San Francisco Bay Area Activity Suggestions
Every year people spend time at Berkeley and when it comes time to pack
and go home, they realize that they haven't seen much of San Francisco. Here are some suggestions for places to go and things to do in the City by the Bay.
- Golden Gate Bridge: The iconic symbol of San Francisco and always worth a trip--even if it's foggy. You can walk across the bridge and it's accessible by public transportation.
- Ride the cable cars: OK, it's touristy, but the cable car barn at the top (where the winding rooms are) is interesting and has the history of the system. The traditional boarding place at the foot of Powell Street is always crowded so get their early and plan on a long wait. Alternatively, get off the Bart at Embarcadero, and go to the bottom of California Street (by the Hyatt Hotel), then change lines at the top. You can go all the way over to Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39 and Ghiradelli Square.
- Don't miss the Maritime Museum that has several historical ships tied up by Pier 39, including a WW II US submarine, the USS Pompanito—well worth a visit.
- Alcatraz: Why is a closed Federal prison a number one tourist destination? Take the ferry (best to book in advance) and find out. There are great views of SF from the Bay. (Take sunscreen, watch out that it can be cold and there's no food on
the island so eat before you set out.)
- See a performance at Davies Symphony Hall: Home to the San Francisco Symphony and, good news! They play during the summer too.
- See a movie at the Grand Lake Theatre in Oakland: Even if you don't think you're really interested in American Theater organs, go on a Friday or Saturday evening and listen to one of the largest functioning Wurlitzer organs in the US.
- Interested in the visual arts?
- The SF MOMA has one of the best collections of modern art outside of New York, and it's a short walk from downtown SF Bart stations.
- The De Young Museum in Golden Gate Park has an incoherent collection in one of the ugliest buildings in the world. [The Japanese Tea Garden next door is subtle but a great place for photos.]
- A much better collection of "old masters" and great Rodin sculptures is the Palace of the Legion of Honor, in Lincoln Park. It's reachable by Muni buses and has incredible views of the Golden Gate.
- The Asian Art Museum is down by the Civic Center (SF's over-the-top Beaux Arts Town hall) but is a bit of a disappointment if you expect good porcelain and silks.
Road Trips
- Day trip to the CA wine country in Napa and Sonoma
- Monterey Aquarium
- Visit the redwood forest (Muir Woods in Marin County)
- Reno or Las Vegas (by air or possible on a three-day week-end); during a break you can combine Vegas with the Grand Canyon
- Los Angeles, especially Universal Studios, Disney and Hollywood.
