l auberge de sedona Among San Francisco s small hotels occupying historic buildings are some real gems, and the Golden G

Among San Francisco s small hotels occupying historic buildings are some real gems, and the Golden Gate Hotel is one of them. It s 2 blocks north of Union Square and 2 blocks down (literally) l auberge de sedona from the crest of Nob Hill, with cable-car stops at the corner for easy access to Fisherman s Wharf and Chinatown. (The city s theaters and best restaurants are within walking distance.) But the best thing about the Golden Gate is that it s a family-run establishment: John and Renate Kenaston and daughter Gabriele are hospitable innkeepers who take pleasure in making their guests comfortable. Each individually decorated room has antique furnishings l auberge de sedona (plenty of wicker), quilted bedspreads, and fresh flowers. (Request a room with a claw-foot tub if you enjoy a good, hot soak.) Complimentary afternoon l auberge de sedona tea is served daily from 4 to 7pm, and guests are welcome to use the house fax and computer with wireless DSL free of charge. 775 Bush St. (between Powell and Mason sts.), San Francisco, CA 94108. & 800/835-1118 or 415/392-3702. Fax 415/392-6202. www.goldengatehotel.com. 25 units, 14 with bathroom. $85 double without bathroom; $130 double with bathroom. Rates include continental breakfast and afternoon tea. AE, DC, MC, V. Self-parking $15. Cable car: Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason lines (1 block east). Bus: 2, 4, 30, 38, or

Downtown Half Moon Bay, however, is easy to miss since it s not on Calif. 1, but a few hundred yards inland. Head 2 blocks l auberge de sedona up Calif. 92 from the Calif. 1 intersection, then turn south at the Shell gas station onto Main Street until you cross a small bridge. For more information, call the Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce (& 650/726-8380; www.halfmoonbaychamber.org).

You ll find the university s southern entrance at the north end of Telegraph Avenue, at Bancroft Way. Walk through the main entrance into Sproul Plaza. When school is in session, you ll encounter the gamut of Berkeley s inhabitants as well as the Student Union, with a bookstore, cafes, and an information desk on the second floor, where you can pick up a free map of Berkeley along with the local student newspaper (also found in dispensers throughout campus). l auberge de sedona You might be lucky enough to stumble upon some impromptu musicians or a heated and sometimes absurd debate. There s always something l auberge de sedona going on, so stretch out on the grass for a few minutes and take in the Berkeley vibe.

paranoia. Refer to Earthquakes in Fast Facts, later in this chapter, for general tips on what to do in the event of an earthquake, but avoid letting these fears dominate your thoughts before or during a California vacation. Major quakes are rare, and they re localized enough that it is highly unlikely you will ever feel one.