Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
7. STINSON BEACH
Since the early days of the 20th century, this has been a popular vacation spot;
the first visitors came on ferries from San Francisco and were met by horse-drawn
carriages.
Stinson
remains the preferred swimming beach for the whole area, and
nearby Seadrift is an upscale community of second or third homes of the wealthy.
The stretch of soft sand here and the spectacular sunsets set off the quaint village,
with its good restaurants and interesting shops. You can reach it via the coast route,
but the drive up and over Highway 1 provides the most dramatic arrival, affording
inspiring views as you exit the forest onto the bare headlands.
Hwy 1
Google Map
8. BOLINAS
The next community up from Stinson is a hippie artists' village that time forgot. In-
tensely private, the citizens regularly take down all road signs indicating the way to
their special place to keep visitors from finding them. Potters and other craftspeople
sell their wares in the funky gallery, organic produce and vegetarianism are the rule,
and 1960s idealism still predominates.
Hwy 1
Google Map
9. PALO ALTO AND STANFORD
An erstwhile sleepy university town, Palo Alto has experienced a boom as the focal
point of Silicon Valley, and driving force of the “New Economy.” Although a lot of
the gilding has lately fallen off the lily, this town has been left with a considerably
dressed-up appearance, as well as many fancy restaurants, hotels, and shops. The
town is home to prestigious private
Stanford University
, with its beautiful, well-ten-
ded campus.
Hwys 101 & 82
Google Map
