San Francisco Bay Area Information
Nestled along San Francisco Bay, the Bay Area boasts of one of the finest natural harbor in the world, which has a total area of around 450 square miles. Home to almost 8 million people, the San Francisco Bay Area provides the only real break in the coastal mountains of California making it one of the most ideal spot for living within the state. It is divided into 6 sub-regions (North Bay, San Francisco, East Bay, Peninsula, South Bay, and Santa Cruz) and composed of 10 counties (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, and Sonoma).
North Bay is a sub-region north of the Golden Gate Bridge, is separated by water from the rest of the Bay Area. It has numerous affluent communities and is probably the least urbanized among the 6 sub-regions. North Bay has many undeveloped parks, farmlands, and plantations. One popular location is Napa Valley, which is well-known for the world class red wines produced from its vineyards.
The City and County of San Francisco was once the largest city, in terms of population in the whole Bay Area. Although it no longer holds that distinction, it remains as the traditional, cultural, financial, and urban center of the region. The most famous landmark in this area is the Golden Gate Bridge, which spans the Golden Gate Strait, a water passage connecting San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The bridge connects the city/county of San Francisco with Marin County in the North Bay.
The East Bay area is split into 2 regions, the Inner East Bay and the Outer East Bay. Inner East Bay, located along the bay’s coastline, is more urban, densely populated, and has a more ethnically diverse population. Old buildings in the area suggest that it is one of the oldest developed regions. Outer East Bay, on the other hand, is composed of inland valleys separated from the Inner East Bay by hills and mountains. Its development dates back to less than 60 years ago and is mostly suburban to rural.
San Francisco Peninsula (or simply Peninsula) is the area between East Bay and San Francisco. It is composed of a series of towns, small cities, and suburban communities along San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
South Bay is the sub-region where the past blends well with the present and the future. The past is typically characterized by the city of San Jose, the oldest city in California, while the present and the future could be gleaned from the products churned by Silicon Valley. In 1990, San Jose became the most populated city in the area.
Santa Cruz, although regarded by most as part of Monterey Bay Area, some agencies and records show it as a part of San Francisco Bay Area. It is sprawled along San Francisco Peninsula, Santa Cruz Mountains, and Monterey Bay.
With tourism being the region’s leading industry, the Bay Area is teeming with tourist destinations and historic landmarks. It is one of the wealthiest regions in the United States. Of the 280 metropolitan areas nationwide, the Bay Area has the highest median household income with $62,024. Six of the top ten places in California with the highest per capita income could also be found in the Bay Area. These figures are a testament of the boundless opportunities available for the citizens residing in the region.
With its idyllic setting and mild climate, living in the Bay Area is an investment that you can never be wrong about.
Visit the beautiful State of California, California information and places to visit with the entire family or business. Come enjoy the many California theme parks that are available to visit year round.
Tags: california, California Information, California Travel, California Vacation, san francisco travel on June 20th, 2008 Filed under Travel Insurance | Comment now »Los Angeles Beaches - Venice Beach
If you travel to California a trip to the beach is almost mandatory. And if you are going to go to a beach, why not go to the legendary Venice beach. Venice beach is more than just sand and water. It is an experience. Read on and learn about what makes Venice beach so special.
Venice beach is best known for its artisans and colorful street performers. It is like an outdoor circus that is run year round. See guitar players on roller-skates, dancers, comedians, musicians and more. Come to the beach to watch the performers or just to watch the other beach goers. Venice beach is the ultimate place to people watch.
Venice beach is also rich in history. It has been around for over 100 years and will undoubtedly be around for 100 more. The beach was where the Doors first got their start. Before they made it big, they played here for fans in Venice. It is also where Arnold Schwarzenegger pumped up at the famous outdoor gyms on the beach. You never know who you will see at Venice beach or who they will ultimately become. While you are there, be sure to look at the famous canals as well. The canals were originally modeled after the canals in Venice Italy and were designed for transportation.
The best time to go to the beach is the weekend when it is at its busiest. If you go, be sure to bring your camera and be prepared to stay all day long. You can easily spend the entire day there and not see everything. Expect to pay between $5 to $10 for parking and after that you can spend as little or as much as you like. Most of the attractions on the beach are free but be sure to tip the performers. So if you are planning a trip to L.A be sure to visit the best beach in America and have the time of your life.
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Tags: beach, california, destinations, los angeles, sight seeing, tourism, tourist, travel, vacation travel on March 25th, 2008 Filed under Travel Insurance | Comment now »