Samantha & John
Things To Do
Visit the University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley
Explore the Botanical Garden! It's a large space with areas representing many regions of the world. At the top on a clear day you can see the Golden Gate Bridge across the water.
Snack & Sip!
Berkeley is home to the birthplace of the American slow food movement. The Gourmet Ghetto is the nickname for the Berkeley neighborhood that runs along Shattuck Avenue from Rose Street to Hearst Avenue that has a high concentration of restaurants and food shops committed to serving organic, non-GMO, peak, in-season food. Home to the birth place of Peet's Coffee & Tea, Cheese Board Collective, Chez Panisse, Acme Bread, you can't go wrong in or out of the ghetto, everything in Berkeley is delicious!
Take a Hike!
Tilden has everything to offer from 39 miles of trails, golf course, a botanic garden, steam trains, even a merry-go-round! Near by, Laurel Canyon or Wildcat Canyon affords dreamy panoramic views of San Francisco Bay.
Walking tour of San Francisco
Fisherman's Wharf and Ghiradelli Square are where you'll find the tourist scene complete with Sourdough bread bowls and fresh crab. We highly recommend you visit the Ferry Building for the farmer's market and some great food. Gregg works just across the street with a fantastic view of the Bay Bridge. For a truly San Francisco experience -- and an anthropological adventure -- picnic at Dolores Park. From the top of the hill you can see all of San Francisco. Within the park you will see people from many walks of life. Bi-Rite Creamery and market are next door. Sara's favorite is the Lavender Honey ice cream. People wait in long lines for ice cream and for Tartine bakery. Pacific Heights - Here you'll find slightly more upscale boutiques and a taste of the hills SF is famous for.
Golden Gate Park & Golden Gate National Recreation Area
- Covering half the width of San Francisco, it's impossible to see it all in one day. If you start at the ocean you may get some cold fog but you'll see big windmills. - The De Young museum is a fantastic fine arts museum in the middle of the park. Be sure to go up in the tower for a 360 degree view of the city. - The California Academy of Sciences is directly across from the De Young. - Cliff House is a great historical spot to dine with a panoramic view right over the ocean. - Sutro Baths lies just north of the Cliff House are the remains of the grand Sutro Baths. - Land's End is a good hike with incredible vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge as well as access to the cold ocean on the beach. You'll feel a million miles away from city life.
Bike across the Golden Gate
Sports Basement (where Sam used to work) offers "Basically Free Bike Rentals." You can pre-reserve online, or walk-in to the shop for a 3-hour or full-day rentals. Pick up your bike near Fisherman's Wharf, cruise along the Embarcadero toward Crissy Field. Crissy Field is right on the water and has an inspiring view of the Golden Gate bridge. Your route to the Golden Gate Bridge will take you right past Sports Basement, where you can grab drinks, snacks, apparel, gear and more, using store credit in the amount of your bike rental!