Things To Do
Muir Woods
Muir Woods (the Redwoods are just spectacular!) From Fremont: 50m/1:00-1:34 drive depending on traffic. Advance reservations online required, but one of Karen’s favorites.
Half Moon Bay/Pacifica
Located along the coast on Highway 1. From Fremont: 32-37 miles/:45-:60 drive depending on traffic. Beautiful ocean and sunset views as well amazing seafood. Sometimes you can spot whales….One of Matt’s favorite go to place. We really like Nick’s in Pacifica…yummy!
Winchester Mystery House
From Fremont: 23m/:38-:50 drive. The Winchester Mystery House is a mansion in San Jose, California, that was once the personal residence of Sarah Winchester, the widow of firearms magnate William Wirt Winchester. The house became a tourist attraction nine months after Winchester's death in 1922.
Yosemite National Park
From Fremont: 154 miles/3:13-4:00 drive depending on traffic. An amazing park with countless hikes including Half Dome…26 miles round trip and 5,000’ in elevation. Half Dome hike does require permit/reservation. Karen’s 3rd summit was her last.
Hearst Castle
From Fremont: 213m/3:45-4:24 drive depending on traffic. Hearst Castle, known formally as La Cuesta Encantada, is a historic estate in San Simeon, located on the Central Coast of California. Conceived by William Randolph Hearst, the publishing tycoon, and his architect Julia Morgan, the castle was built between 1919 and 1947.
Monterey
From Fremont:90m/1:45-2:32 driving time depending on traffic . One of Karen and Matt’s favorite places. The aquarium is superb! Monterey is a city on California’s rugged central coast. Its Cannery Row, one-time center of the sardine-packing industry, was immortalized by novelist John Steinbeck. Today, it's a popular strip of gift shops, seafood restaurants and bars in converted factories. Also famous is Monterey Bay Aquarium, with thousands of marine animals and plants on display in underwater and interactive exhibits. Take in the famous 17 mile drive along the coast of Monterey.
Napa Wine Tasting
From Fremont: 76m/1:32-2:00 drive. Expensive and tastings are generally not waived with a purchase. But there are beautiful estates and vineyards. Also early morning hot air balloon rides.
Lodi Wine Tasting
From Fremont: 86m/1:44-2:00 drive. Much less expensive, but just as good as Napa in Karen’s opinion. Tasting fees are generally waived with purchase. Karen is a member at Klinker Brick, Michael David, Berghold, and Macchia…some of which will be served at the wedding reception. Feel free to have your own little tasting.
San Francisco
From Fremont: 39m/:50-:70min. So much to see and do: Disney museum, Alcatraz (need reservations), Golden Gate Bridge (great photo op from Bakers Beach), Pier 39, cruise the Bay, Chinatown, and those are just the tip of the iceberg. Lots of car break ins in SF, so don’t leave anything in your car.
GoRide Tours
We had so much fun doing this! Check Viator!
Golden Gate Park
From Fremont: 41m/1:47-2:32 drive. Life-changing moments. World-changing science. The California Academy of Sciences is an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park—and a powerful voice for biodiversity research and exploration, environmental education, and sustainability across the globe. Also the Conservatory of Flowers, Japanese Tea Garden, De Young Museum, and parks…so much to see.
Club Fugazi Experiences
This show is amazing! Check for a Groupon! There are also several theaters in both San Francisco and San Jose, the Golden State Warriors, the San Jose Sharks, SF 49ers…..the Bay Area is just an amazing place with so much to see and do!
Iron Horse Cocktails
Karen’s favorite bar in San Francisco
Fog Harbor Fish House
One of our favs! On Pier 39 where you should be able to spot some lounging seals
Buena Vista
If you want an Irish coffee, this is where you need to go!
Viator tours
Karen’s go to site for tours around the world! Also check out Groupon for any deals!