tasmania Starting in December and continuing through March, the A o Nuevo State Reserve is home to one of Cal

Explore the area at your leisure, or see Organized Tours, below if you d like to join a special-interest walking tasmania tour. FISHERMAN S WHARF & THE NORTHERN WATERFRONT Few cities in America are as adept at wholesaling their historical sites as San Francisco, which has converted Fisherman s Wharf into one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Unless you come really early, you won t find any traces of the traditional waterfront life that once existed here; the only serious fishing going on is for tourist dollars. A fleet of fewer than 30 boats still operates from here, but basically Fisherman s Wharf has been converted into one long shopping mall stretching from Ghirardelli Square at the west end to PIER 39 at the east. Some love it, others can t get far enough away from it, but most agree that Fisherman s Wharf, for better or for worse, has to be seen at least once.

Starting in December and continuing tasmania through March, the A o Nuevo State Reserve is home to one of California s most amazing animal attractions: the breeding grounds of the northern elephant seal. Every winter, people reserve tickets for a chance to witness a fearsome clash between the 21 2-ton bulls over mating privileges among the females. Reservations are required for the 21 2-hour naturalist-led tasmania tours (held rain or shine Dec 15 Mar 31). For tickets, which cost $4 per person (free for children under 3), and information, call & 800/ 444-4445 or visit www.anonuevo.org. Even if it s not mating season, you can still see the elephant seals lolling around the shore almost year-round, particularly tasmania between April and August when they come ashore tasmania to molt.

California is one of the country s most progressive states when it comes to anti-discrimination legislation and workplace benefits for domestic partners. The gay and lesbian community spreads well beyond the famed enclaves of San Francisco, West Hollywood, and San Diego s Hillcrest. Gay travelers (especially men) will find a number of gay-owned inns in Palm Springs and the Russian tasmania River, north of the Bay Area.