Things To Do
Oakland & Berkeley Food & Drink
STANDARD FARE: this is one of our favorite brunch spots in Berkeley. They keep Berkeley hours, so check to make sure they're open before going :) JUPITER: a favorite brewery to bring on the weekend with live music every Friday. BURMA SUPERSTAR: Iconic restaurant for Burmese food and experience their signature dish, the tea leaf salad. THE RARE BARREL: great brewery for sour beers known for its relaxed atmosphere. SNAIL BAR: fabulous wine bar with great selection of natural wines + great bites + excellent escargot if you're feeling adventurous. SPOON KOREAN BISTRO: Get the kimchi pancakes and soft tofu stew, you won't regret it. THIRD CULTURE BAKERY: Come for the Mochi Muffins, stay for the Matcha Lattes. 100% satisfaction guaranteed. BLUE BOTTLE COFFEE: Originated in SF, get a chance to try the strongest coffee we've ever had.
San Francisco Food & Drink
To name a few... FOOD: Burma Love | The Progress | A Mano | Bar Crudo | Brenda's Meat & Three | Che Fico | Chez Maman | Del Popolo | Flour & Water | Domo Sushi | Foreign Cinema | Hillside Super Club | Water Bar | La Taqueria | El Farolito (the BEST mission-style burrito) | Noosh | Sparrow | Kin Khao | A Kitchen Story | Anchovy Bar | Farmhouse Thai | Son's Addition | Mister Jiu's DRINK: Black Sands Brewery | 21st Amendment Brewery | Anima (get the punchbowl) | Horsefeather (everything is great here) | The Tonga Room (it's an institution) | LiPo (also an institution) | Cellarmaker | Trick Dog
Exploring San Francisco
GOLDEN GATE PARK: We've spent many afternoons strolling through this park. If you're looking to venture to SF for a day, we can't recommend it enough. Go get lost in the magical side paths too. DOLORES PARK: When the sun's out, it's a scene every Saturday. HAIGHT-ASHBURY EXPLORING: Haight Street is close to McKenzie's old apartment, so it was a frequent hang out. Great vintage shops and cool restaurants. In the evenings, check out Club Deluxe for an old-time San Francisco vibe. WALK AROUND THE MISSION: Home of the mission-style burrito (you're welcome, Chipotle). Check out Valencia Street for vintage window shopping, local chocolatiers like Dandelion, and great restaurants. BIKE THE WIGGLE: The "wiggle" is the name of the green bike path that helps you avoid the hills while going east to west in SF. It takes you through Duboce, a neighborhood with the most quintessential SF Victorian townhomes. Stop by the Painted Ladies on your way west to Golden Gate Park.
~30-45 MINUTE DRIVE
WENTE VINEYARDS PURPLE ORCHID WINE COUNTRY RESORT AND SPA SAN FRANCISCO: Opportunities abound here. See sections above. TILDEN REGIONAL PARK: Great views of the Bay and tons of trail. Check out the Nimitz trail for one of our favorite nearby hikes. REINHARDT REDWOOD REGIONAL PARK: See redwood trees just east of Oakland with many options for easy and more challenging trails. MOUNT DIABLO: Plenty of hikes and waterfalls around this local gem. Drive or hike to the top of this prominent mountain with great views of the surrounding region.
~1 HOUR DRIVE
NAPA AND SONOMA WINE COUNTRY: Wineries abound. Two we’ve enjoyed are Bartholomew Winery and Viansa Winery in the Sonoma area. MOUNT TAMALPAIS / GOLDEN GATE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA: Tons of hikes, beaches, and redwoods. BEGINNER SURFING SPOTS (but always check conditions before you go…https://www.surfline.com/): Pacifica State Beach and Bolinas Beach. GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE: The big orange bridge. Walk it, run it, bike it, or just drive over it.
~2 HOUR DRIVE
POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE: Elephant seals, Tule Elk, beaches, and views of rugged coastline. Our spots: Chimney Rock trail + Elephant Seal overlook, Point Reyes Lighthouse MONTEREY / BIG SUR / HIGHWAY 1: Epic views of the California coastline and tons of beaches to explore along Highway 1. PINNACLES NATIONAL PARK: Great views and endangered California Condors in California’s newest national park. Can be paired with a trip to Monterey / Big Sur. BIG BASIN REDWOODS STATE PARK: Redwood trees, waterfalls, and beaches.
~3-4+ HOUR DRIVE
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK: Epic views, waterfalls, and giant Sequoia trees. The park’s famous waterfalls are likely to be gushing in late April / early May, though the higher elevations will still be closed for the winter SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS: See the largest of the giant Sequoia trees and Yosemite-like views in these less-visited parks south of Yosemite. MENDOCINO / NORTH COAST / HIGHWAY 1: See the north coast alternative to Big Sur and visit the New England-style town of Mendocino. LAKE TAHOE: All kinds of outdoor activities available here, with city amenities nearby.