I abhor the American tendency to compile lists. But, I must say, of the five or ten places worth living in and visiting in America, the Bay Area is certain in the top three. I say this, mind you, as a British subject with American residency. So, yes, I am playing both ends against the middle, but so be it. There can be no denying the breathtaking beauty and cool, bohemian chic of this place.
Travelers and tourists tend to converge on the City itself, and then perhaps Sausalito for taffy and too-expensive coffee – or an academic jaunt to Berkeley. Few, however, venture farther north, to the county that is home to some of the most expensive real estate in California: dear old Marin. Yes, dear reader, I advise you to browse the various Marin hotels you can find online and reserve a room post haste.