Book excerpt: This new 6th edition of Best Places Northern California recommends the very best restaurants and lodgings throughout the region. Local food and travel experts uncover the finest and most interesting places to go for a romantic getaway, a weekend retreat, or a week-long family vacation. Locals and travelers will find recommendations, attractions, and convenient Three-Day Tours for all major destinations, including updated, star-rated restaurant, winery, and lodging reviews. New sidebars cover free Wi-Fi in San Francisco, the fascinating Paso Robles Wineries, and where to find the most scrumptious desserts. An expanded Central Coast chapter covers the areas of San Simeon, Estero Bay, and San Luis Obispo. Updated maps and a wealth of illustrations help make this the ideal travel companion for any visit, whether a romantic getaway, weekend retreat, or weeklong family vacation.