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One of the prettiest stretches of the California coastline, Big Sur features a mix of dramatic cliffs, old-growth forests, and ample hiking and camping options, with a mix of public and private campgrounds, a few right along the coast.
On the other side of San Francisco sit the twin counties of Napa and Sonoma, where much of California’s best wine is produced. The area is also rife with hot springs, including Boyes Hot Springs, Calistoga, and Agua Caliente.
Half Moon Bay is best visited on weekdays, as weekends can get crowded with Bay Area visitors. The weather here is pleasant year-round, with highs in the 60s most months and lows in the upper 40s, though winters can be rainy. Summers are the driest and warmest, and weather remains pleasant well into October, when the annual Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival, one of the oldest festivals in the state, takes place.