Go-Go-Golden State

​I was really keen to see why San Fran features on so many ‘favourite cities’ lists; and it didn’t take long at all! It’s a beautiful place and, if you stay centrally in Union Square, it’s very walkable too – though of course it can be very hilly! On our first day, we crossed to Alcatraz (remember to book in advance), which was fascinating. You can spend all day on the Rock and the self-guided audio tour gives you a real sense of what it was like to be an inmate. 

After that we took a stroll down to Fisherman’s Wharf and hired bikes (electric ones are available) for a ride across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, a little town with some lovely shops, cafés and restaurants – well worth a visit (cycle one way and get the ferry back). Fisherman’s Wharf itself is quite commercial, but it does have a great choice of restaurants and bars. And you can’t leave without a stroll up to the affluent Nob Hill district and Lombard Street (famous for its eight hairpin bends). 

We stayed at Hotel Zetta by Union Square, a boutique high-tech hotel with quirky re-purposed furnishings (like the chandelier made from spectacles), a virtual reality room, children’s playroom and all in all, a really nice vibe.

​It was a five-hour drive to our next stop – Lake Tahoe – but worth every minute as the ever-changing scenery on this route is just stunning. Some parts of Tahoe can be a little tacky and commercial (especially around the two casinos), but keep heading for The Lodge at Edgewood and they’re soon forgotten. A gorgeous hotel with lots of firepits, shoreside chairs and a heated outdoor pool, it’s an excellent choice for families whatever the season. 

In winter of course there’s excellent skiing too, with shuttles to Heavenly Village, a ski concierge and door-to-door service to the lifts. Nicknamed America’s all-year playground, it’s no surprise Tahoe works brilliantly for both couples and families, there’s just so much to do. We took a sunset cruise which was absolutely breathtaking. But boy, it was those views that got me... the crystal-blue waters of the lake look fantastic from any vantage point, and I’ll never forget looking back across the lake and seeing its dramatic snow-capped-mountain backdrop (it was May!).

​And so on to the lovely Californian coast! From Yosemite it’s a much less scenic drive of over four hours and we headed first to Carmel-by-the- Sea. Famed for once having Clint Eastwood as mayor, this is a picturesque little village and a great place to simply wander and relax. South from here along the coast is Big Sur and the drive is every bit as spectacular as they say – I must have taken hundreds of photos! 

Spectacular describes the legendary Post Ranch Inn (our home that night) too. It’s the ultimate in adults-only luxury, with impeccable service and just 20 or so super-private luxurious lodges, each with varying but equally fabulous views out to the Pacific. Even if you don’t get chance to stay, lunch here is an absolute must! Heading back north, we stopped off in Monterey. Busy and a little touristy, the town plays on its maritime heritage (made famous in Steinbeck’s novel, Cannery Row) and is another great spot for families. We took an awesome whale-watching trip and easily spotted humpbacks, dolphins, sea otters and sea lions. The perfect end, you could say, to a memorable tour around Northern California!”