, the main street of Niles town, has a museum (Niles Essanay Silent File Museum) that collects all of Chaplin's films, as well as the hotel where Chaplin lived and the Essanay Cafe where he often went, all on the same street.
Pescadro
There is actually only one main street in Pescadero town, but don't underestimate it. It has a school, clinic, hotel, and famous over 100-year-old restaurant, as well as supermarkets, antique shops, thrift stores, boutique shops, high-end handmade furniture stores, churches, and real estate companies, making it a place where everything is available. Leaving the hustle and bustle of the big city, coming to this unique town, you will feel fresh and comfortable. The most attractive thing about this town is that it is a coastal city, with blue seawater and black stones in the sea, presenting beautiful scenery under the sunlight.
Capito La
The City of Capitola, facing the Pacific Ocean, was built in 1949 and is located 75 miles from San Francisco. Although the town is small, covering only 1.6 square miles, it is known as one of California's most beautiful seaside towns. A thin layer of mist covers the town from afar, creating a dreamy atmosphere. The town is elegant and quaint, with clean streets and no towering buildings or bustling crowds. The town is adorned with antique buildings, boutique shops, antique stores, and galleries, giving it a unique and fresh atmosphere.
Monte La
Montara Town, a hidden town in nature. With only 3,000 residents, this town is more like a village, tucked away in the woods, with only the sound of the ocean waves in the distance. Walking along the mountain roads, you feel a sense of peace and tranquility. Although the houses look old, each front yard is filled with plants and flowers, blending into the beautiful scenery of nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. At the Alpacas By The Sea farm, located on the north side of the town, cute alpacas can brighten up your day.
Carmel River State Beach
Carmel-by-the-Sea is an exquisite seaside town on the Monterey Peninsula, located very close to the exit of the 17-Mile Drive and only about a two-hour drive from San Francisco. Over 100 years ago, "the Carmel of artists, poets and writers" became famous as a town of humanistic gathering and an enclave of artists, with even the Chinese painter Zhang Daqian residing here for many years and calling his residence "Kai Yi Tang." For a century, Carmel-by-the-Sea's charm has remained intact, with a population of barely over 4,000 residents. It has become a highlight of California's coastal highway, distinguished by its beautiful natural environment and elegant artistic atmosphere.
