Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Drive 15
Pacific Coast Highway
From the roller-coaster hills of San Francisco to the dazzling seascapes of the
North Coast, this California highway is paved with scenic riches.
Length:
About 220 miles
When to go:
Popular year-round, but best in winter, spring, and fall
Nearby attractions:
Fisherman's Wharf and Alcatraz Island, San Francisco
Further
information:
California
Travel
&
Tourism
Commission
Sonoma County Tourism Program
1.
Marin Headlands
Imagine the dilemma of its creators: How do you build a bridge worthy of San Francisco
Bay? To the south lies the gemlike city itself, a compact, colorful cluster of buildings piled
high like bright packages; to the north, the Marin Headlands, a pastoral promontory rising
with easy grace from the boisterous bay.
Yet,despitesuchcompetition,theGoldenGateBridgeachievesacomplementarybeauty
allitsown.Indeed,itwouldbehardtoimagineSanFranciscoBaywithoutthisheroic,ruddy
marvel.
North across the bridge, the Marin Headlands—part of the vast Golden Gate National
Recreation Area—offer exhilarating city and ocean views. From here, north of the Golden
Gate, the city is framed by the bridge's twin towers. Beyond, urban bustle gives way to nat-
uralsplendor:theroundedhills,gray-sandbeaches,andsoaringseasidecliffsthatcharacter-
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