US cities not far from San Francisco worth visiting?

So I'm going to San Francisco for a couple of weeks soon and I've been thinking of maybe flying to another city just for the hell of it to check it out and generally be a tourist. Any cities comparatively near that you would recommend visiting? Was thinking LA maybe but the place has never really appealed to me that much. San Diego worth a visit? Or Pheonix? Any suggestions?

Public Comments

1. viva las vegas
2. Lake Tahoe, NV is quite nice if you like nature. Los Angeles is big and there is a lot to do. Las Vegas is a short flight, if you have cash. In the SF area, there are many places - such as Santa Cruz, Sausalito, Napa...
3. London, but bring your own gloves (rubber).
4. Apart from Cities, you must go over the bridge and visit Carmel and Monterey, especially Monterey, especially if you love Steinbeck like I do. That's were Cannery Row is. Last time I was there the Great Quake of '89 hit, so it was the worst time I have ever had. But fingers crossed, you'll be lucky. So may great cities to see but if you are in SF, then you must go to Carmel and Monterey. Monterey is one of my favourite places on the planet along with Cape Town, SA. Have a great time
5. Done that trip.........las vegas......Grand canyon.....Best hotels and gamble all your money away....If you like mountains go to Denver..........Colorado.
6. i went to san francisco for 3 weeks and there is so much to see and do that you may not even get time to fly out anywhere else, have fun its a great place with some crazy but great people, i really did leave my heart in san francisco and cant wait for the day i return
7. You might consider Las Vegas. Particularly if you don't have children along. Flights from SF to LV are cheap, quick and plentiful. And don't worry if you're not a gambler or big on night life.... My husband and I are neither of those but we are regular visitors to Vegas and enjoy it immensely. Incredible hotel/resorts, breathtaking shows, world class dining, even helicopter trips to the Grand Canyon! You'll discover that even "people watching" is fun in Vegas! There are endless things to do and see and there truly is something for everyone... couples or singles... Go for it! Check out a few websites... You might be surprised! Best of Luck to you!
8. Lots of good suggestions so far - In addition to Monterrey and Carmel areas, you might also want to spend some time in the Napa area and Yosemite National Park. Both of these you'd drive to from SF. If you are looking to fly somewhere, Portland or Seattle are also not too far - it's a 2 hour flight from SF or Oakland airports to Seattle. But for sheer entertainment value, Vegas might be your best best. Even if you aren't a gambler, it's worth a visit at least once just to gawk at the spectacle.
9. Vegas
10. Vegas!!!!!!!!
11. honey try to spend as much time as you can in San Francisco because it is an amazing city and many things to do and see. I agree about LA, I don't like. How about Lake Tahoe? It is not far from SF and it's very charming, the lake is beautiful or I heard (I have never been) that Carmel is a beautiful beach town also not far from SF. I have been to San Diego for only a few days, I didn't like much. The water was freezing and the beaches were ok. The people are young and friendly, maybe worth it?! Anyways enjoy SF take the cable car ride all the all to the pier you will see beautiful views of the Bay and the Bridges. Oh another tip: instead of flying south in California, try renting a car and drive through the famous california highway, it is absolutely beautiful... good luck and have a wonderful trip!