THE US NORTHERN CALIFORNIA DESTINATIONS Northern soul


With deserted beaches, glacial lakes and swathes of forest,


northern California is a world away from the surf towns and cities of the south, finds Ella Buchan


Mendocino’s caramel beaches, redwood forest and cliffs are set against a dramatic mountainous backdrop


south of San Francisco. The company, which works with agents, has a fleet of cute and compact vans that can sleep up to four. Each has a kitchen sink, cooking equipment and fridge in


the boot. Well-equipped camping sites are easy to come by, so it’s just a case of deciding where to stop.


◗ SILICON VALLEY Home to tech and social media companies, San Jose has blossomed into a vibrant city with a lively nightlife and dining scene. To get an overview of the


city, suggest a tour with Silicon Segway. The Heart of Silicon Valley option wheels through downtown, past pretty green squares and by the Guadalupe River. A two-hour tour costs $90. Recommend Hotel Valencia


on Santana Row, in the heart of the city’s upscale shopping and entertainment district. The huge rooms in the grand Spanish-style building have views over the broad, leafy boulevard or pretty courtyard, some with private balconies. Rooms from £250. In downtown, the tangerine-


hued Tech Museum of Innovation has interactive science and technology exhibits, including the chance to build your own robot. Entrance, including an Imax film going behind the scenes of Silicon Valley, costs £18.50 for adults, £14.50 for under-18s. Around the corner, Hyatt Place


has chic, comfy rooms with oversized corner sofas and plush beds. Rooms from £120, including breakfast. For an informal dinner, loft-like


San Pedro Square Market is filled with stalls serving wine, craft beer, wood-fired pizza, falafel and tacos, with live music some evenings. Open until midnight on weekends, it’s a great spot to mingle with locals.


◗ BEACH LIFE With rugged natural charm to rival California’s more famous coastal beauty Big Sur, Mendocino’s curl of caramel


1 September 2016 travelweekly.co.uk 57


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