There’s a lot you can do around the Bay (and thereabouts). Here are some places/activities I’d recommend across a few categories.

Touristy spots
- Battery Spencer (Golden Gate View Point): Worth the drive across the bridge. Can be bundled with a trip to Sausalito/Mill Valley, which have some great food spots.
- Twin Peaks: Great view of the city. If it is shut, check out Bernal Peak which offers a decent view as well.
- Palace of Fine Arts: Nice to walk around. Has a highly-rated escape room I haven’t been to (yet).
- Fisherman’s Wharf: Check out Ghirardeli Square. Pier 39 nearby has views of sea lions sometimes. Also a cable car line going down to Market and Powell which offers more reliable sightings of SF Zombies.
- California Academy of Sciences: Used to have Claude the Alligator (RIP).
- Exploratorium: Kind of expensive, but a great spot to spend a day. The Tactile Dome is a unique experience.

Nature
- Point Reyes: Many beautiful beaches. Can also see some elk. The lighthouse is well maintained. Spots to view elephant seals as well. Lush green landscapes in the winter/spring.
- Muir Woods: Need a parking res (also offers a shuttle). Great place to see some massive Redwoods.
- Henry Cowell: Small redwoods grove with old growth.
- Natural Bridges Beach/Monarch Butterfly Preserve: Good place to spend a relaxed afternoon. Can bundle this or/and Henry Cowell with a trip to Santa Cruz.
- Point Lobos/Carmel-by-the-sea/Monterrey: Beautiful coastline and coves. 17-mile scenic drive is worth it. Monterrey Aquarium is very expensive, but maybe justifiable once.
- Mission Peak: Popular hike, worth doing.
- Coyote Point: Can watch planes land in SFO. Some short trails by the sea/nearby marina.

Drives
- Skyline Boulevard: Worth driving end-to-end. Great views and bends. Can check out Monte Bello, Purisima, Tafoni Sandstones, Windy Hill Summit, Pulgas Water Temple along the route.
- Route 1: Lovely stretch from Pacifica to Big Sur. Many beaches along the way. Can stop by Arcangeli Grocery Store for a sandwich/garlic bread on the way. Portion north of the bay leads to Stinson beach which I’d also recommend.
- Mt Hamilton Road: Recently paved road. Can check out Lick Observatory at the end.
- Calaveras Road: Leads to Solon Open Space Preserve which is decent.

Food
- San Francisco: Savor, Bi-Rite Creamery, Dandelion Chocolate, Shizen, Cafe Tiramisu, Tony’s, Stinking Rose, Pink Onion, Salt and Straw
- Peninsula: La Costanera, Mingalaba, Miramar Beach, Taco Bell (by the ocean)
- South Bay: Oren’s Hummus, Cafe Venetia, Reposado, Ramen Nagi, Idli Express, Inchin, Coupa Cafe
- North Bay: Angela’s Organic Ice Cream, Tamalpie, Della Santina’s