The San Francisco Bay Area’s Most Charming Towns

Photo by Thibault Ravera on Unsplash

The San Francisco Bay Area has long been considered an ideal destination for travelers looking to visit a dream spot in the United States. Not only is the namesake city of the area a place that is worth checking out, but there are also plenty of undiscovered charming towns in the region that are excellent bases for a more relaxed vacation or as intriguing day trips. We highly recommend that you check out these three Bay Area towns on your next trip to Northern California.

Santa Cruz

75 miles south of San Francisco on Monterey Bay sits the town of Santa Cruz, one of the most laid-back spots to relax in you could imagine. Here, a charming, pedestrian-friendly downtown can be found in close proximity to nice beaches and a boardwalk that’s great for a fun afternoon with family.

Sausalito

Just across from the big city on the northern side of the Golden Gate Bridge is Sausalito, a tiny village of 7,000 people that looks more like something you would find in the Italian Riviera than you would in the United States. Artists flock to this town due to its natural beauty and carefree spirit.

Half Moon Bay

Are you a nature lover? If so, Half Moon Bay is a spot that you cannot pass up on your next trip to the Bay. Here, small cliffs that can be hiked run alongside wild beaches with perfect waves for surfing that outdoorsy folks have been flocking to for years and years as a way to get away.