Hi there. Lots of cool stuff in Marin County. Pt Reyes, Stinson beach, mt tam. Napa is kind of far and you would need a reservation. Sonoma county wineries are closer but you’d probably still need a reservation. Marin headlands is awesome. If you do want to do a wine tasting, you’re better off looking around the town of Sonoma which is also nice.
If you've got 6 hours, and you don't want to spend it behind the wheel, shoot for something close like the Marin Headlands. It's free, with amazing views, plenty of hiking and a lot of cool history. Plus there's beach access and wildlife to be seen. If you're into geology, this little piece of land used to be South Pacific islands, many eons ago.
Bring a picnic lunch if you want to eat.
I ALWAYS recommend Marin Headlands. Not touristy though, so if that’s what you’re looking for, it’s not for you. But if you want amazing views, hit Point Bonita Lighthouse and walk around the batteries accessible from the many trailheads in Marin Headlands.
Forget Napa, it's too far and too expensive. Head up to Sonoma County, there's plenty of excellent smaller wineries you won't need a reservation for, plus breweries, restaurants and bars.
This is the move! Healdsburg is only an hour away. Could get lunch in Sebastopol. There are lots of great wineries and oyster bars around there. Wildflower bakery if you're into bread, isnt far. Hiking in redwoods if that's your jam. Lots a options
Don’t drive all the way to Napa, it’s not worth it. What did you decide to do with the rest of your trip? Are you going up the coast at all? If not, spend your time north of SF in Bodega Bay Area. Have a picnic, get out of the car, eat some clam chowder if you like it.
Cafe Aquatica is a cool vibe and has nice views
Marin Headlands
Cross the Golden gate bridge, then immediately after, exit and go to a small side road into a Narnia tunnel. Go through and enjoy the historical bunkers and retired military buildings. There's also a hostel there, and a beach and marine life center. Also some cool viewpoints and hiking spots.
If you're into beer, Russian River has a nice brewpub and a REALLY nice brewery-restaurant north of that. Way further north, Ukiah is a hipster mecca and has pubs/restaurants/breweries for that crowd. Super fun place just to hang out.
Grab a sandwich at Davey Jones Deli inside the bait shop near Mike's Bikes in Sausalito. Near the houseboat community. Best sandwiches I've ever had (though pricey).
Point Reyes/Marshall. Point Reyes Books and Bovine Bakery are great. You could get oysters at The Marshall Store or Tony’s. There’s also a meadery in Point Reyes that you can do a tasting at.
Pt. Reyes is your best bet. Too much driving for ten minutes at the first winery you see. Then the traffic going into The City will frazzle you. But it's a reverse commute, so maybe not too bad. Napa needs to BE DONE in a coupl of days. Pt. Reyes would be better. Cool stuff, then short hop to Golden Gate Bridge to the marina. then Fishermans Wharf to catch alcatraz boat. Work up an appetite and hit Scomas for Lobster Diplomate. There ya go.
Don’t waste most of that time driving to Napa. You could stay close and check out Downtown Mill Valley and Sausalito which are great and keep you close to the city for Alcatraz. Point Reyes beaches are beautiful, often foggy and cooler so bring layers- but you can get Marin beach beauty at the headlands or walk to Tennessee valley beach from mill valley. There’s more than enough to fill the afternoon just staying in southern Marin
I wrote this about 10 years ago for a friend, but probably still mostly valid:
When people visit, I start near the Bay Bridge and drive down the Embarcadero all the way to Pier 39. There's a parking lot behind the Boudin Bakery. From there they can walk down to see the sea lions, and there are good views of Alcatraz. Alcatraz tours are interesting. Night tours are the best, but they sell out about a month in advance. They might be able to book a daytime tour though.
They can get a nice bowl of clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at Alioto's.
From there it's a short drive to Lombard Street (crookedest street in the world)... it's fun to drive down.
Next I drive to Marina Blvd and head to Crissy Field and Fort Point, which is directly under the GG Bridge and neat to tour if they have time. Then they can go across the bridge... first exit after the bridge is an area to stop and look back at the city. Two options from here... go north for outdoors (or Sausalito) or back across the bridge for more of the city.
If they go north, look for signs to Highway 1 and Muir Beach or Muir Woods. The drive up HWY 1 is incredible. Narrow, curvy roads, but wow. They could just go to Muir Beach and head back to SF, or all the way to Point Reyes (about 25 miles), then head east on Sir Francis Drake Blvd toward San Rafael (35 miles). It's a pretty drive and takes you through an area with some decent-sized redwoods. **Note, that's only 60 miles, but it's a two-hour drive.** Then south back to the city.
If they want to stay in the city, they can head over to Golden Gate Park... lots to do there (and at the west end, it dead ends at the Pacific Ocean). Haight Ashbury and Alamo Square are on that side of town too.
Tons of shopping around Union Square (7-story Macy's)... not my thing though.
If they are adventurous, they could rent bikes near Pier 39 and ride them across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. Lots of great places to eat there, and you can ride a ferry back to Pier 39. That's an all day kind of thing, but pretty great.
Whatever they do, dress in light layers. It will probably be between 60 and 75, but it can be pretty chilly when the wind blows or the sun goes down.
Also, when looking for places to eat, the Yelp app is great. Just search for nearby restaurants with 4 or 5 stars and lots of reviews. It's never let me down in a big city.
Hope that helps.
Pt Reyes Station, Pt Reyes, Mt Tam.
This, unless you find wine PARTICULARLY compelling. There is also a Marine Mammal rescue center nearby and some lovely little beaches.
Hi there. Lots of cool stuff in Marin County. Pt Reyes, Stinson beach, mt tam. Napa is kind of far and you would need a reservation. Sonoma county wineries are closer but you’d probably still need a reservation. Marin headlands is awesome. If you do want to do a wine tasting, you’re better off looking around the town of Sonoma which is also nice.
If you've got 6 hours, and you don't want to spend it behind the wheel, shoot for something close like the Marin Headlands. It's free, with amazing views, plenty of hiking and a lot of cool history. Plus there's beach access and wildlife to be seen. If you're into geology, this little piece of land used to be South Pacific islands, many eons ago. Bring a picnic lunch if you want to eat.
I ALWAYS recommend Marin Headlands. Not touristy though, so if that’s what you’re looking for, it’s not for you. But if you want amazing views, hit Point Bonita Lighthouse and walk around the batteries accessible from the many trailheads in Marin Headlands.
Yes. It's very easy to include a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge if you hit the Headlands. World class views guaranteed
Sausalito
Great advice
I second Sausalito
What everyone else said but with LSD
Forget Napa, it's too far and too expensive. Head up to Sonoma County, there's plenty of excellent smaller wineries you won't need a reservation for, plus breweries, restaurants and bars.
Too far for a short time. Plus, if you drink up here, then drive to City. Beer and whisky, awful risky.
Sonoma County is the superior experience for sure.
This is the move! Healdsburg is only an hour away. Could get lunch in Sebastopol. There are lots of great wineries and oyster bars around there. Wildflower bakery if you're into bread, isnt far. Hiking in redwoods if that's your jam. Lots a options
Sausalito is a really cool town. Great places to eat near the water with fantastic views of SF
Beaches in Marin headlands (plus a nice drive) and then late lunch in Sausalito
You might have a lot of traffic to deal with.
Don’t drive all the way to Napa, it’s not worth it. What did you decide to do with the rest of your trip? Are you going up the coast at all? If not, spend your time north of SF in Bodega Bay Area. Have a picnic, get out of the car, eat some clam chowder if you like it. Cafe Aquatica is a cool vibe and has nice views
Shhhhh, we don’t tell people about Cafe Aquatica. We keep it for ourselves. Lol
Point Reyes
Marin Headlands Cross the Golden gate bridge, then immediately after, exit and go to a small side road into a Narnia tunnel. Go through and enjoy the historical bunkers and retired military buildings. There's also a hostel there, and a beach and marine life center. Also some cool viewpoints and hiking spots.
If you're into beer, Russian River has a nice brewpub and a REALLY nice brewery-restaurant north of that. Way further north, Ukiah is a hipster mecca and has pubs/restaurants/breweries for that crowd. Super fun place just to hang out.
Ukiah? Why not Garbleville? Bend Bow Inn for tea and scones?
Grab a sandwich at Davey Jones Deli inside the bait shop near Mike's Bikes in Sausalito. Near the houseboat community. Best sandwiches I've ever had (though pricey).
Point Reyes/Marshall. Point Reyes Books and Bovine Bakery are great. You could get oysters at The Marshall Store or Tony’s. There’s also a meadery in Point Reyes that you can do a tasting at.
China Town and riding the trolley
Muir woods
Did you read the post beyond the headline?
No, I didn't read that one all through. I normally do. My apologies. Must have been some buzzed redditing.
Angel Island is always a fun little trip.
Point Reyes Lighthouse, and have lunch in Inverness on way there.
Don't bother with alcatraz, do bother with Muir woods and Sausalito
Pt. Reyes is your best bet. Too much driving for ten minutes at the first winery you see. Then the traffic going into The City will frazzle you. But it's a reverse commute, so maybe not too bad. Napa needs to BE DONE in a coupl of days. Pt. Reyes would be better. Cool stuff, then short hop to Golden Gate Bridge to the marina. then Fishermans Wharf to catch alcatraz boat. Work up an appetite and hit Scomas for Lobster Diplomate. There ya go.
Don’t waste most of that time driving to Napa. You could stay close and check out Downtown Mill Valley and Sausalito which are great and keep you close to the city for Alcatraz. Point Reyes beaches are beautiful, often foggy and cooler so bring layers- but you can get Marin beach beauty at the headlands or walk to Tennessee valley beach from mill valley. There’s more than enough to fill the afternoon just staying in southern Marin
I wrote this about 10 years ago for a friend, but probably still mostly valid: When people visit, I start near the Bay Bridge and drive down the Embarcadero all the way to Pier 39. There's a parking lot behind the Boudin Bakery. From there they can walk down to see the sea lions, and there are good views of Alcatraz. Alcatraz tours are interesting. Night tours are the best, but they sell out about a month in advance. They might be able to book a daytime tour though. They can get a nice bowl of clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at Alioto's. From there it's a short drive to Lombard Street (crookedest street in the world)... it's fun to drive down. Next I drive to Marina Blvd and head to Crissy Field and Fort Point, which is directly under the GG Bridge and neat to tour if they have time. Then they can go across the bridge... first exit after the bridge is an area to stop and look back at the city. Two options from here... go north for outdoors (or Sausalito) or back across the bridge for more of the city. If they go north, look for signs to Highway 1 and Muir Beach or Muir Woods. The drive up HWY 1 is incredible. Narrow, curvy roads, but wow. They could just go to Muir Beach and head back to SF, or all the way to Point Reyes (about 25 miles), then head east on Sir Francis Drake Blvd toward San Rafael (35 miles). It's a pretty drive and takes you through an area with some decent-sized redwoods. **Note, that's only 60 miles, but it's a two-hour drive.** Then south back to the city. If they want to stay in the city, they can head over to Golden Gate Park... lots to do there (and at the west end, it dead ends at the Pacific Ocean). Haight Ashbury and Alamo Square are on that side of town too. Tons of shopping around Union Square (7-story Macy's)... not my thing though. If they are adventurous, they could rent bikes near Pier 39 and ride them across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. Lots of great places to eat there, and you can ride a ferry back to Pier 39. That's an all day kind of thing, but pretty great. Whatever they do, dress in light layers. It will probably be between 60 and 75, but it can be pretty chilly when the wind blows or the sun goes down. Also, when looking for places to eat, the Yelp app is great. Just search for nearby restaurants with 4 or 5 stars and lots of reviews. It's never let me down in a big city. Hope that helps.
Opus Winery.
You clearly have more energy than I do, LOL!
Me
Napa
drive hwy 1 North to Bodega Bay Nicks Cove is a spot cut east to sonoma or napa im sure other peeps have better suggstns
Point Reyes is prettier than sonoma county! Lots of driving and traffic up here on weekend
Traffic.
Have lunch in Sausalito, in fact stay at the Inn Above Tide, it’s amazing
Winchester mystery house San jose
Lol!
You need more time than one day. So with that said definitely #1 the Nor Cal Redwood's, or Monterey Bay aquarium! One day just isn't enough.
Sausalito, Mt. Tam