San Francisco Bay Towns
there's lots more here than just
"The City"

San Francisco Bay Area towns contain many hidden treasure troves of natural wonders, especially along the coast lines and mountain tops.

The greater Bay area is a secret some tourists don't realize exists. Yet San Francisco, with 809,000 residents, isn't even the biggest city in it. San Jose, the tenth largest US city, has a population of 948,000 and there are about 11 million residents in the overall Bay area.

The Bay Area is full of natural preserves -- wonderful combinations of sky, sun, water, hills and weather -- protected by terrain that is too rugged to build on and by enthusiastic conservationists. Therefore, many local residents never even bother to go to "The City" except for an occasional visit.  After all, why leave the heaven next door :).

By the way, you'll notice we like most the small easy-going, San Francisco Bay towns close to water. A quick visit will truly refresh you from the stresses of urban life.

Marin County - north of SF

• Sausalito - Just a Ferry Boat ride away ... or a bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge.
• Tiburon - Tiburon means "shark" in Spanish. It's a beautiful little town a few minutes north of Sausalito by car or Ferry.
• Marin Headlands - Stunning views and unique things to do just across the bridge.

Half Moon Bay Coast - just south of SF

• Cabrillo Hwy (Hwy 1), from Montara to Santa Cruz is a great stretch of coastal road for a Sunday drive.
• Montara - A relaxed hidden jewel with great weather and ocean views.
• Princeton-by-the-Sea - Good walks & a few good restaurants.
• Half Moon Bay - County's oldest settlement known as Spanishtown in the 1840s. Still the biggest little town.
• Pescadero - Little town to hang out in. Nice short coastal drive to get there.

San Mateo County - just south of SF

• Foster City - This SF Bay town is surprisingly like a resort even though it's just tract homes right on Highway 101.

Santa Clara County - further south in Silicon Valley

• Palo Alto - Home of Stanford and Hewlett-Packard, Inc. Lots of wealthy Stanford grads, doctors, and famous businessmen like Steve Jobs live around here for a reason; they like it.
• San Jose - Ranked among the top 10 most livable large cities in the US. Feels more like a giant suburb than a city. Has a few interesting gems to check out.

Santa Cruz County & south - a day trip south

• Santa Cruz - Resort community and home of UC Santa Cruz.
• Capitola - A little jewel with the nicest weather & city beach around.
• Carmel by the Sea - Nifty main street shops & fabulous little beach. But, it's a drive.

Potpourri

• East Bay - Has a few nearby gems such as the historic USS Hornet aircraft carrier in Alameda.

Return from San Francisco Bay Towns to San Francisco Things to Do
Go from San Francisco Bay Towns to San Francisco Neighborhoods

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