Laurie Jo Miller Farr, Author at Local Getaways

A lively crowd of people dances energetically in front of a stage at an outdoor summer festival. The stage banner reads "Salsa Stage" at San Jose Jazz Summer Fest, one of the Best Annual Events in the South Bay. Trees and modern buildings can be seen in the background under a clear, sunny sky.

Best Annual Events in the South Bay

You know it best for its shiny nickname “Silicon Valley.” But this part of the bay, about 50 miles south of San Francisco, is not […]

Best Annual Events in the South Bay Read More »

A colorful parade scene with people cheering and blowing bubbles. A float designed as a house from the animated movie "Up" is attached to a bunch of multicolored balloons, floating above the crowd. Victorian-style houses and trees are visible in the background, making it one of the Best Annual Events in San Francisco.

Best Annual Events in San Francisco

No city in the world is quite like San Francisco. It rose from the ashes of the devastating 1906 Earthquake and Fire to host the

Best Annual Events in San Francisco Read More »

A vibrant nighttime scene with a crowd gathered by a lake, watching colorful fireworks burst in the sky at one of the Best Annual Events in the North Bay. The water reflects the fireworks and lights from nearby buildings, creating a festive atmosphere. Trees and tents line the banks of the lake.

Best Annual Events in the North Bay

Home to about 250,000 folks, diverse landscapes, and activities galore, the North Bay stretches from the north tower of the Golden Gate Bridge all the way

Best Annual Events in the North Bay Read More »

A yellow and white seaplane is docked at a pier on a calm body of water. Trees and hills can be seen in the distance under a clear sky. The aircraft’s pontoons rest on the water, with several buildings visible along the shoreline to the left, perfect for those looking to explore East Bay activities.

Best Places to Visit in the North Bay

It never gets old, crossing sparkling San Francisco Bay to Marin County by ferry or via the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, a destination in itself.

Best Places to Visit in the North Bay Read More »

A scenic view of Lake Tahoe, one of the Best Places to Visit, surrounded by snow-capped mountains under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. The calm, reflective surface of the lake contrasts with the rugged, snowy terrain and dark forested areas on the slopes.

Best Places to Visit in Tahoe

Up in the Sierras, America’s largest alpine lake is a scenic freshwater beauty spot that straddles California and Nevada, more than 6,200 feet in elevation

Best Places to Visit in Tahoe Read More »

A vintage train with red and yellow locomotives moves through a scenic countryside with mountains in the background. The tracks are surrounded by vineyards and blooming yellow flowers, making it an idyllic way to explore wine country under a partly cloudy sky.

Best Places to Visit in Wine Country

Red, white, rosé, or sparkling? No visit to San Francisco is complete without a visit to Wine Country an hour or so north of the

Best Places to Visit in Wine Country Read More »

Aerial view of an observatory complex nestled in a forested area with a cityscape and waterfront in the background. Several domed observatory buildings are visible among the trees, inviting visitors to explore East Bay activities while enjoying the sprawling urban landscape and bodies of water in the distance.

Best Places to Visit in the East Bay

A unique mix of East Bay attractions provides opportunities that range from hopping on a miniature steam train for a ride through the redwood grove

Best Places to Visit in the East Bay Read More »

The image depicts a picturesque courtyard restaurant of one of the best group hotels South Bay has to offer, with green ivy-covered walls, warm lighting, and a central stone fountain. Tables are set for dining around the fountain, creating a romantic and inviting atmosphere in the early evening.

Best Hotels in the South Bay for Group Getaways

From corporate retreats to yoga retreats and wedding parties to tailgate parties, South Bay properties meet a range of group getaway reasons. Between San Francisco

Best Hotels in the South Bay for Group Getaways Read More »

A large Hyatt Regency hotel building is lit up during dusk. The San Jose hotel features multiple floors with numerous windows and a central glass atrium. Cars are parked under a covered entrance, and city lights are visible in the background, making it one of the best value hotels South Bay has to offer.

Best Value Hotels in the South Bay

Between San Francisco to the north and San Jose to the south, South Bay value hotels may offer free shuttle transfers to the nearest of

Best Value Hotels in the South Bay Read More »

A serene courtyard at one of the best luxury hotels in South Bay, with a reflective pool lined by wooden chairs and tables with umbrellas. The far side features a pergola adorned with white drapes and elegant lanterns, set against a backdrop of a multi-story building with tall windows.

Best Luxury Hotels in the South Bay

Between San Francisco and Silicon Valley, these six upscale hotels offer the advantages of luxury combined with service and sophistication. Find whatever combination of amenities

Best Luxury Hotels in the South Bay Read More »

Local Getaways Newsletters

Local Getaways