Need to know - San Francisco
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Getting there
Fares from Dublin to San Francisco begin at €259 one-way, including taxes and charges, with Aer Lingus (0818 365 000; www.aerlingus.com). Marin County is a 30-minute drive from San Francisco airport over the Golden Gate Bridge on Highway 1. San Francisco is easily accessible from Marin by bus and ferry (www.511.org for public transport details).
Staying there
Budget: The eclectic B&B Redwood Haus (001 415 868 1034; www.stinson-beach.com) gives you a taste of 60s Stinson Beach, with bohemian atmosphere and tales of Californian lore swapped around a fire. Doubles begin at €39 with breakfast.
Mid-range: The Olema Inn -- a former Victorian saloon -- is better known for its great Californian food but also has six lovely, antique-decorated rooms. Doubles begin at €122, with breakfast (001 415 663 9559; www.theolemainn.com).
Luxury: The Inn Above Tide (001 415 332 9535; www.innabovetide.com) is an elegant boutique hotel right on the waterfront of Sausalito with views across the San Francisco Bay from every room. Doubles start at €215, with breakfast.
five great things to do
- Spend Sunday at the Green Gulch Farm and Zen Center in Muir Beach. Their programme includes zazen instruction, a Dharma talk and tea, plus a chance to see their stunning organic farms and gardens tended by the monks. Doors open at 8am and a €7 donation is encouraged (001 415 383 3134; www.sfzc.org).
- Marvel at the dizzying heights of the redwoods in the Muir Woods National Monument, one 252-feet tall and some up to 1,000 years old (001 415 388 2596; www.nps.gov).
- Go to one of the farmer's markets and fêtes supporting the arts and crafts scene and selling a range of local organic produce. See www.marin.org/calendar.
- Hike the 50 miles of trails in Mount Tamalpais State Park (001 415 388 2070; www.parks.ca.gov) and see the spectacular views from its 2,571-foot peak. The park has cabins, camping, picnic areas and a natural stone Mountain Theatre. Park opens from 7am to sunset.
- Take a trip to neighbouring Napa Valley to taste some of the finest wines in the world and tour the extensive vineyards.
- Tyler Wetherall
Irish Independent
