3) California
San Francisco is a must-see city for its culture, foodie circuit, and art scene. The Golden Gate is a marvel of bridge architecture, and you can walk or drive across it. Alcatraz Island and Angel Island are popular day trips. San Francisco’s Chinatown is the biggest in the country, and Japantown is also a great neighborhood to visit. Napa Valley lies north from the city. Visitors can choose to rent a car and transport themselves through the extensive winery options, or keep it simple and sign up for a tour. So long as you are renting a car, take the time to check out Big Sur, the gorgeous drive south of San Francisco along Highway 1. Plan for a leisurely drive with plenty of stops. There’s no reason to rush it. More affordable lodging options are available at either end, as options along the way are scarce and pricey.
