The Bay Area has so many unique and fun things to do! Whether you’re a first-time visitor, or a local looking for a hidden gem, this list is sure to spark some inspiration. From iconic landmarks to off-the-beaten-path adventures, here are 20 ideas to get you started on your Bay Area exploration:
Things to do in the Bay Area- San Francisco
Golden Gate Bridge
A trip to San Francisco isn’t complete without a trip to the Golden Gate Bridge! You can park at the Golden Gate Bridge Visitors Center, grab a cup of coffee and walk across it. There are a few trails here you can explore to see it from different angles.
Fort Point
Fort Point is located right underneath the Golden Gate bridge and gives you an interesting view of it. It was used in the past to defend San Francisco Bay from enemy ships, but now you can explore the fort, learn about its history, and take in the unique views it offers. This fort is free to visit.
Crissy Fields
If you want a good view of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the San Francisco skyline, Crissy Fields is the place for you. Have a picnic in the large field, bike around the area, or go for a nice stroll. You can also stop by the Warming Hut, located on the west end, for coffee, snacks and a little shopping.
Conservatory of Flowers
Located in the Golden Gate Park, the conservatory is a must visit place for plant lovers. The Conservatory of Flowers houses a variety of rare and exotic plant collections and is a very magical place. The price is $17 for non-San Francisco resident and are free for residents. You can see there operating hours and buy tickets on there website.
Botanical Garden
Another place for the plant and nature lovers! It’s much larger than the conservatory and spans over 55 acres, with over 8000 varieties of plants. If you don’t have enough time to explore the whole park, you can check out a few of their sections. A few of the most popular ones are the rainforest collection, Japanese garden, the succulent garden and the rose garden. The price is $14 for non residents and are free for residents. You can buy tickets on there website before visiting.
Mission Dolores Park
Mission Dolores Park is located on a hill between the Mission District and Castro/Noe Valley neighborhood. The park is a vibrant green space that offers some of the best views of the San Francisco sky line. Its the perfect spot just to hangout, have a picnic, read a book, or play some frisbee with friends.
Fisherman Wharf
Fisherman’ Wharf is the perfect place for doing some souvenir shopping and grabbing some fresh seafood. Fisherman’s Wharf is known for its clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls, Dungeness crab, and cioppino, a seafood stew. You can also watch the sea lions bask in the sun, bark, and play in the water at Pier 39.
Ghirardelli Square
The Ghirardelli Square is a chocolate factory turned shopping center. It is home to shops, restaurants, and a Ghirardelli chocolate store where you can sample and purchase chocolate treats. Just below the square is a large area with stadium-like seats that look out over the water. There is also a beach area here where people often swim.
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is a collection of historic ships, including a ferryboat, a lightship, and a square-rigged sailing ship. A standard pass is $15 but if you have a National Park Pass, you can get in for free.
San Francisco Bay Ferry
Take the ferry from Oakland to San Francisco (or vice versa). It’s usually faster (and cheaper) than trying to get an uber into the city and it gives you gorgeous views of the city!
Pier 41 Farmers Market
If you take the ferry from Oakland, you’ll land right by the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market where you’ll find a huge farmer’s market every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The Saturday Farmer’s Market is the largest with over 100 vendors selling everything including fruits and vegetables, meats, artisan cheese, fresh cut flowers, baked goods and more. You’ll also find many vendors selling hot, ready to eat food, so you can also stop by for a snack even if you don’t plan on buying any goods from the market.
Things to do in the Bay Area – Oakland/Berkely
Grand Lake Farmers Market
The Grand Lake Farmers Market is located right beside the Grand Lake Theater in Oakland. The market runs every Saturday from 9am-1:00pm. There are usually around 100 vendors selling a variety of products including local produce, baked goods, meat, local honey and jams, prepared food and various artisan crafts. There is often live music present and people hanging out in the grassy areas.
Go Shopping on Grand Ave
Grand Ave has a variety of shops and restaurants! Spend some time window shopping and buying some items then grab a coffee or lunch at one of the many restaurants. My favorite spot on this street is Proposition Chicken. It’s more of a fast casual spot but its a great place to grab lunch.
The Morcom Rose Garden
The garden is free to visit and has thousands of exotic roses that are in bloom from Mother’s Day in May through October 31st. Even in the off season it is still a nice place to visit with a reflection pool, foundation, and many places to relax
Lake Merritt
Lake Merritt is located in the center of Oakland and is a hub for both locals and tourists. There is a path around Lake Merritt that is 3.4 miles long. You definitely don’t have to walk the whole thing but I do recommend checking out the lake. Depending on how far around it you go, checkout the Bonsai Garden which is free to visit and has various Bonsai trees.
Redwood Regional Park
Hike or bike through Redwood Regional Park, a sprawling park with redwood forests, stunning views of the East Bay, and multiple trails! This is a great place to escape the city and connect with the outdoors. There is a $5 fee per car to enter.
Grizzly Peak
On a clear day you can see across the Bay area, it is also a great place to watch the sunset at. You can drive right up to Grizzly Peak overlook, though parking might be limited. It seems like recently they are closing down some of the parking lots so you might have to park on the side of the road. This can be dangerous so I recommend using caution if this is the case! On a foggy day I wouldn’t recommend going here because visibility is going to be low and you won’t be able to see anything.
Berkeley Botanical Garden
This 34 acre botanical garden consists of 12,000 different plant species from around the world. A few highlights include the Australia and New Zealand Collection, the East Asian Collection and the Red Wood grove. Admission is $18 for adults and can be purchased online.
This list is just a starting point – so lace up your walking shoes, grab your sense of adventure, and get ready to discover your own piece of Bay Area magic!
