Sausalito: Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and take the second exit (“Sausalito”). When you get into town just park and walk around. Have brunch ON the bay or just wander. You can bicycle over if you’re game.

Muir Woods: If you want to meditate with nature, this is the place, a short drive north of San Francisco. See one of the last stands of Sequoia Gigantia (SEE-KWOY-YAH JY-GAN-TEEUH) redwoods, 3000-year-old trees, and have a good walk. Very relaxing. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and watch for the signs. A Bay Area Map or GPS would be helpful. The road winds a lot to get there, but it’s worth it.

Pacifica/Half Moon Bay: Beautiful coast line south of San Francisco. Work your way out to the Great Highway (the road next to the Pacific Ocean) and turn left (south). Just follow Highway 1 and the signs to “Pacifica”. Can’t miss it. (See “Nick’s” in restaurant section. Gorilla BBQ and In’n’Out Burgers are also close by.) Rains washed out Highway 1 almost a year ago, so don’t expect to go much farther south.

Further South: Santa Cruz, Carmel and Monterey: You’ll have to take a quicker route down Highway 101 (further inland, not along the coast), since Highway 1 was washed out. These towns so popular and among the most beautiful anywhere. If you want a tranquil, romantic getaway, you can’t beat Carmel and Monterey.

Monterey is home to the world famous Pebble Beach golf course, and the famous ‘Seventeen Mile Drive” which features spectacular homes. ($9.25 to drive in unless you live there or are invited. So exclusive they don’t even have addresses.)