Sausalito

— Petaluma is also well-positioned as a base for the current riches of the region. Think of this town as the hub of a pioneer’s wagon wheel, spokes stretching out in all directions to day trip points of interest. West to Point Reyes National Seashore and Bodega Bay, north to the redwoods around Guerneville, east to wine country, and south for hiking on Mount Tamalpais or the houseboats and dockside fun of Sausalito, then just over Golden Gate bridge to the big city — all reachable within an hour, traffic-willing.