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Biking on Angel Island
Angel Island
Jump on a ferry from Tiburon and explore the "jewel" of San Francisco Bay. With an incredible history as a civil war fort, an immigration center (the "Ellis Island of the West"), and more, you're bound to have a day of adventure. You'll find extensive hiking and biking trails, picnic facilities, a cafe, beaches, and great photo spots of San Francisco and Alcatraz. Call 415-435-2131 for ferry information and 415-897-0715 for park information.
Dipsea Trail
Mill Valley
One of the best-known rural running races in America is the annual Dipsea race that takes runners from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach in Marin County. The trail is about 7 miles long and traverses some incredible terrain. It is the most interesting and difficult run in the Bay Area, partly due to the 676 steps that you have to climb at the start of the run. It passes through Mount Tamalpais State Park, Muir Woods National Monument, the Golden Gate Recreational Area and deposits you at the beach so it truly is an opportunity to see the finest diversity of nature in the Bay Area, assuming that you don't pass out from exhaustion. We recommend doing this run with someone who knows the trail or with a guidebook. We'll tell you how to start but the rest is up to you and your guide or guidebook. In downtown Mill Valley, go down Throckmorton and take a left on Cascade Drive with the Old Mill Park on your left. The beginning of the Dipsea Trail looks like a driveway that is straight ahead as Cascade begins to bear to the right. Go up that stairway and it will soon lead you to the dreaded stairs. Good luck!
Downtown Mill Valley
Mill Valley
Sunnyside and Miller Avenues
This former mill town has become a hotbed for bourgeois bohemian families. An off mix of laid-back attitudes (middle-agers playing hackey sack in the town center) and Yuppie lifestyles prevails here. Browse the cute little boutiques, have a latte at the popular Depot coffee house and bookstore, and do some great "only-in-Marin" people watching.
Downtown San Anselmo
San Anselmo
San Anselmo is the antique store capital of Marin with 130 shops (with a large percentage of them being great antique spots) in its quaint downtown. With a small creek, a great little diner named Bubba's with truly gourmet cuisine, and some of the most friendly folks in the Bay Area walking the streets, this is a great place for a sunny day stroll as it's as close to Main Street America as you'll find in the North Bay Area.
Downtown Tiburon
Tiburon
Tiburon is the last bastion of homegrown stores in Marin. Without a chain in sight, Main Street is a collection of pricey boutiques, eclectic shops and historic buildings. The nicest thing about this neighborhood is how walkable it is (plus the view of San Francisco are spectacular if you go into any of the dockside restaurants like Guaymas or Sam's Anchor Cafe). Look for Tiburon's Ark Row further down Main Street, a borough that in the 1890's was a houseboat neighborhood.
Green Gulch Farm & Zen Center
Sausalito
1601 Shoreline Highway
Sausalito CA
P: 415.383.3134
Located in a beautiful valley just a short walk from the beach just over the hill from Mill Valley, Green Gulch is a Buddhist practice center in the Japanese Soto Zen tradition offering training in Zen meditation. You don't have to go "sit" or be enrolled in a workshop to visit as there are tea classes weekly, organic gardening classes (in their abundant coastal garden), and Sunday worship available. Or you can just take the walk through the farm to Muir Beach.
Mount Tamalpais
Mill Valley
The crown jewel of Marin, the "Sleeping Lady" is a 6,200-acre park and considered to be one of the "power" energy spots of Northern California. It's a great spot to mountain bike, hike, or just gaze at the bay area from 2,000 feet above sea level. A couple of the highlights are the Mountain Home Inn (801 Panoramic Drive; 415.381.9000) for brunch and the Pantoll Ranger Station for great 360-degree views.
Muir Woods
Coast
Marin CA
P: 415.388.2596
This area of majestic redwoods is often overly crowded, but still a worthwhile destination. Take the Muir Woods/Stinson Beach (Hwy. 1) exit off of Highway 1 in Marin, and then follow the signs. As you leave the park, if you take the Stinson Beach turnoff, you'll find a charming little pub called The Pelican Inn, a good spot to stop for lunch and a pint of bitters. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset.
Point Bonita Lighthouse
Coast
Marin CA
P: 415.556.0560
One of America's oldest lighthouses is just a short drive from San Francisco. They offer special sunset and full moon tours, too! Take the Marin Headlands exit, which snakes directly west of the Bridge. Fore more information about things to see and do in this area, stop by the Marin Headlands Visitors Center at Bunker and Field Roads.
Sea Kayaking on Richardson Bay
Mill Valley
In this protected bay in Marin County near the Acqua Hotel, you can experience the thrill of gliding along the water with Mount Tamalpais right over your shoulder. Great exercise for your shoulders and a wonderful way to explore the various little inlets of the bay. Waterfront Activities can set you up with kayaks out of Schonmacker Marina.
Tea Garden Springs
Mill Valley
38 Miller Avenue
Mill Valley CA
P: 415.389.7123
This Zen-like spa is a great place for nurturing the body, mind and soul just off the square in downtown Mill Valley. Their wide-ranging spa menu includes Chakra and Aura readings and holistic health evaluations along with the normal offerings of massages and body treatments. If you're looking for an "only-in-California" kind of "woo woo" experience, this is it. You'll be floating at the end of your session.
West Marin
Coast
Marin CA
Eclectic and bucolic, the western part of Marin County is one of the most protected natural areas of the United States. The people who live here are funky, yet sophisticated. Some of the key highlights are the Pelican Inn at Muir Beach for an authentic English pub and B&B, Stinson Beach for some true California beach culture, the cult town of Bolinas (take your first left once you pass the lagoon just north of Stinson Beach - the locals tend to chop down any highway signs pointing visitors to their little hamlet...also keep an eye out for egrets and herons along the way) for a little 1960's throwback hippie culture, and Point Reyes Seashore for one of the best places on the West Coast to watch the annual whale migration in the winter (it's also one of the windiest spots you'll ever experience).
SAN FRANCISCO
Alamo Square | Castro/Mission | Civic Center | Embarcadero | Fisherman's Wharf | Hayes Valley/Western Addition | Marina | Nob Hill | North Beach / Chinatown / Russian Hill | Pacific Heights | South of Market/Potrero Hill | Union Square | Western Part of City
ALAMO SQUARE
Alamo Square and the Painted Ladies
Alamo Square (Bordered by Steiner, Scott, Hayes and Fulton Streets)
San Francisco CA
Located in the transitional Western Addition, this park and its view have graced millions of postcards, guidebook covers, and TV shows. A civilized park with tennis courts in the middle, check out the view of the 'Painted Lady' Victorian homes on Steiner Street with downtown in the background. This is a nice place for a couple to get away from the hordes of tourists that descend on the city during the summer.
Castro / Mission
Castro Theatre
Castro / Mission
429 Castro Street
San Francisco CA
The city's premier movie palace, this ornate Spanish renaissance building was built in 1922 and has been threatened for years to be torn-down. A great art house for unusual films, the movie-going experience is full of drama due to the house organist who plays on the Wurlitzer organ before each weekend show (you'll hear a rousing rendition of the song "San Francisco...open your golden gates..."). Before and after the show, enjoy the gayest district of the city, the Castro.
Mission Cliffs-Indoor Climbing and Fitness
Castro / Mission
2295 Harrison Street at 19th Street
San Francisco CA
P: 415.550.0515
Urban climbing reaches its zenith at this top-of-the-line indoor climbing center. A former warehouse, the facility incorporates lead-climbs and top-roping routes for all levels of rockers. A fun place to burn off a little steam if you're tired of the museums and urbane life of the city.
Mission Dolores and cemetery
Castro / Mission
3321 16th Street
San Francisco CA
P: 415.621.8203
Completed in 1791 and having survived four major earthquakes, this splendid adobe mission is the oldest building in San Francisco. There's a small museum and a cemetery garden in back where 5,000 Native Americans are buried. Dolores and 16th Streets.
Civic Center
Asian Art Museum
Civic Center
200 Larkin Street
San Francisco CA
With more than 14,000 art objects spanning 6,000 years, this is the largest Asian art museum in North America. With live performances and a beautiful new building (the old Main Library), this experience deserves at least half a day. Special focus on India, China, Korea, and Japan.
Bambuddha
Civic Center
601 Eddy Street
San Francisco CA
P: 415.885.5088
How can you go wrong with a space that has previously been the celebrated Jamaican restaurant Miss Pearl's Jam House and, more recently, the hip Backflip nightclub? Well, being on Eddy Street doesn't necessarily guarantee success but Bambuddha became a hit the moment it opened with its Southeast Asian cuisine, groovy lounge vibe by the pool, and DJ-spinning dance club. Very few places can combine a club experience with a spiritual high - Bambuddha does it well.
Great American Music Hall
Civic Center
859 O'Farrell Street
San Francisco CA
P: 415.885.0750
History practically oozes from the frescoed walls of this old club. Built in 1907 as a restaurant/bordello, it still retains the swank charm of its past in the ornate chandeliers, columns and heavy drapes. This is a great place to see all kinds of live music.
Slim's
Civic Center
333 11th St.
San Francisco CA
P: (415) 255-0333
Opened in 1988 by legendary R&B artist Boz Scaggs, Slim's is a live music nightclub dedicated to providing the public with excellent service, a congenial atmosphere, good food & drinks, and the finest of American Roots Music--Blues, R&B, Cajun/Zydeco, Jazz, Alternative, and more.
Embarcadero
Embarcadero Center
Embarcadero (Spans a 6-block radius from the Embarcadero/Drumm St.)
San Francisco CA
P: 415.772.0700
Some people compare this 4-building retail/office complex with what it feels like being in Manhattan. The city's best foreign film theater complex (with 4 theaters) is on the 2nd floor of Embarcadero 1. During the Christmas holidays, the Kristi Yamaguchi ice skating rink is set up in Justin Herman Plaza in front of the locally-reviled Vaillancourt Fountain - this is also a good spot to catch some music and arts & crafts vendors during the better weather season. More than 100 retailers are located on the lower floors of Embarcadero Center with most being open from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Ferry Building and Farmer's Market
Embarcadero - The Embarcadero at Market Street
San Francisco CA
P: 415.353.5650
This 1898 landmark, modeled after Seville's Giralda Cathedral Tower, stands at the foot of Market Street overlooking the east bay and Treasure Island. With more than $100 million invested in it to create a gourmet retail center (with wine bars, oyster bars, cheese and chocolate shops, and great restaurants that feature the delicacies of the Bay Area, this is a must for anyone who loves to dine. A great place to enjoy the city's best farmers' market too.
Days and Hours:
Tuesdays 10am-2pm
Thursday 3pm-7pm
Saturday 8am-2pm
Sunday Garden Market 9am-3pm
Fisherman's Wharf
Historic Ships on Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf
Beach and Polk Streets
San Francisco CA
P: 415.561.7100
The SF Maritime National Park has four historic ships tied up at the Hyde Street Pier across the street from the Cannery shopping center. These ships include the Balclutha, an 1886 Cape Horn sailing vessel. The Museum is on Beach Street at the foot of Polk while the Hyde Street Pier is at the foot of Hyde.
Hayes Valley / Western Addition
Hayes Valley
Hayes Valley / Western Addition (Hayes Street between Franklin and Buchanan Streets)
San Francisco CA
Gentrified in the past decade, this is the spot where you'll see eclectic San Francisco shop (a San Francisco version of LA's Melrose Street). The stores focus on local designers, vintage clothes and jewelry, and multiethnic retail items. Don't miss Worldware (336 Hayes Street, 415-487-9030), which is a politically correct store that specializes in all-natural products from around the world. Some of the great eateries in the 'hood include Vicolo's (pizza and salad), Hayes Street Grill (fish), Absinthe (continental), Powell's Place (soul food), Caffe Delle Stelle (Italian) and Suppenkuche (German).
Marina
Crissy Field
Marina
San Francisco CA
P: 415.561.7690
Recently reclaimed as a bayside park with drop-dead Golden Gate Bridge views, this is where the more affluent northern residents of the city go with their kids and dogs. A great running track takes you along the beaches, the lagoons, by the Warming Hut (where you can get a great coffee on a cooler day as well as fun books), and nearly to the base of the Bridge (currently off-limits due to security concerns so you can't get all the way to Fort Point which was featured in Hitchcock's "Vertigo" movie). In the Marina district across the street from the Palace of Fine Arts.
Exploratorium
Marina
3601 Lyon Street
San Francisco CA
P: 415.397.5673
This fascinating and fun interactive science museum at the stately Palace of Fine Arts (which is worth seeing on its own) is one of the finest in the world. Discover the magic of the universe through more than 650 hands-on exhibits like the miniature tornado, shadow room, and echo chamber. Call ahead to arrange a visit to the popular Tactile Dome, which is a blast for kids.
Palace of Fine Arts
Marina
3301 Lyon Street
San Francisco Ca
P: 415.563.6504
This rare surviving structure from the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition is a perfect place to lounge with a packed lunch where you can hangout on the grass and gaze at the swans on the lake. A little civilized piece of the country right here in the middle of the big city.
The Triangle
Marina
Greenwich and Fillmore Streets
San Francisco CA
You won't find this name on a map, as it's the kind of place where people disappear. If there's a ground zero for Yuppie nightlife, this is it at the corner of Greenwich and Fillmore Streets. Lots of drinking, great people watching and a good selection of restaurants and bars like the Balboa Cafè, Eastside West, PlumpJack, and the Matrix.
Union Street
Marina
Union Street between Van Ness Avenue and Steiner Street
San Francisco CA
The large number of stores and pleasant upscale neighborhood make this an ideal place to stroll and window shop. More stylish than Fillmore Street and more youthful than Sacramento Street, this block has the widest variety of shopping of any neighborhood in the city. Many good restaurants in the area include Betelnut (2030 Union Street 415.929.8855 Chinese), Balboa Cafè (3199 Fillmore Street) 415.921.3944 (American), and PlumpJack (3138 Fillmore Street) 415.563.4755 (continental).
Nob Hill
Grace Cathedral and Labyrinth
Nob Hill
1100 California Street
San Francisco CA
P: 415.749.6300
The perfect place to contemplate or be surrounded by aristocratic San Francisco. At the top of Nob Hill, this majestic church has heavenly stained glass windows, magnificent architecture facing onto the park, and a Chartres-inspired labyrinth for people to walk through. This spiritual emporium also includes an AIDS Memorial Chapel with the late artist Keith Haring's gold-leafed triptych "The Altarpiece." California and Jones Streets. 415-749-6300. Labyrinth information 415-749-6307.
Nob Hill Spa
Nob Hill
1075 California Street
San Francisco CA
P: 415.345.2888
A spa with a view, this Nob Hill gem is for the serious spa goer. The indoor pool is breathtaking. All kinds of treatments are available here including a special ScenTao holistic treatment. Like the Huntington Hotel where it´s located, this place caters to an established and affluent crowd.
North Beach / Chinatown / Russian Hill
Cable Car and Powerhouse
North Beach / Chinatown / Russian Hill
1201 Mason Street
San Francisco Ca
P: 415.474.1887
This is the city's only surviving cable car barn and this building powers all the cable car systems in the city. The irony of this old world technology (big churning wheels power the cables) in one of the world's most technologically savvy cities will give you a chuckle. The museum's exhibits include Andrew Hallidie's original cable car. Free admission. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Chinatown on Saturday mornings
North Beach / Chinatown / Russian Hill
Grant and Bush Streets
San Francisco CA
The official entrance to Chinatown is on Grant Avenue at Bush Street, where the famous Gate invites visitors to step into a world of herb shops, hanging roast ducks, and incense-laden Taoist temples. On Saturday mornings, Chinatown is at its liveliest as its shopping day. Don't be surprised to see an 80-year-old woman carrying a live chicken upside down on Stockton or Grant Avenue. Check out Waverly Place and the Tien Hon Temple at 125 Waverly.
City Lights Bookstore
North Beach / Chinatown / Russian Hill
261 Columbus Avenue
San Francisco CA
P: 415.362.8193
Located where North Beach and Chinatown come together, Lawrence Ferlinghetti's bookstore was the heartbeat of the Beat movement with poetry readings and constant happenings. The store has an enormous poetry, radical political, and alternative spiritual selections. A true throwback to 1960's San Francisco.
Filbert Steps
North Beach / Chinatown / Russian Hill
Filbert and Montgomery Streets
San Francisco CA
One of the most magical spots in San Francisco, on the east side of Telegraph Hill. To make it easy on yourself, start at the top at Coit Tower and walk down the steps marveling at the little 19th century cottages hidden amidst the overgrown landscaping. Once you make it to Montgomery Street, head down to the lower Filbert Steps with the wooden stairs, the Grace Marchant Gardens, and quaint Napier Lane. At the bottom of the steps, you'll be able to walk through one of the most beautiful corporate campuses in America, Levi Strauss' world headquarters.
Jackson Square
North Beach / Chinatown / Russian Hill
One of the best walking neighborhoods in San Francisco, this is the city's first historic district with well preserved brick and cast-iron buildings housing many antique stores and great restaurants (this area bordered the infamous and bawdy Barbary Coast of Gold Rush times). Go to the Transamerica Pyramid at Montgomery and Sacramento and appreciate the Redwood Park garden and fountains. Within a 2 block radius you will find the following great restaurants and bars: Bocadillos (710 Montgomery St. 415.982.2622), Bubble Lounge (714 Montgomery St. 415.434.4204) 500 Jackson (500 Jackson), Myth (470 Pacific St. 415.677.8986), Tartare (550 Washington St. 415.434.3100), Frisson (Jackson St. 415.244.3004) and Kokkari (200 Jackson St., 415.981.0983). End your food & drink grazing tour in the hidden little Walton Park near Frisson and Kokkari.
Washington Square Park and environs
North Beach / Chinatown / Russian Hill
Union and Columbus Streets
San Francisco CA
The square is in the heart of Italian North Beach and the site of frequent arts shows, demonstrations, and communal tai chi classes. The Sts. Peter & Paul church (666 Filbert Street) at the north of the park offers mass in Italian and is beautifully lit at night. While in the neighborhood, try Mama's on the Square (1701 Stockton Street) 415.362.6421 for breakfast for the ultimate home cooked meal. Or Café Sport (574 Green Street) 415.981.1251 for a garlic-filled dinner. Or Café Trieste (601 Vallejo Street) 415.392.6739 for Saturday afternoon live opera in a corner coffee house. Finally, roll on down to Enrico's (504 Broadway Street) 415.982.6223 for a little European café society.
Pacific Heights
Alta Plaza Park
Pacific Heights
Jackson and Clay Streets
San Francisco CA
A great place to launch a Pacific Heights mansion tour (including Danielle Steel's gargantuan white mansion at 2080 Washington - the old Spreckels Mansion). Great views both north and south and a nice place to meet the aristocratic locals and their dogs. Other great homes to check out include Whittier Mansion (2090 Jackson), Bourn Mansion (2550 Webster), and the Haas-Lilienthal House at 2007 Franklin Street.
Kabuki Springs & Spa
Pacific Heights
1750 Geary Boulevard
San Francisco CA
P: 415.922.6000 F: 415.922.6005
Kabuki Springs & Spa is a traditional Japanese bath and offers an extensive menu of traditional and exotic spa services in an inviting Pan-Asian style. The focus at Kabuki Springs & Spa is on wellness-oriented treatments and alternative healing.
The Communal Bathing Facilities
In the great tradition of Japanese public baths, this space is designed to encourage harmony and relaxation. Facilities include individual bathing areas with traditional Japanese seated baths and standing Western-style showers, a hot pool, cold plunge, sauna and a steam room. You are welcome to enjoy the complimentary bath products as well as the body polishing sea salts. The baths are open for women only Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and open to men Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Tuesdays are co-ed. Bathing suits are required on Tuesdays. A photo I.D. is required to use the baths.
Spa Services:
Massage services include Esalen/Swedish, Amma Shiatsu, and a variety of specialty massages. Other available spa treatments include acupuncture, facials, Ayurvedic Rebalancing, and Javanese Lular treatments and a variety of packages. Massage appointments are available daily and reservations are required. There is validated parking available from the Japan Center (with any treatment). Gift Certificates are available both online at the spa.
Fillmore Street
Pacific Heights
San Francisco CA
Located in the heart of Pacific Heights, an upscale neighborhood featuring beautiful Victorian architecture, this street features a variety of upscale boutiques (like Betsey Johnson), body bathing stores (like Kiehl's), and stylish restaurants (like Florio). Don't miss the spectacular bakery, Bay Bread, at 2325 Pine Street and catch an art flick at the Clay Theater in the evening.
Lyon Street Steps
Pacific Heights
Lyon Street at Green Street
San Francisco CA
San Francisco's most expensive neighborhood, Pacific Heights, is a marvel to walk through. A great final destination for any walk is the end of Broadway where it meets Lyon Street. You'll find a gorgeous view of the bay and the Palace of Fine Arts. A great place to share a sandwich or a smooch as there are benches along the steps.
South of Market / Potrero Hill
Anchor Steam Brewery
South of Market / Potrero Hill
1705 Mariposa Street
San Francisco CA
P: 415.863.8350
San Francisco's last remaining major brewery produces an ale that's a favorite in local pubs. This Potrero Hill brewery employs only 25 people, but the beer is distributed all over the U.S. No need to disguise your true desire to drink as there's a generous supply at the end of the one-hour tour. After the tour, stumble around the best weather in the city in casual Potrero Hill. For tour reservations, call 415-863-8350.
AT&T Park - Home of the Giants
South of Market / Potrero Hill
24 Willie Mays Plaza
San Francisco CA
P: 415.972.2000
Opened in 2000, this is one of the best places to watch America's favorite pastime (baseball) in the U.S. Located right on the bay. Great for kids also as there are all kinds of kids play equipment and baseball stuff in the area beyond left field.
Yerba Buena Gardens & Museum of Modern Art
South of Market / Potrero Hill
701 Mission Street
San Francisco CA
The heart of San Francisco! This is where you take the city's pulse. A luscious and urbane park, a waterfall framing the Martin Luther King memorial, the Center for the Arts visual art/film/performance space, the pop-culture Metreon, and the Museum of Modern Art all compete for your attention in the block bounded by 3rd and 4th Streets and Mission and Howard Streets. MOMA is the second-largest structure in the U.S. devoted exclusively to modern art.
Zeum and Metreon
South of Market / Potrero Hill
221 Fourth Street
San Francisco CA
P: 415.777.2800 and 800.METREON
The kids' art and technology center, Zeum, allows kids to produce their own videos and animations, create soundtracks and much more. It's located in the best spot for kids in San Francisco - atop Yerba Buena Gardens. Within a short walk, you have a bowling alley, an ice-skating rink, a classical merry-go-round, a kid´s playground, a beautiful park and Martin Luther King memorial, and the Metreon shopping center and movie theaters. Zeum is on top of Moscone Center.
Union Square
Britex Fabrics
Union Square
146 Geary St.
San Francisco CA
P: 415.392.2910 F: 415.392.3906
This local institution features four enormous floors of fabrics of every imaginable texture. The remnant floor is the place for bargains; the fourth floor is for trims - laces, ribbons, tassels, and 30,000 different buttons. A fantasy land for anyone who likes to sew.
Neiman Marcus Rotunda
Union Square
150 Stockton Street
San Francisco CA
P: 415.362.4777
Enter the store from Stockton and Geary on Union Square, walk in several paces and look up. The beautiful four-story Belle Epoque rotunda you'll see is from the architecturally splendid City of Paris department store originally built in 1908 on this site. Take the elevator to the top floor to dine at the posh restaurant that rings the rotunda. This is where the "ladies who lunch" lunch.
Western Part of the City
Baker Beach
Western Part of the City
Gibson Road
P: 94129
While Ocean Beach attracts the tourists, locals know that this beach is more wind-protected and has a stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge. You may see a sizable collection of nudists, so this may be a "family beware" beach. Drive through the majestic Presidio to get here and descend the stairs just off Lincoln Boulevard.
Fort Funston
Western Part of the City
Skyline Boulevard at Highway 35
San Francisco CA
P: 415.239.2366
Looking for a cliffside view of a wind-swept coast? Go south on the Great Highway to Fort Funston at the south end of San Francisco where you'll be treated to hang-gliders that fly precariously close to the cliffs, horseback riders galloping along the surf, and virtually every breed of dog and dog owner.
Japanese Tea Garden
Western Part of the City
Tea Garden Drive in Golden Gate Park
San Francisco CA
P: 415.668.0909
Drizzly days can be the best time to explore the beautiful Japanese Tea Gardens in Golden Gate Park. The gardens are at their least crowded on these damp days, and the moisture helps bring the fragrance of the exotic plantings to life. Duck under the shelter of the teahouse for a warming cup of jasmine tea and some sweet cookies.
Legion of Honor
Western Part of the City
100 34th Avenue at Clement Street
San Francisco CA
P: 415.863.3330
This 1920 neo-classical palace was inspired by the Hotel de Salm in Paris where Napoleon established the order of the Legion d'honneur. A magnificent traditional art collection of more than 100,000 prints and drawings, paintings by the European masters, and a Rodin sculpture garden are some of the highlights as is the breathtaking view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Lincoln Park at 34th Avenue and Clement Street.
Ocean Beach
Western Part of the City
Great Highway and Fulton Street
San Francisco CA
If you came to San Francisco to experience "beach culture", you're about 400 miles too far to the north, but Ocean Beach has a little bit of that SoCal flavor albeit with more chill in the air (add a handful of fog and wind and you've got yourself a romantic hand-in-hand walk down the beach). You'll see surfers in wet suits, all kinds of dog breeds with their associated diverse people breeds, and bonfires at nighttime. The Beach Chalet (100 Great Highway) 415 386-8439 restaurant has pretty good food and provides a nice view for sunset (if you're not up for the more gaudy and touristy Cliff House up the hill). Drive all the way west through Golden Gate Park to the Great Highway.
Presidio Golf Course
Western Part of the City
300 Finley Road
San Francisco CA
P: 415.561.4661
While there are a number of great public courses in San Francisco (including a picturesque driving range near AT&T Park) like Harding Park and Lincoln Park, the Presidio Golf Course is easier to get tee times since it's slightly more expensive than those other public courses. After whacking a few balls, consider walking over to Inspiration Point (not far from the golf course entrance) to see the remarkable view of the bay and Alcatraz. Go to the Arguello entrance to the Presidio and drive a quarter mile down the road.
Stow Lake
Western Part of the City
50 Lake Street
San Francisco CA
P: 415.752.0347
Golden Gate Park has numerous hidden treasures amongst its 1,017 acres, but one of the most romantic and enjoyable is Stow Lake where you can rent rowboats and paddle boats (415.752.0347) or enjoy a hike up to the Strawberry Peak on the top of the island in the middle of the lake. The walk around the lake is almost exactly a mile so this is a good place to get a workout too.
SILICON VALLEY
Alum Rock Park
San Jose
16240 Alum Rock Avenue
San Jose CA
P: 408.259.4577
A natural, rugged getaway lies just minutes from downtown San Jose. This 720-acre park is the largest plot of green in the Silicon Valley. Horseback riding, bicycling, and hiking are some of the more popular activities. There is a visitors center located in the mid-canyon. The Youth Science Institute houses a number of live animals. Great place for picnics.
Campo di Bocce
Los Gatos
565 University Avenue
Los Gatos CA
P: 408.395.7650
Dine on authentic Italian cuisine while playing a little indoor or outdoor bocce. Great for groups of friends or families, this establishment is a perfect fit for the work hard/play hard culture of Silicon Valley and you'll often see small company gatherings at Campo di Bocce.
Children's Discovery Museum
San Jose
180 Woz Way
San Jose CA
P: 408.298.5437
This downtown San Jose museum features interactive hands-on exhibits, programs, puzzles and a great museum store for kids. The giant 52,000 square foot purple building sits in Discovery Meadow Park. A must for families if they're in the Silicon Valley.
Cinnabar Hills Golf Club
San Jose
23600 McKean Road
San Jose CA
P: 408.323.5200
Peacefully tucked in and around the hills, a short drive south of fast-paced Silicon Valley, Cinnabar Hills Golf Club blends championship-caliber golf with spectacular views. San Jose's first public course to open in 30 years was designed by award-winning architect John Harbottle III. Each hole has been crafted to maintain the natural slope of the area and to protect the wildlife residing here. Hundreds of old oaks were incorporated into the layout and seedlings from those oaks were nurtured and planted to further enhance the landscape. Inspiring the golf club's logo, red-tail hawks can be seen flying over the course or even perched in a tree. Named for the rich, red ore mined here during the 1800's, Cinnabar Hills offers golfers three distinct nines: the Canyon, the Lake and the Mountain.
Coyote Creek Golf Club and Course
San Jose
One Coyote Creek Golf Drive
San Jose CA
P: 408.463.1400
Drawing inspiration from the land's natural contours, Jack Nicklaus has designed the Tournament Course to reward every skill level and to take advantage of the picturesque terrain. There are a series of four lakes and two waterfalls - one of Northern California's best-looking golf courses.
Downtown Los Gatos
Los Gatos CA
If you want culture in Silicon Valley, this is your best bet. Historic architecture, an All-American Main Street, cute boutiques, and a wide variety of restaurants, Los Gatos feels like a 21st century version of a Norman Rockwell painting. Easy to get to because of its proximity to Highway 17.
Filoli Mansion & Gardens
Woodside
86 Canada Road
Woodside CA
P: 650.364.2880
The Filoli estate includes a 43-room mansion with 16 acres of sumptuous gardens. The ground floor and gardens were the setting for the long-running TV series "Dynasty". The tour is a restful and elegant way to spend an afternoon. Just off Highway 280 at Canada Road half way between Silicon Valley and San Francisco.
Hakone Gardens
Saratoga
21000 Big Basin Way
Saratoga CA
P: 408.741.4994
Tucked away in the foothills of the Santa Cruz mountains just outside of Saratoga, Hakone is one of the few truly authentic Japanese gardens in America. With four unique gardens created to offer beauty in all seasons, twisting gravel paths, waterfalls, koi pond, a bamboo park and a replica of a 19th century Kyoto tea merchant's home, it makes a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of Silicon Valley.
HP Pavilion
San Jose
525 West Santa Clara St.
Santa Clara CA
P: 408.287.9200
Northern California's premier sports and entertainment center and home to the San Jose Sharks!
Mars Center, NASA/Ames
Sunnyvale
NASA/Ames Research Center
Moffett Field CA
P: 650.604.5000
There is a new technical visit in Silicon Valley called the NASA Ames Mars Center. It features a theatre with live feeds from NASA as well as a simulated Martian landscape. The Mars Center is located outside the main gate of the NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, just 10 minutes north of Santa Clara off Interstate 101. Admission is free.
Mission Santa Clara
Santa Clara
500 El Camino Real
Santa Clara CA
P: 408.554.4023
Located on the grounds of Santa Clara University, this is the eighth of twenty-one missions that were built around California by Father Junipero Serra and his Spanish Franciscan padres. This mission was built in 1777 and is a California historical landmark.
Mountain Winery
Saratoga
14831 Pierce Road
Saratoga CA
P: 408.741.2822
The most popular concert venue in the South Bay, the Mountain Winery offers spectacular hillside views and great music in a mellow winery setting. Built in 1905 by vintner Paul Masson, this 1,650-seat amphitheater on the grounds of Chateau La Cresta runs concerts from June through September. They offer prix fixe dinners with spectacular wines two hours before performances so this ain't no honky-tonk joint.
Paramount's Great America
Santa Clara
4701 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara CA
P: 408.988.1776
Many of the Bay Area's fastest, scariest, and most thrilling rides are found at this amusement park. A popular family destination since there are many attractions for young kids, the park is only open during the warmer time of year (March-October).
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and Planetarium
San Jose
1342 Naglee Ave
San Jose CA
The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, architecturally inspired by the Temple of Amon at Karnak, houses the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts on exhibit in the western United States -- including objects from pre dynastic times through Egypt's early Islamic era.
Mondays: Closed
Tuesday - Friday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday - Sunday: 11:00am - 6:00pm
San Jose Heritage Rose Garden
San Jose (in Guadalupe River and Park Gardens, Spring and Taylor Streets)
San Jose CA
Delighting you with a world class collection of almost 5,000 plants of more than 3,500 varieties of heritage, modern and miniature roses, initially planted by more than 750 volunteers in March, 1995. The garden is a joint venture of the City of San Jose, the Friends of the Guadalupe River Park & Gardens, the Santa Clara County Rose Society, the South Bay Heritage Rose Group, and the many civic volunteers who continue to propagate, fertilize, prune, weed, catalog and care for our precious collection of roses.
Hours: open seven days a week, from half an hour before dawn to half an hour after dusk.
Admission and on-street parking are free!
San Jose Museum of Art
San Jose
110 South Market
San Jose CA
P: 408.271.6840
The Richardson Romanesque portion of this building in downtown San Jose (next to the Fairmont Hotel) dates back to the late 19th century when it served as the post office for San Jose. The museum shares exhibits with New York's Whitney Museum so you can expect to see some impressive art, with an emphasis on West Coast artists.
Santana Row
San Jose
400 South Winchester Boulevard
San Jose CA
P: 408.551.4600
The new Santana Row shopping village creates a sense of European urbanity. With a weekly Farmers Market, well-known retail shops like Gucci and Diesel, and some stylish restaurants (many from San Francisco like Blowfish Sushi and the Straits Café), Santana Row is a good place to get your dose of culture.
Stanford University
Palo Alto
Stanford University
Stanford CA
P: 650.723.2300
This academically elite campus, which is known as "The Farm", has a bucolic nature to it in the midst of the technological center of the universe. The best things to see are the Rodin Sculpture Garden, the Hoover Tower, and the Memorial Church in the Quad.
The Tech Museum of Innovation
San Jose
201 S. Market Street
San Jose CA
P: 408.795.6100
An interactive museum focusing on technology, how it works and how it affects our lives. Perfect for all ages and knowledge levels. The IMAX theater is spectacular. A great place to visit on a warm day as you can cool off in the hyperactive fountain across the street in the plaza.
Thomas Fogarty Winery
Woodside
19501 Skyline Boulevard
Woodside CA
P: 650.851.6777
What a spectacular view of the Silicon Valley you'll see at this Santa Cruz Mountain winery. The ambience of this beautiful winery is slightly European and old Californian. Great architecture and vineyards surround you. The comfortable on-site Tasting Room is located in the Woodside hills at just above Stanford. Amidst all this beauty, they have great award-winning wines. Tasting room is only open from Thursday through Sunday.
Vasona Lake Park
Los Gatos
333 Blossom Hill Road
Los Gatos CA
P: 408.356.2729
A nice bit of green in the middle of Silicon Valley with 45 acres of lawn. Six miles of paved trails wind through the park. Hikers, runners, bicyclists, and skaters can roam the Los Gatos Creek multiple-use trail, beginning at Lexington Reservoir. Paddle boats and rowboats are available for rent during the warmer months. You can also fish for black bass, crappie, catfish, and blue gill. Great place for family picnics.
Villa Montalvo
Saratoga
15400 Montalvo Road
Saratoga CA
P: 408.961.5800 F: 408.961.5850
Montalvo is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring a love of the arts in everyone by presenting the best of the literary, performing, and visual arts, supporting practicing artists in the major creative disciplines, and providing significant arts experiences for children. Located in the Saratoga hills Montalvo occupies a Mediterranean-style villa on 175 stunning acres, which Senator James Duval Phelan left to the people of California for the encouragement of art, music, literature, and architecture.
Winchester Mystery House
San Jose
525 South Winchester Boulevard
San Jose CA
P: 408.247.2000
The eccentric Sarah Winchester, heiress to the Winchester Rifle fortune, believed she would die if she ever stopped adding on to her house, so she kept carpenters busy until her death. The resulting Victorian labyrinth totals 160 rooms with bizarre architectural oddities throughout.
WINE COUNTRY
Copia
Napa Valley
500 First Street
Napa CA
P: 888.51.copia
The American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts is a cultural museum and educational center dedicated to exploring the distinctively American contribution to the character of wine and food in close association with the arts and humanities, and to celebrating these as a unique expression of the vitality of American life, culture and heritage.
Hiking in Napa
Napa Valley
Highway 29, 7 miles north of Calistoga
Hike to the top of Mt. Helena for breathtaking views of the Bay Area. The area features rough terrain, with evergreen forests in the canyons on north-facing slopes and chaparral on the south-facing slopes.
Hot Air Ballooning
Napa Valley
PO Box 858
Calistoga CA
P: (888) 995-7700
Float serenely and effortlessly above the vineyards and wineries of the Napa Valley, considered by many to be the most prestigious wine-producing region in the world, enjoying the unique views and vistas of the vineyards.
Napa Valley Wine Train
Napa Valley
1275 McKinstry Street
Napa CA
P: 707.253.2111
This is a memorable experience as you do a three-hour, 36-mile excursion from the historic town of Napa through the picturesque wine growing region ending up in the quaint village of St. Helena. Great dining and, of course, a wonderful wine menu makes this an epicurean delight (as well as a good time for history buffs due to the old train). At the Napa station just off Soscol and First Streets.
Wine Tasting in Napa
Napa Valley
Located in different Napa Valley Locations near Calistoga
There are many wineries to choose from in Napa Valley and it could take weeks to visit them all! We've selected a few of our favorites and organized them by varietals. They are slightly smaller than the ones you may have heard of and "off the beaten path."
Cabernets-Del Dotto Vineyards-www.deldottovineyards.com
Chardonnay-Chateau Montelena-www.montelena.com
Pinot Noir-Artesa Winery-www.artesawinery.com
Sauvignon Blanc-Sequoia Grove Winery-www.sequoiagrove.com
Merlot-Pride Mountain Winery-www.pridewines.com
Shopping in St. Helena
Napa Valley
Main Street
St. Helena CA
Both locals and visitors alike enjoy strolling through the historic downtown St. Helena shops. Whether it is designer clothing, hardware or a bike you are looking for, it can all be found in downtown St. Helena. The St. Helena Premium Outlets can be found just about two miles north of town along Hwy. 29. The larger Napa Premium outlets are a half hour south in the city of Napa.
Osmosis Spa & Enzyme Baths
Sonoma Valley
209 Bohemian Highway
Freestone CA
P: 707.823.8231
Located on five acres in the quaint Sonoma town of Freestone only about 45 minutes from Mill Valley, Osmosis is the only day spa in the U.S. that offers the Enzyme Bath, a rejuvenating heat treatment from Japan. With a contemplative tea garden, a full range of massage and facial services, and an interesting little spa boutique, Osmosis is a great place to get away from it all. While there, check out the little bakery in Freestone which is superb.
