Northern California Destinations
Northern California Destinations
Northern California Destinations
Looking for a family getaway? Or maybe a romantic weekend for two? Here are some of my favorite destinations in Northern California. I hope that they become your favorites too! Please email me at samia@samiamorgan.com if you have other great spots that you want me to post on this page.
Año Nuevo State Reserve
Guided walks to see the elephant seals at Año Nuevo State Reserve will begin this year on December 15, 2003 and continue every day through March 31, 2004, except December 25 and January 24, 2004. Reservations are recommended for these guided walks. Guided Walk Reservations call 800-444-4445.
Auberge du Soleil - Napa Valley
180 Rutherford Hill Road, Rutherford, CA 94573 - A beautiful Inn and spa, with a fabulous restaurant. Call: 707-963-1211.
California Association of Bed and Breakfast Inns
The California Association of Bed and Breakfast Inns (CABBI) - the leading source on bed and breakfast travel in California. Representing over 300 distinctive, quality-certified B&Bs, CABBI provides travelers with an extensive choice in accommodations from country cottages and historic Victorian mansions, to boutique hotels, beach-front hideaways, and unusual settings like boats and farm stays. All CABBI inns are inspected certified and adhere to 68 separate quality standards to ensure a travel experience that meets your expectations.
The Cannery
THE CANNERY is one of San Francisco's most treasured places. Located near Fisherman's Wharf, and originally built in 1907, THE CANNERY was once the largest peach cannery in the world. Today, THE CANNERY is a vibrant waterfront marketplace featuring one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants, live entertainment, and a world-class jazz club. The brick warehouse was converted into three levels of winding walkways, balconies and bridges surrounding an inviting courtyard with 130 year-old olive trees and several outdoor cafes. THE CANNERY's European charm, unique shops and restaurants, and award-winning architecture make it one of the finest shopping and dining experiences in the world.
Carmel Lodging
Carmel, California is nestled between the world famous Pebble Beach golf course and the spectacular Big Sur coast. By carefully guarding the natural beauty of the area, Carmel has created a European style retreat away from all the headaches of everyday life. Carmel's rural setting and leisurely pace help you relax, and its small elegant inns, restaurants and shops make sure your stay is a memorable experience.
The Cliff House
The first Cliff House was a modest structure built in 1863 by Masters Butler and Buckley. The guest register bore the names of three U.S. Presidents as well as prominent San Francisco families such as the Hearsts, Stanfords and Crockers who would drive their carriages out to Ocean Beach for horse racing and recreation. In 1881, the Cliff House was sold to Adolph Sutro, a self made millionaire, philanthropist and later a mayor of San Francisco. Seven years later, Sutro built a railroad to bring the general public to this seaside attraction. On Christmas Day 1894, the Cliff House was destroyed by fire.
Fisherman's Wharf - San Francisco
Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco’s most popular destination. Known for its historic waterfront, delicious seafood, spectacular sights and unique shopping, Fisherman's Wharf offers a wide array of things to do for everyone. Our fabulous location in the 'City by the Bay', puts you within minutes of the Maritime Museum, Alcatraz, Coit Tower and everyone's favorite, the world famous San Francisco Cable Car lines. Fisherman's Wharf offers some of the most incredible views of the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge and the cityscape.
Fort Mason
It is the responsibility of the Fort Mason Foundation to administer and develop this unique cultural, educational, and recreational center in partnership with the National Park Service. Fort Mason Center, located in the historic piers and buildings of Lower Fort Mason, offers a variety of activities of the highest quality at minimum or no cost, suitable for all ages and interests. This former military base offers the opportunity to experience diversity in a unique environment, focusing on the visual and performing arts, humanities, education, ecology, and recreation. A National Historic Landmark and part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the Center houses more than 40 nonprofit organizations and is the setting for more than 15,000 meetings, conferences, performances, and special events, attended by 1.5 million visitors each year.
Ghirardelli Square
Ghirardelli Square, a historic San Francisco destination, offering shopping San Francisco style, waterfront dining near Fisherman's Wharf, art galleries, family events, walking tours and more. Find out why we're one of San Francisco locals' favorite fun things to do in San Francisco and why San Francisco visitors love Ghirardelli Square!
Golden Gate Bridge
Visiting the world famous Golden Gate Bridge is a unique experience for everyone. Whether you drive, walk, bike, shop, or just want to look, there is something for everyone.
Meadowood - Napa Valley
900 Meadowood Lane, St. Helena, California 94574 - Settled on a private estate, Meadowood is a center of social, cultural and viticultural life in Napa Valley and a second home for those who enjoy the beauty and hospitality of the wine country. Nestled into a beautiful, two hundred-fifty acre valley, Meadowood is reminiscent of a private estate in a bygone era. Gracious hospitality defines the style of service and timeless, natural beauty the sense of place. The property features championship croquet lawns, seven tennis courts, a nine-hole walking golf course, hiking trails, swimming, a full-service health spa, a wine educator, an annual cultural affairs calendar, eighty-five guest rooms and wine country cuisine. Call: 800-458-8080.
The mission called Dolores was founded October 9, 1776. The padres chose a site for Mission San Francisco de Asis beside a little inlet called Laguna Dolores. The nearby pueblo was named Yerba Buena. As time went by the town took the name of Saint Francis, while the mission more popularly became known as Dolores. Even though located beside one of the finest harbors in the entire world, Mission Dolores was handicapped from the outset by lack of suitable space for agriculture, competition for that space from the citizens of the Spanish pueblo, and the damp and foggy climate. Initially the Indians were greatly attracted to the mission, but ample food and protection from enemies had to be measured against fatal epidemics of measles, the worldly attractions of the pueblo, and the free life of 'unenlightened' brothers across the bay.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940 - Reach Out and Touch Roll up your sleeves and get your hands wet at any of our five touch pools, where you can see and touch a variety of animals. In Ocean's Edge, get a feel for graceful bat rays, as they glide just below the surface. Gently handle sea stars, hermit crabs and other tide pool animals in our Rocky Shore, Splash Zone and Kelp Lab touch pools. In Sharks: Myth and Mystery, you can touch a horn shark or skates. Call - 831-648-4800
The magnificent Monterey Peninsula has been called the greatest meeting of land, sea and sky and is recognized as an ideal vacation and business destination. This beautiful seaside community combines all the charm of small town America with an endless variety of recreational and cultural activities. Monterey's rich history, the saga of California's Mission Trail, historic Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row, 17 world-class golf courses, the world's best aquarium, a unique variety of shops and galleries and a spectacular assortment of parks and natural areas combine to provide a truly unrivaled place for your next getaway.
Oakland Zoo
The Oakland Zoo is nestled in the rolling hills of 525-acre Knowland Park. Each year thousands of families and school groups from around the Bay Area come to visit 440 native and exotic animals that live in naturalistic habitats at the Zoo.
San Francisco Botanical Garden
Escape to a unique urban oasis of extraordinary beauty. Enjoy the San Francisco Botanical Garden's world of gardens, excellent horticulture library, bookstore, and education programs. The San Francisco Botanical Garden is open daily, 365 days a year, and is free to the public. Weekdays: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Weekends & Holidays: 10 am to 5 pm. FREE GUIDED WALKS are given daily at 1:30 pm.
The new Zoo is becoming a reality. In summer 2002, the new Lipman Family Lemur Forest opened along with a whole new main entrance experience for visitors. The lemur forest features five different species of these amazing primates from Madagascar in a large outdoor setting. And not only will you find the main entrance facing the Pacific Ocean; you'll find all new services just for you! The Friend and Taube Family Entry Village offers a new gift shop, restrooms, and membership and information booths. It will be a central place for you to meet up with friends and family. You'll also enjoy the new Leaping Lemur Cafe that offers an indoor dining experience with a wide variety of food choices including personalized, made-to-order pasta and pizza. And near the Cafe, don't miss the intricate restoration of the famed Dentzel Carousel.
In June 1943 the Liberty Ship S.S. Jeremiah O'Brien slid down the ways at the New England Shipbuilding Corporation in South Portland, Maine. Shortly thereafter she entered service, operated by Grace Line for the War Shipping Administration. Named for the first American to capture a British naval vessel during the Revolutionary War, the O'Brien made seven World War II voyages, ranging from England and Northern Ireland to South America, to India, to Australia. She also made eleven crossings of the English Channel carrying personnel and supplies to the Normandy beaches in support of the D-Day invasion. After the war, she was 'mothballed' and laid up in the Reserve Fleet at Suisun Bay, north of San Francisco. Thirty-three years later, skillful maneuvering by a U.S. Maritime Administration official (himself a former Liberty ship sailor) saved the O'Brien from the scrap yard. In 1979, after hundreds of hours of labor by volunteer crew members to remove thick layers of preservatives, the O'Brien headed for San Francisco to be restored. No other ship ever has steamed out of the mothball fleet under her own power.
