The world-famous Napa Valley resides north of San Francisco and stretches for 40 miles. Entrenched in the North Bay region, Napa Valley plays host to more than 300 wineries and 40,000 acres of vineyards. Visitors can tour such revered wineries as Robert Mondavi and Rudd Winery. Tourists can also explore such charming small towns along the way as Calistoga, St. Helena and Napa. These towns offer a host of attractions, including hot air balloon rides, luxury spas and fine dining, particularly Yountville's French Laundry, one of the world's most decorated restaurants.
Napa Valley
napavalley.org
California's Great America theme park resides just six miles outside the city of San Jose. Great America boasts that it offers more thrill rides than any other amusement park in Northern California. In fact, the park plays host to seven roller coasters, a 224-foot free fall tower and a 153-foot bungee cord drop. The park also features stage shows, a carousel, two water rides and a Peanuts character themed land filled with kiddie rides. The attached water park, Boomerang Bay, includes a lazy river, five water slides and a massive lagoon for splashing and swimming.
California's Great America
4701 Great America Pkwy
Santa Clara, CA 95054
408-988-1776
cagreatamerica.com
One of the most iconic landmarks in the United States, the Golden Gate Bridge dates back to 1937 and spans 4,200 feet. The Golden Gate Bridge connects San Francisco with the southern tip of Marin County and lies over the opening of the San Francisco Bay as it dumps into the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can walk, drive or bike over the bridge, although a toll fare is required for southbound travelers in motored vehicles. As of November 2009, more than 1.8 billion vehicles have traveled across the famed bridge.
Golden Gate Bridge
goldengatebridge.org
