A wonderful conservation organization featuring beautiful views of Oakland and the Bay Area. Come for the California condors, stay for the elephants!
An amazing community museum, located in the heart of Downtown Oakland. Stop by on your way to get hand cut noodles in Chinatown (Huangcheng Noodle House) or on your way to picnic at Lake Merritt!
One of the coolest destinations in the East Bay, both temperature-wise and in its natural beauty. Acres of forest and hiking trails to explore. The carousel is a must ride for the young and young at heart.
R & S love to come here for simple, filling, Thai street food takeout. Their chili jam is a standout condiment that you could eat with a spoon.
The BEST non-dairy ice cream in the East Bay. The line moves quickly, the options (Pie! Soft Serve! Flavors!) are incredible, and it’s located on a stretch of Telegraph Ave perfect for wandering down while eating a scoop or two.
An all time favorite of the McClain family, it’s an enduring Oakland legacy for a reason.
A Black-owned coffee shop featuring some delicious caffeinated beverages. Their Fruitvale location is gorgeous and located near Wahpepah’s Kitchen, a restaurant featuring the cuisine of indigenous chef Crystal Wahpepah, a member of Kickapoo Nation.
Oakland’s Historic Movie Palace! Need we say more?
R & S love to come here for a casual weeknight viewing. Small screens, smaller crowds, located on the beautiful Piedmont Ave. Perfect for after dinner or before a night out.
For everyone who always asks where Ronika and Sloane get their nails done - it’s here! Bring cash and make a reservation.
Cute little wine bar located on a sweet stretch of Grand Ave, just down the street from Zachary’s Pizza. A rotating menu and ample outdoor seating make this a must for those who imbibe.
Have you ever been to a natural wine bar that’s got the same interior as a dive bar? No? Well, after visiting BPT, you can say you have! Beautiful funky pours, located equidistant from the clubs of the Castro and the watering holes of the Mission. Or, walk across Market Street to The Mint for karaoke!
Easy, accessible, and delicious Mexican food. Their patio is spacious, and they have an exellent selection of both alcoholic and NA beverages.
Sloane and Ronika’s favorite date spot! Located in an old flower store, across from the historic Fox Theater, their waitstaff is always helpful. The beef tallow fries are to die for.
Gorgeous museum located in the heart of Golden Gate Park. The exhibits are consistently some of the best in the Bay Area, the view from the observation deck is extraordinary, and the sculpture garden (featuring a Turrell light installation) cannot be missed. Pop on over to the Japanese Tea Garden afterwards!
Our favorite easy weeknight takeout sushi spot. Judoku Sushi and Kirala Sushi are great alternatives.
The GOAT. Best diner style breakfast in the East Bay, but be warned - the wait time is no joke. Wake up early or swing by around lunchtime if you want to avoid it. We recommend the corned beef hash and the lox scramble!
Beauty and tranquility typified in one natural space. Do some deep breathing while you watch a koi fish lazily circle one of the many ponds.
Our favorite bookstore in the East Bay (though East Bay Booksellers is a close second). Rows and rows of secondhand books, all in great condition, make this the perfect location for bibliophiles on a budget.
Beautiful bookstore, right off of the N line! Buy a book, grab a pastry from Tartine or tea from LITTLE SWEET, and take the N line all the way out to Ocean Beach!
We went here on our first big date after Ronika moved back to the bay. It was our first time at a Michelin star restaurant! Truly excellent Chinese food in a former banquet hall space, featuring wonderful views of downtown. Check out the upstairs cocktail bar (Moongate Lounge) which has fantastic NA options.
Ronika used to work here! All vinyl playing, Japanese whisky slinging, vibey spot. Best bosses ever.
Sloane’s favorite lowkey cocktail bar. The staff is always friendly, and willing to accommodate reasonable requests. Ask for the back patio!
Gorgeous beach that runs along most of San Francisco’s west side. Not that swimmable, but very walkable. Grab a beverage from Andytown Coffee Roasters, try to snag a pastry from Devil’s Teeth Baking Company, or have an after beach snack at Hook Fish.
Beautiful views of the Bay, featuring a Diego Rivera mural on the inside.
Amazing walking spot, located just down the street from Ronika and Sloane on Piedmont Ave. Open to the public only on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, so make arrangements! See if you can spot all the famous early Californians buried here.
Super delicious food. Make reservations well ahead of time if you’re interested in going!
Our favorite non-foodtruck taco spot. The vegetarian and vegan options are excellent! Get them to go, grab a record at 1234Go or a bottle of vino at Oakland Yard Wine shop, and have a taco party.
If you need a last minute gorgeous piece that will likely be designer, go here! The staff is friendly, the fitting rooms have Gucci wallpaper, and the clothes are generally in excellent condition.
Ronika’s favorite place to grab coffee when she’s working in the city. We recommend the Divisaderon location, great for an easy stroll and window shopping!
Excellent East Bay ramen. Parking is a little tricky to find, but well worth it. Afterwards, walk down to Smitten ice cream, or drive all the way up Claremont Ave for a beautiful view of the Bay!
Thee Oakland dive bar (though Stork Club, owned by the same people, is a close second). The food is surprisingly good and the dogspotting is excellent. Check the website to see if they’re hosting one of their regular all-vinyl DJ nights!
Amazing pizza shop with the best gluten free and dairy free pizza EVER. Seriously, you won’t believe how good the gluten free crust tastes.
Ronika’s favorite burrito place growing up. Cheap, filling, and consistent. We recommend the College Ave location. Afterwards, make your way down to Slash denim, or the Elmwood Rialto theater across the street!
Beautiful contemporary art museum in downtown San Francisco. Easily accesible by Bart, located next to the Museum of the African Diaspora (MOAD) and the Contemporary Jewish Museum, make a whole downtown day out of attending!
Our favorite place to walk in SF. Beautiful and lush plant life from biomes all over the world.
It’s world renowned for a reason. The sun always seems to shine a little brighter on this patch of San Francisco. Pick up picnicking supplies from the Bi Rite market off 18th street, or buy whatever you might need from the cart vendors who stroll up and down the lawn. Head into the Mission afterwards for a bite to eat - Prubechu, Udupi Palace, and Pakwan are all delicious.