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Top cities between Berkeley and San Francisco
Best stops along Berkeley to San Francisco drive
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37 Best Stops Between Berkeley and San Francisco

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Wanderlog staff
Updated
• updatedMar 31, 2023

How long is the drive from Berkeley to San Francisco?

The direct drive from Berkeley to San Francisco is 13.1 mi (21 km), and should have a drive time of 21 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Berkeley to San Francisco, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Napa, the Mill Valley, Palo Alto, Sonoma, Oakland, Half Moon Bay, and Sausalito, as well as top places to visit like Blackhawk Museum and Blackhawk Plaza, or the ever-popular San Francisco Premium Outlets.

Visiting Berkeley or San Francisco? See our Berkeley Trip Planner and our San Francisco Trip Planner.
13.1 mi
Total Distance
21 mins
Drive Time
37 stops
Cities / Attractions
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Top cities between Berkeley and San Francisco

The top cities between Berkeley and San Francisco are Napa, Mill Valley, Palo Alto, Sonoma, Oakland, Half Moon Bay, and Sausalito. Napa is the most popular city on the route. It's less than an hour from Berkeley and less than an hour from San Francisco.
1

Oakland

Oakland, a city on the east side of San Francisco Bay in California, offers a mix of cultural and historical attractions. Jack London Square pays homage to the writer with a statue, while Old Oakland showcases restored Victorian architecture and boutiques. The Oakland Museum of California near Chinatown covers state history, nature, and art. Uptown is home to the art deco Fox and Paramount theaters, as well as restaurants, bars, and galleries.
52% as popular as Napa
4 minutes off the main route, 41% of way to San Francisco
2

Napa

Napa, located in the heart of Napa Valley wine region, is a charming destination with a historic downtown featuring late-1800s and early-1900s architecture. The area boasts a vibrant arts scene, a riverfront promenade lined with shops and restaurants, and the iconic Napa Valley Opera House. Visitors can explore the Oxbow Public Market which offers a farmer's market and cheese shop.
Most popular city on this route
39 minutes off the main route, 45% of way to San Francisco
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Rooms and guests
Rooms
1
Adults
2
Children
0
Travelers
2
3

Sonoma

Sonoma, a historic city in northern California, is nestled in the renowned Sonoma Valley winemaking region. The colonial-era Sonoma Plaza is surrounded by significant 19th-century adobe buildings, including Mission San Francisco Solano and the Sonoma Barracks. The plaza hosts a popular weekly farmer's market seasonally. Beyond wine tasting, visitors can enjoy the picturesque landscape and world-class lodging that honors the rich surroundings.
61% as popular as Napa
46 minutes off the main route, 48% of way to San Francisco
4

Mill Valley

Mill Valley, a charming city in Marin County, California, is situated just 14 miles north of San Francisco and 52 miles from Napa Valley. With a population of around 14,231 people as per the 2020 census, it offers an array of dining options ranging from local and organic to traditional Italian cuisine. Whether you're looking for a lively bar to hang out with friends or a romantic night out, Mill Valley has something for everyone.
55% as popular as Napa
17 minutes off the main route, 56% of way to San Francisco
5

Palo Alto

Palo Alto, located in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, is a city known for being part of Silicon Valley and housing Stanford University. The downtown area along University Avenue offers a mix of dining options, from casual to upscale restaurants, as well as various shopping opportunities. Additionally, visitors can explore the Cantor Arts Center on the university campus, which features an impressive collection of Rodin sculptures. Nature enthusiasts can head east to discover the scenic marshland trails at Baylands Nature Preserve.
30% as popular as Napa
34 minutes off the main route, 57% of way to San Francisco
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6

Half Moon Bay

Nature & Parks
Bodies of Water
Half Moon Bay, a charming coastal city in California, is located south of San Francisco and offers a string of beautiful beaches along the bay. The area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts with attractions like the Coastside Trail leading to Pillar Point and the renowned Mavericks surf spot. Nature lovers can explore Montara Mountain in the protected Rancho Corral de Tierra area or visit the Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
15% as popular as Napa
37 minutes off the main route, 58% of way to San Francisco
7

Sausalito

Sausalito, a picturesque city in Marin County, California, is situated across the Golden Gate Strait from San Francisco. This hilly bayside town is famous for its Richardson Bay houseboat enclaves, which were built by artist squatters after World War II. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Bay Model Visitor Center features a functioning 3D hydraulic model of the Bay Area and exhibits about the region's waterways.
21% as popular as Napa
17 minutes off the main route, 62% of way to San Francisco

Best stops along Berkeley to San Francisco drive

The top stops along the way from Berkeley to San Francisco (with short detours) are Ferry Building, Oracle Park, and Stanford University. Other popular stops include Oakland Zoo, Venice Beach, and San Francisco Premium Outlets.
1

San Francisco Premium Outlets

Mentioned on 
10 lists 
Outlet mall
Shopping
Factory Outlets
San Francisco Premium Outlets in Livermore, California is a top destination for fashion enthusiasts seeking designer and brand-name clothing, shoes, accessories, and housewares at discounted prices. With over 180 stores featuring renowned designers such as Coach, Gucci, Prada, and Kate Spade, this outlet mall offers a delightful shopping experience for those with discerning tastes on a budget.
These are my go to outlets within an hour plus drive of my house. They have some high-end stores with outlet pricing. It does get very busy here and I have a feeling there is tourist bus passing through because in the parking lot they have a designated area for those buses. Not sure if they are people traveling cross country or visiting the US.
Scot M — Google review
It's a good place to shop for clothes, shoes, wallets, and other accessories. But it's not a place for guys and children looking for electronics, game shops, anime goods, or similar items. Anyway, I liked this place's warm summer day shopping vibe. There's a food court that provides different kinds of food that will keep you fueled for a long shopping spree. I recommend this place.
Junhyun K — Google review
An outlet mall that features large stores from almost all major brands. The mall is quite large and involves a lot of walking. There is a proper food court along with smaller coffee and ice cream shops, as well as vending machines spread across the mall. The pricing at all stores is considerably discounted, while majority of the stores have further larger discounts available. Not much tech available in this outlet mall, however definitely a good place for shopping clothes, shoes, jewelry and other accessories. The free parking lot circles around the mall, and for short trips it’s better to find the store and park closer to
Avais S — Google review
Place is big , clean, restrooms are in good shape, lots of parking, really just went to sole & laces this time, but lots to choose n shop from
Alex C — Google review
This outlet mall has a great selection of large stores from nearly all major brands. It’s quite spacious, so be prepared for a bit of walking. You’ll find a full food court, smaller coffee and ice cream shops, and even vending machines conveniently located throughout. Most stores offer significant discounts, and many have additional sales that make the deals even better. While there aren’t many tech stores here, it’s an excellent place to shop for clothing, shoes, jewelry, and accessories. Parking is free and surrounds the entire mall. If you’re planning a quick visit, it’s best to find your store first and park nearby for easy access.
George M — Google review
Update: I had a great experience in San Francisco Premium Outlets! All the stores were well maintained, stocked, and clean, and the staff were friendly and welcoming. The decorations as I walked through many different brands felt like a mall but outside, and it had many sitting benches and resting places plus restrooms which were convenient. Overall, it’s a great place to visit if you are looking for apparel and shoe stores near you in Livermore/Pleasanton area. (Comment originally posted a year ago from: “Pretty good.”)
Levent — Google review
Great shopping experience! Huge selection of top brands with amazing discounts. The outlet is clean, well organized and easy to get around. Perfect for finding deals on clothes, shoes and accessories. Brazilians will love it too as there are many favorite brands with much better prices than back home. Totally worth the visit!
Laerte L — Google review
I luv a bargain and I do not find particular joy in clothes shopping. So I try to maximize my time, energy, and dollars when I do. With that in mind, I planned a shopping excursion out to the San Francisco (SF) Premium Outlets. I purposely did not go on a weekend. I did that to avoid the crowds and lack of sufficient parking. Overall my first ever experience at the SF outlets was a success ... I survived! I was able to purchase clothes, in my hard to find size, at bargain prices. These outlets include a good mix of brands (designer , luxury, and mid-range). The luxury brands include Versace, Salvatore Ferragamo, Burberry, Prada, Tory Birch, Zegna... just to name a few. There was a food court and food stalls scattered about the outlet. The outlet is beautifully designed and landscaped with art sculptures and plants; adding to a more pleasant shopping environment. But my gripes are the parking lot and the lack of janitorial staff. The parking lot has only one exit/entrance. The flow of traffic gets logged jammed and it becomes the Wild West of line merging. Regarding the janitorial needs, I spent practically the entire day at the outlet and do not recall seeing any janitorial staff. The women's restroom closest to the food court was atrociously dirty and got more so during the day. Trash bins were overflowing and there was a strong sewage smell. The other restrooms were not as worse, but not clean either and less likely f a strong odor. Plus the food court dining area was a hot mess as well. Tables needed to be cleared and cleaned.
Lillian — Google review
4.4
(16052)
•
4.1
(626)
2774 Livermore Outlets Dr, Livermore, CA 94551, USA
https://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/san-francisco
(925) 292-2868
2

Blackhawk Museum

Mentioned on 
11 lists 
Museum
Art museum
The Blackhawk Museum is a renowned destination featuring a diverse range of attractions. The museum's automotive collection showcases rare and historically significant cars, while the Spirit of the Old West gallery and World of Nature gallery offer immersive experiences with over 600 animal species. Located in Danville's upscale Blackhawk district, this two-story history museum houses approximately 50 classic, vintage, and rare automobiles on its first floor. Visitors can take photos next to the well-preserved cars but are not allowed to touch them.
This is one of the best museums I've visited and I've been to a lot! Beautiful displays, lots of information to read about, amazing lighting, clean, and beautifully kept. There are plenty of knowledgeable staff if you have questions. The bathrooms were clean and fresh. The place is massive! It took us about 3 hours to get through, and we didn't read everything. The shopping center where the museum is located is gorgeous, but most of the businesses are sadly closed down.
Brianna — Google review
The Blackhawk Museum is absolutely amazing! We've already been there twice and every time we are blown away. The animals inside are so realistic — it feels like you're seeing them in real life! Even though we are big animal lovers, we discovered so many species we had never even heard of before. It's such a fun and educational experience. Outside the museum, there are plenty of food options with restaurants and stores nearby, plus a great playground for kids. It’s the perfect place to spend a whole day with family. Highly recommend!
Tap H — Google review
The Blackhawk Museum is truly a hidden gem! The exhibits are absolutely stunning, from the incredible classic cars to the unique cultural displays that make you feel like you’re stepping into another world. Everything is beautifully curated and presented with such attention to detail. The museum is spotless, well-organized, and easy to explore, whether you’re a car enthusiast, a history buff, or just looking for an inspiring day out. The staff is welcoming, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they do, which makes the experience even more enjoyable. It’s the kind of place you can come back to again and again because there’s always something new to discover. Highly recommend for families, friends, or anyone who loves learning and seeing something extraordinary.
Melisa L — Google review
My son heard about the Blackhawk Museum from a friend, I was a little skeptica to visit since we had to drive an hour and 15 minutes, thankfully I was pleasantly surprised. What a fun place! The had a variety of displays. There is a car display, privately owned the owners are sharing with the museum. There are rare cars to see ip close,what a treat. There's an exhibit on China, the wild west, nature something for everybody. We didn't give ourselves enough time to explore the wild west, we need to go back. The staff were all very professional and helpful.
Debbie H — Google review
The museum hosted the San Ramon and Danville Chambers of Commerce for a fantastic networking mixer. It is a beautiful location for any event, and its exhibits are unique—no other museum in the East Bay can compare! Thank you for a really fun evening!
Danielle C — Google review
Absolutely amazed at the size of this museum, beautifully designed with incredibly detailed displays. Very clean , extremely friendly staff . There is a plaza with Plenty of little shops and restaurants and a playground for kids adjacent to Blackhawk museum.
Leah M — Google review
Nice Place to visit. Special Concession for Senior citizen. Ticket once Purchased is valid for whole day.Personal collection made available to the public. The car section, China section and the wild west section are amazing. The African wood carvings section has a small collection, but it's also beautiful.
SURESH M — Google review
Amazing excellent spent 3 hours and could have spent more time. Obfuscation placards and friendly staff
Michael L — Google review
4.8
(1095)
•
4.5
(375)
3700 Blackhawk Plaza Cir, Danville, CA 94506, USA
https://blackhawkmuseum.org/
(925) 736-2277
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Travelers
2
Rooms and guests
Rooms
1
Adults
2
Children
0
Travelers
2
3

Blackhawk Plaza

Mentioned on 
3 lists 
Shopping mall
Shopping
Blackhawk Plaza is a modern outdoor shopping mall located just minutes from Downtown Danville. It features a variety of retail shops, restaurants with outdoor seating, a cinema, and a playground set amidst beautifully landscaped grounds and ponds. The plaza also houses the renowned Blackhawk Museum. Visitors can enjoy strolling around the area, window shopping, and attending outdoor concerts and events at the entertainment venue throughout the year. The plaza offers an attractive setting with artistic sculptures scattered throughout its surroundings.
Beautiful mall with lots of outdoor walking, sitting, shopping and eating. Awesome setting with art sculptures, a long windy pond with various ducks and geese.Beautiful plaza, with fountains, falls, statues, ducks and geese. The food at Prickly Pear Cantina was great as well.
SURESH M — Google review
Blackhawk plaza museum is very good place for education of history of America. In addition to that it good collection of old cars. It has good collection of animals with nature gallery. Also it has China and Africa section and you can unforgettable memories. It given great value for Load Buddha as an open minded thinking and his techings.
Upali K — Google review
This plaza is beautiful 😍....the grounds and water features are magnificent certainly a credit to the groundsmen who look after it. The sad side is the place is so under used....many empty shops etc.
Anne Y — Google review
Beautiful mall, pretty area, nice restaurants and stores are coming back. The waterway through the middle is gorgeous. It had fallen into disrepair but has come a long way in being fixed up. It is now attracting service stores like day spas, doctor's offices, and such. It will be nice to see it in its full glory again.
Matti S — Google review
A nice open plaza with water body where you can feed ducks and geese. There is a kids play area and outdoor seating. Kids love to feed the ducks here - food is available in the Draegers store. Be careful of the aggressive geese and the poop all around the water.
Priyank M — Google review
Absolutely stunning! The people, the stores, the restaurants, and the surrounding outdoor beautiful landscaped and decorated was all very appealing and definitely worth the trip and leaving me wanting to go back and visit. Impeccably clean and artistic sculptures strewn throughout all over. It's a must if you are in the area as well as the Blackhawk Museum.
Jo A — Google review
WOW what a find! We went to the museum to see the autos but also found Western items, African & Chinese art and wildlife. Several dioramas in the western exhibit. A full representation of the Forbidden City which is much more than I had ever imagined it contained. Spent 3 hours enjoying this museum and would return if possible. 1st rate museum!
Rowland H — Google review
What an amazing location to take your loved ones for a peaceful walk. The riveting water sound, great places to eat and some cool evening music vibes by local artists. I would recommend it to everyone who loves some pleasant times.
Siddharth R — Google review
4.5
(1368)
•
4.0
(66)
3380 Blackhawk Plaza Cir, Danville, CA 94506, USA
http://www.shopblackhawkplaza.com/
(925) 736-2751
4

Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area

Mentioned on 
7 lists 
Park
Nature & Parks
Water Parks
Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area is an 80-acre park featuring a lake that offers various activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, and picnicking. The water park provides designated areas for fishing and swimming with slides, along with numerous picnic tables and bird watching opportunities. It's a perfect spot for paddle boarding or kayaking with an easy launch at the small boat ramp. The lake usually has smooth waters but can get windy in the afternoon.
I had an amazing time at Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area! The location is beautiful, offering a peaceful and scenic environment for a day outdoors. Whether you're into hiking, picnicking, or just relaxing by the water, there's something for everyone. The area is well-maintained, and it’s a perfect spot for families, friends, or solo visitors looking to connect with nature. A special shout-out to Jack, one of the staff members, who made my visit even more enjoyable. He was incredibly welcoming, friendly, and helpful, offering great advice on where to explore and what to do. It's rare to find such excellent customer service, and Jack truly made a difference in making the experience memorable. Highly recommend this spot to anyone looking for a serene escape in Pleasanton!
Srinu R — Google review
Came.here to fill some time during a work trip. They had stocked trout a couple days prior to when I came, I hadn't caught anything but I saw maybe a dozen pan size and bigger trout pulled out over a few hours. Pretty clean area, lots of parking, lots of bathrooms, looks like seasonal boat rentals, large swimming area. Seems like a nice spot for a day trip with the family
Shawn B — Google review
The facilities were very well maintained. The nice person at the kiosk was friendly and informative. There were active, busy maintenance workers on site. I swam. The water was clear, cool, and refreshing. What a wonderful day for gosling and ducks.
David N — Google review
Great place to hang out, with little playful children swimming and feeding the ducks, and families barbecuing.
Debapriya T — Google review
Park behind on clara Street to get a nice hike and entrance to the park
Mason B — Google review
Families DO NOT take your families swimming here. My cousin and I took the little ones this weekend and there were massive piles of poop all across the coastline to the beach area. They said it was geese poop. It was so bad, the lifeguards started picking up the poop, raking the sand, and then piling it with the beach sand. 🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢
Nati P — Google review
The park management lie about the quantity of fish in this lake, in fact there are none.
Brighton Y — Google review
Good local park. Next to a BMX park. Can get about 5 miles hike within the park. A small boating lake but closed due to water levels. You can see different birds in the ponds and small Lakes.
Ahmed M — Google review
4.4
(1603)
•
4.0
(68)
2500 Stanley Blvd, Pleasanton, CA 94566, USA
https://www.ebparks.org/parks/shadow-cliffs
(510) 544-3230
5

Niles Canyon Railway

Mentioned on 
7 lists 
Rail museum
Tours
Niles Canyon Railway is a living history museum that offers rides on vintage trains from the 1910s to the 1960s and showcases exhibits on railroad history. It is part of the Niles Canyon Transcontinental Railroad Historic District, running through scenic Niles Canyon in the San Francisco Bay Area.
This was a fantastic experience! The spring scenery along Niles Canyon was absolutely breathtaking, with lush greenery everywhere. The rhythmic clatter of the wheels on the tracks was incredibly soothing and relaxing. The train itself is decorated in a charming vintage style and is impeccably clean. It's a perfect outing for families, including those with young children. At Sunol Station, there's a small museum that pays tribute to the Chinese workers who crossed the ocean to help build the western railroads in America. These remarkable individuals made significant contributions and sacrifices in constructing the transcontinental railroad, which became the vital artery connecting the eastern and western United States. We salute their enduring legacy and honor their memory. A helpful tip: While you can purchase tickets online in advance, there's a $1.5 service fee per ticket. If you're more flexible, you can check the website the day before your planned trip to see if tickets are still available. If there are, you can buy them at the station without the extra fee. The poem by DeepSeek. **Spring Journey on the Niles Canyon Scenic Train** Through Niles Canyon, spring unfolds, A tapestry of green and gold. The rhythmic clack of wheels on track, A soothing song that calls us back. Vintage cars, so clean, so bright, A timeless charm, a pure delight. Families gather, laughter rings, A journey steeped in simple things. At Sunol Station, stories wait, Of those who shaped a nation's fate. From distant shores, they crossed the sea, To build the iron artery. Through sweat and toil, they laid the line, A bridge of steel, a dream divine. Their legacy, the tracks still bear, A testament beyond compare. As twilight falls, the train rolls on, Through canyon depths and hills beyond. A springtime ride, a tale retold, Of nature's grace and spirits bold.
Xiaofeng Z — Google review
A nice train ride from Niles Canyon to Niles Boulevard. The scenic view is sooo soothing. The catch is you have to go early to get seating in the open cabin. Amazing part is we get to see how they decouple the engine and couple to the other end of the train to navigate back. Overall a good peaceful ride.
Chaitra ( — Google review
Better than expected! No rush, easy and quick walk to the train from parking. Despite the fact that we were running late, we were able to "catch the train". The ride wasnt too long, infact short as the engine had to be changed and we stopped for a bit. There was coffee and snacks on board at reasonable prices. The train screamed history and took me back in time. Some visitors, as well as the conductors, seemed to have stepped on the train from the past. The scenery and the entire experience took me back on time, very nostalgic. Anyone looking for a bit of history in California should definately visit and perhaps volunteer. Our older folks are currently volunteering and we need more people to volumteer to have such a good thing keep going. In terms of children, mostly parents brought toddlers.
Lubna H — Google review
If you have any sort of love for trains, or even just a like for them, you need to come ride the steam train in Sunol/Niles Canyon. Nicest people ever run the trains and work on them. All volunteers of course. Beautiful scenery the whole way and crossing over steel bridges too. There are even restrooms and a snack bar on the train!! Such a fun experience. Go solo, with you partner, or your grampa or your family, or anybody!! Can't wait to ride it again and bring more people with us next time, so they can enjoy it too. Free parking and you must buy tickets several weeks in advance. It always sells out. Get there at least a half hour before train leaves to walk around and get in line. Really cute gift shop on site too.
Jill D — Google review
The Niles Canyon Railway is a 30-minute route where you can see mother nature and enjoy the breeze. It is not expensive and the staff members are very friendly and helpful. The train is clean and it has bathrooms inside. They also have a snack bar inside the train. The history of the rails is shared throughout the ride. It has wheelchair access, and it is kid friendly.
Belica D — Google review
The beer train is a fantastic experience. The crew is very nice and friendly. The trip is fun and pleasant, and the food and drinks were great. Well worth it!
Fernando C — Google review
Scenic 1.5 Hours of train ride from Sunol. Parking is first come first serve basis. Onboard snacks and restrooms are available. Liked the ride overall.
Sudipa B — Google review
The first steam locomotive Mike Armstrong saw in 2013 was the Southern Pacific Railway No. 2472. This is a big 4-6-2 “Pacific” type locomotive that ran all over the Western United States from the time it was built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1921 until it was retired just 36 years later in 1957. 2472 was donated to San Mateo County Fairgrounds in 1959 and placed on static display. It was restored to operating condition in 1990 and since then, has had a successful second career pulling mainline excursions. In 2008, it is stored and moved to its new location at the Niles Canyon Railway in Sunol, California by the Golden Gate Railroad Museum. An interesting fact about the 2472 is that it was actually removed from Niles Canyon service in 2015 and later, moved to its new location at the Northwestern Pacific Railroad in Schellville, California by the Golden Gate Railroad Museum in 2017.
Aaron F — Google review
4.7
(700)
•
4.5
(144)
6 Kilkare Rd, Sunol, CA 94586, USA
http://www.ncry.org/
(510) 996-8420
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Create your ultimate travel itinerary

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6

Napa Smith Brewery

Mentioned on 
5 lists 
Permanently Closed
Brewery
Food & Drink
Napa Smith Brewery, located in the Bay Area of California, is a family-owned brewery known for its classic American craft beers. The brewery prides itself on upholding the same standard of quality as the renowned wineries in the region. Despite being situated in an area more famous for wine, Napa Smith Brewery is making a mark with its handcrafted beers. The taproom offers indoor and outdoor seating with games like darts available for entertainment.
Went in last minute around closing time. Good beer selection. Me and my son played shuffle ball, Foosball, and pinball. They also have corn hole. Beertender was polite and on it.
XArtieboyx13 — Google review
What a great place, tasty beers, and Ernesto was very informative! I highly recommend this brewery!
Tom F — Google review
Good spot to stop for a beer, they have games, shuffleboard, darts, and even pinball options. The beer is good w/ quite a few varieties available. The beertenders were cool and knowledgeable about their offerings.
Corey S — Google review
This place is a really sweet spot off the 29. The bartenders are knowledgeable about the different brews and all of the Beers are brewed in house. One of the only breweries around this area.
Sarah D — Google review
My first time here. It has an open pleasant feeling, six pinball machines and plenty of great beers to try! Stop on by.
Anthony B — Google review
Superb beer, extraordinarily knowledgeable staff!! Great selection, and true to style brews! Definitely make this a stop on your beer tour!
Esther C — Google review
Really nice space. Very family friendly. Played trivia with 3 generations of people plus infant and dog along. Fun games, nice people and good beer, too. Wonderful clean and pleasant place to spend an evening.
Katrina W — Google review
Great spot, definitely will be back when in the area.
Anthony M — Google review
4.6
(162)
•
4.1
(44)
101 Yolano Dr, Vallejo, CA 94589, USA
http://napasmithbrewery.com/
(707) 563-5057
7

Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

Mentioned on 
+65 other lists 
Park
Nature & Parks
Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, located in the Oakland Hills, spans 1,830 acres and is known for its expansive redwood groves and diverse wildlife. The park features over 40 miles of multi-use trails, including sections of the Bay Area Ridge Trail and the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. It is also home to golden eagles and offers open grasslands for exploration.
It a peaceful escape just minutes from the city! It offers stunning trails lined with towering redwoods, fresh air, and serene vibes. Perfect for hiking, picnicking, or simply unwinding in nature. Don’t miss the Stream Trail—it's a gem! 🌲🌲
Vandana R — Google review
We arrived on a Saturday around 10 AM, and there were already many people in the park. Since the park is quite large, it didn’t feel crowded. We chose the Stream Trail, which is a loop trail. It took us about two hours to complete the loop. Most of the trail is shaded, making it very comfortable on a summer day. There is approximately a 30-minute hike uphill, so I recommend carrying a hiking stick for those who may have balance issues. The trail itself is beautiful and well-maintained, with lots of redwood trees, and most hikers were very friendly and courteous. There are plenty of clean restrooms at the trailhead, and I highly suggest using the restroom before starting the hike. Additionally, there are several large parking lots, and we had no trouble finding a parking space.
Flora W — Google review
Kimmy and I hiked here for time. We both impressed. Long paved trails with bathroom and water stations along path. Trail gently sloping and easy to walk. If you are more adventures, review map at trail head. Highly recommend. Kimmy gives 2 paws 🐾 up.
Frank C — Google review
Love this place. Taken my mom and friends and everyone enjoyed. There are some bugs so bring spray and you can't get lost all the paths ends up leading you back out just remember if you go up come back down. Beautiful trees and birds and sometimes you can hear the creek running and it's so nice. There's lots of parking and the park stays open late and it's free after 5pm so it's nice in the summer to have 3hrs or hike or outside time before dark. I've met some really interesting people some from New York even a cat that's famous on Instagram. There's dogs and they are supposed to be in leashes but not always just be careful and keep an eye out. There's a ton of bathrooms. The air is so great I always feel 1000x better each time I go.
Juliette R — Google review
Beautiful redwood park. Wide paths. Saw bike riders there. Lots of bathrooms. Nature wonder land. Free parking during the week. Great place to get a nice hike in and de stress. Passed by a playground. Dogs on leashes! Passed by a picnic area.
Karen R — Google review
Beautiful hiking trail with lots of large Red wood trees which makes it shady and cool in hot summer days. You may see some lady birds and squirrels. Horse riders, runners and hikers share the same trail.
Owen R — Google review
Beautiful park and great place to go for a walk and enjoy the nice weather! Took a quick trip to Oakland and went here to see the trees and took a nice walk. Very nice and clean park to visit!
Jamake — Google review
For being to close and easy to get to it’s great to enjoy some nice trails with pretty views. I didn’t plan well so just went out and back about 3 miles and it was nice. Probably a good idea to look at all the different trails and plan a route but even just wandering was nice.
Riley G — Google review
4.8
(3447)
•
4.7
(426)
Oakland, CA, USA
https://www.ebparks.org/parks/reinhardt-redwood
(888) 327-2757
8

Oakland Zoo

Mentioned on 
+55 other lists 
Zoo
Zoos & Aquariums
Park
Located in southeastern Oakland, the Oakland Zoo is a long-standing sanctuary for over 850 native and exotic animals. The zoo covers 100 acres and features modern exhibits and natural habitats where the animals live. It also offers interactive displays and educational programs for visitors to learn about its inhabitants. One of its highlights is the excellent elephant exhibit, known nationally for providing ample space for these majestic creatures to roam freely.
Fantastic zoo, one of the best in the country. It’s not your traditional zoo - it requires more patience and exploration. That said, it’s getting really crowded during weekends and therefore kinda ruined the vibe a bit. The place is super kids friendly - has stroller solution for almost everything. We all had great fun here!
Yusi — Google review
The Oakland Zoo was awesome we been to a handful of zoos this has been my favorite so far. You have to buy your tickets online for a specific time pulling up around our designated time, parking and getting in was super easy. There is a lot of ground to cover we opted for going up the Gondola first up at the top we saw wolves, a jaguar, bears, and more they also have their cafe at the top up there which has an awesome view - it may be a little crazy trying to find a table as everyone is there with their family but this particular day weather was perfect so we sat outside and had an awesome view. Would definitely recommend. They have another little lift for $5 per person that takes you directly over the Lions - that was surreal they even let out a little roar while we were going over the top it was insane. There was so many animals it was awesome. They also had some cool reptiles and a little insect room. All in all would definitely recommend be ready to walk.
Mark F — Google review
I feel we nailed it on our timing. We got there before they opened and were first in line. When we got inside we headed straight for the far end of the park and worked our way back. We were able to catch many animals being fed and almost all of them were out and about. We also didn't have to wait in line for the ride or wait to get close to the animals. The weather was perfect and the animals seemed to be putting on a show. The lions were roaring and playing, the monkeys and chimpanzees showing off, and more. It was a fantastic experience and a wonderfully kept up zoo. The animals seemed well taken care of. I value that.
Celeste G — Google review
I'm a teacher in San Francisco, and I'm always on the lookout for the best field trip experiences in the Bay Area. The Oakland Zoo has become one of our absolute favorites. Over the years, I've tried several of their educational options: the first year we booked a wildlife assembly (we were the only class there), the second year we participated in the ZooSchool program, and this year we explored the self-guided option. Each experience has been well-organized and engaging for students. In the past we never had time to ride the gondola or explore the zoo on our own so we never collected Zoo cards. My students this year loved collecting cards throughout the day, but what really stood out was an Oakland Zoo staff member who went above and beyond at the end of the day. He took the time to trade cards with my students and make the experience feel extra special. The Oakland Zoo is, in my opinion, far superior to the San Francisco Zoo in terms of both educational value and visitor experience. We'll definitely continue returning year after year. Highly recommend it for teachers, families, and anyone looking for a meaningful and memorable day at the zoo! I also attended glowfari for the first time last year and WOW! It is worth every penny. The decorations are up and it's looking EPIC this year.
Leah N — Google review
It's a good Zoo, but the access for people walking is difficult. The lower entrance was closed and we have to walk the road with all the cars. There is a "sidewalk", but we had to walk around it using the road most of the time. The installations are great and big for the animals, bigger than other zoos, and there is enrichment. The workers were really nice and enthusiast, explaining facts about the animals and the conservation efforts. The views from the California Trail are excellent, you can see Oakland and San Francisco skylines.
Alberto O — Google review
Had an amazing experience! There are so many fun learning areas and awesome playgrounds for the kids. The animals were super active, the gondola rides were a bonus, and the bay views were the cherry on top. Definitely a place we’ll visit again!
Jacqueline A — Google review
It was my first time to Oakland zoo and it was such a fun time! We went around 1pm on a Saturday, it was pretty hot and luckily some animals were very active! Favorite exhibit was grizzly bears, wolves, giraffes, we went to 3 different bear exhibits and they were all so cute. Definitely take the sky ride! We took it and were able to see sleeping lions resting underneath the shade further back in their exhibit. If we didn’t take the sky ride, we definitely wouldn’t have been able to see them. It also has great views of the bay! We also did the train ride- this one took a bit long to get on as there were so many families and large parties. This is the only way to access wallabies and emus. It was fun to see emus up close- but maybe would skip if you’re short on time and the train line is too long. Definitely would come back again to enjoy the park- who doesn’t love animals?
Tiffany S — Google review
I have loved the Oakland zoo forever, for their top-notch habitats, husbandry, and ethics. But today I had such a unique experience and felt like I needed to leave a review. I went with my family around opening this morning, and shortly after we took the gondola up to the upper zoo area, it had to be temporarily shut down for safety. The staff (specifically the EMT) checked in with us regularly to answer our questions (like if the cafe would still be opening with only a small handful of people up there- it did! And when the shuttles would be coming to take us down). It was kinda fun to have a more "private" experience at the zoo since nobody else was able to come up, and to get to see the veterinary hospital in a normally private section of the zoo as the shuttle took us back down. But the point of my review is just how wonderfully all the staff handled the weird situation (and my in-law's redundent questions, haha). Definitely eat at the cafe- it was yummy and the outdoor view over the bay was beautiful. Unfortunately, the gift shop is currently closed for construction.
Anastasia P — Google review
4.6
(13584)
•
4.3
(716)
9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland, CA 94605, USA
http://www.oaklandzoo.org/
(510) 632-9525
9

iFLY Indoor Skydiving - SF Bay

Mentioned on 
1 list 
Skydiving center
Fun & Games
iFLY Indoor Skydiving - SF Bay offers an exhilarating experience for all levels of skydivers in a vertical wind tunnel. Visitors have praised the welcoming staff who ensure comfort and excitement from the moment you walk in. Instructors like Chris are commended for their patience and thoroughness in explaining safety procedures and techniques, making sure everyone feels confident before taking flight.
Fantastic experience for our kiddos. They loved every minute of it. They got to go up high as well (extra $) which is super cool. They are all friendly and taught our kids well. Will return! Highly recommend you buy their video and photo package so you get pics from the inside. Excellent location next to a lot of restaurants and movie theater.
Rheddy S — Google review
Great place for kids to experience sky dive feel. We took both our kids and they loved it. You need to take the high flying ones vs standard one. Each flight is for 1min only. That’s the only disappointment side vs rest is all great as expected. Best is to go in group for full fun. Total Time like in and out will be around 1-2hrs. Appointment is recommended for weekend visit.
Vijay S — Google review
I've always wanted to try flying in an aerodynamic tunnel, ever since I jumped with parachute for the first time. Jumping with parachute is very scary, and it's a whole deal to do. Flying in a wind tunnel, on the other hand, feels very safe, it's pure joy without scary element of stepping of a flying plane. The instructors are awesome, I felt very relaxed and confident through the whole experience (which I wish was a little longer!) Flying high is worth additional $20, definitely recommend 👌🏻 Will come back for some advanced training for sure.
Vlada P — Google review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ iFLY Indoor Skydiving in the Bay Area is **ABSOLUTELY AWESOME**! From the moment you walk in, the sound of the wind, energy is electric and the whole experience feels like pure magic. The staff are **super cool**—friendly, hyped, and genuinely stoked to help you fly. Shoutout to my coach **Jackson**—dude is a LEGEND! He made me feel 100% comfortable pushing into new flying positions and nailing those transitions. His tips were spot-on, his vibe was chill, and he had me grinning ear-to-ear the whole time. Already counting down the days ‘til I’m back in the tunnel. If you want to fly like a superhero, this is the spot. **CAN’T WAIT TO FLY AGAIN!** 🚀
Joshua D — Google review
If you’re looking for a thrilling and unique experience, iFly San Francisco – Bay Area is the perfect destination! The indoor skydiving facility offers flight options of 1 or 2 minutes, and every participant goes through a brief “flight school” session with an instructor to prepare. Our instructor, Rick, was phenomenal—his energy, patience, and expertise made the experience both fun and safe. I highly recommend adding the High Fly option to your package, where the instructor takes you soaring up to the ceiling. It’s an exhilarating addition that really elevates (literally!) the experience. Although it’s a fairly pricey activity for the amount of time, the rush of “flying” and the overall excitement make it well worth it. The staff at iFly were friendly and efficient, and the facility itself is clean and well-organized. This is a great activity for all ages, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking to try something new. I left with a big smile and memories that will last a lifetime. Highly recommend!
RB — Google review
We celebrated our son’s birthday at iFLY — an absolutely unforgettable experience filled with incredible emotions and a true wow effect for all the guests. Everything was super clean, and the party room was spacious. The manager was very welcoming and helpful. The instructor was incredibly patient with the kids and had a great sense of humor. Hosting the birthday there was the best decision we could’ve made!
Elina R — Google review
Did the AFF prep here, had a great experience. Rick was my instructor and was great to work with. He gave me good coaching in the tunnel and good feedback afterwards so I had an idea of how I was doing and where I can improve. To maximize the experience I’d recommend watching a few videos on YT and doing a little studying so you can focus solely on the flying and not trying to remember everything. I did not, and felt like I could’ve gotten more out of it had I done some more prep on my end. Either way, great learning experience if you’re planning on doing AFF.
Henry P — Google review
I recently took my husband to enjoy an iFly experience as a surprise, but the surprise ended up being for me. Upon arrival, we found the facility was full of children and young people. When I accessed your website, I had the impression that the experience was more focused on adults. However, overall, it seemed to be geared primarily toward younger participants. My husband, who is 43 years old, did not really enjoy the experience. Additionally, there were two groups scheduled in the same time slot, which meant he had to wait over 20 minutes between flights. I honestly feel that $120 for a one-minute "flight"—which is not really a flight—was very expensive and did not match the adult-focused experience portrayed in your website videos. I understand that first-time flyers undergo training, but I believe it would be helpful to separate groups by age or experience level. This would make the experience more enjoyable and suitable for adults. Overall, we were quite disappointed, and I hope this feedback can help improve the experience for future visitors.
Alba A — Google review
4.5
(615)
•
4.5
(191)
31310 Alvarado-Niles Rd, Union City, CA 94587, USA
https://www.iflyworld.com/sfbay/?utm_source=G&utm_medium=local&utm_campaign=google-local
(510) 489-4359
10

Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Factory Outlet

Mentioned on 
1 list 
$$$$affordable
Chocolate shop
Nestled between a serene neighborhood and a bustling commercial area, the Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Factory Outlet is a delightful haven for chocolate enthusiasts. This charming spot offers an array of delectable chocolate gifts, including their renowned chocolate squares, bars, and beautifully arranged baskets. Recently, they’ve expanded their menu to include dairy-free options like Coconut Bliss Madagascan Vanilla ice cream and various toppings for sundaes.
When we went to this Ghiradelli outlet, we were surprised that we were able buy not only its chocolate treats but its ice cream desserts. Bonus: It’s not as busy like the San Francisco location. There is ample parking lot that within 10 minutes of getting here, we got our order.
Daisy M — Google review
This is my first time at this place. I’ve never heard of this location as it’s hidden among neighborhoods. A beautify and cozy place with plenty of chocolate collection and a cafe for dessert. Their service was good and they had unique gift collections. Resembled the main factory in San Francisco but this place was less crowded and similar.
Jagadeesh R — Google review
Tucked between a quiet neighborhood and a commercial area,this Ghirardelli outlet is a quaint little gem. Not too crowded but always busy with people coming to grab some chocolate or to sit down to enjoy a sundae ice cream treat. Plenty of spaces in the parking lot when we went on a Saturday afternoon. Its fun to try all the ice cream flavors but I had the Strawberry Passion this time and I enjoyed every spoonful of it. The great thing is that its not sugar overkill even with the chocolate, caramel,and other sweet ingredients used, it hits the right combination. The prices of the sundaes have gone up and the amount you get have gone down over the years and that is always sad to see, but we come here as a family once in a while just to enjoy a nice time out together.
Eltea — Google review
Quiet, hidden gem for a cold summer treat. They have ice cream treats of all kinds, with a particular focus on sundaes. The cones are very big for a kid. My scoop of ice cream was a bit frozen with ice crystals. The chocolate is different and you may want to get a taste first.
Janai W — Google review
The best place to visit with family to eat mouth watering ice cream chocolate, fudge, brownies and hot chocolate with limited menu options for mocha and late. Non-dairy option is available and but the complete range of Ghirardelli chocolate products.
Sandeep G — Google review
Hey guys, Definitely give these guys your business! Excellent customer service skills and I’ve never had an issue when I needed changes to my order. Make sure you guys let them know before you head home though!
Marcos F — Google review
Hi guys Do not give them your business. No customer service skills and didn’t make my expensive hot chocolate correctly! I mentioned I wanted whip cream they said it was added but it was not on top of my drink.
Cres L — Google review
This place is hear and I had no clue this place existed. I'm glad we found it, though. They have really good drinks here. My daughter has got chocolate and I had a sea salt caramel drink that was delicious. Parking was plenty and they have a gift shop attached to the dining area. The place is near and well kept
John B — Google review
4.6
(858)
•
4.5
(34)
1111 139th Ave, San Leandro, CA 94578, USA
https://www.ghirardelli.com/stores/san-leandro
(510) 346-3146
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11

University of California, Berkeley

Mentioned on 
+16 other lists 
Public university
Sights & Landmarks
The University of California, Berkeley is a stunning campus overlooking the San Francisco Bay, featuring elegant beaux arts architecture and lush wooded areas. The university has a rich history, with the NO. 954 CROLL BUILDING playing a significant role in the development of boxing during California's Golden Age of Boxing. Located in the vibrant city of Berkeley, it is known for its diverse and politically conscious student body.
Very significantly historic university. There is many good stories to everything from the floor to the structure of the buildings. Students here achieve academic excellence and fight for what they believe. Students here fight for justice and come together to be able to do so.
Guadalupe G — Google review
I recently visited the University of California, Berkeley, and was genuinely inspired by its rich academic culture and historic campus. Walking through Sproul Plaza and around the iconic Sather Tower, I could feel the energy of a place deeply rooted in innovation and social impact. The students and faculty I encountered were friendly, diverse, and passionate about their fields of study. Berkeley’s commitment to academic excellence and public service was evident in everything from the research labs to the community programs. The campus buzzed with activity and intellectual engagement, creating an environment that encourages big ideas and bold thinking. My visit left me with a strong impression of Berkeley as a dynamic, world-class university that truly empowers its students.
Faze I — Google review
I respect the progressive mindset this university champions—its role at the heart of the Free Speech Movement and anti-war activism, and a century and a half of academic excellence. Yet the campus culture increasingly bears the costs of a model that isn’t proving sustainable. The “freedom of speech” banner too often flips into the suppression of views that merely unsettle; anything that irritates “them” risks being censored or canceled, which paradoxically undercuts the very ideal being invoked. Separate from speech, day-to-day safety is the most alarming issue. Incidents of violence, robbery, and theft around campus feel unacceptably frequent; protests are loud, frequent, and at times confrontational; and street interactions—including with unhoused residents—can be tense. Compared with many peer institutions, especially those in European and East Asian cities, the environment can feel disproportionately risky. Layer on the price tag—tuition and living costs that rival private schools—and it’s fair to question whether the experience delivers value commensurate with the expense. Respect for Berkeley’s mission doesn’t preclude insisting on a campus where open debate is genuine, safety is non-negotiable, and costs align with outcomes.
Влади́мир П — Google review
This is NOT a campus you want to be on (as a visitor, or as a student!), unless you are prepared to encounter: 1,) NO “wayfinding signs” for ANYTHING, 2.) NO LEVEL GROUND (you are either walking either up-hill or down-hill, CAMOUS WIDE!). Finally, there are ZERO ENGLISH SPEAKING STUDENTS here in the summer! Every student seen on the campus in July was NOT speaking English. An American, English-speaking student will have a very tough time communicating with fellow students here! I guess this what FORCED “multi-cultural assimilation” is all about!
SUDCC I — Google review
Supposedly one of the best universities in the world, especially for STEM. Receives a lot of funding. Tuition is very high. I have lived in 4 different campus housing. Every single one promised high speed internet. Not a SINGLE one had stable WiFi. Connection drops literally every other minute. And when you report these issues, every single time, without fail, the university makes you go through a very big hassle before finally doing something about it.
Secret S — Google review
School of Optometry is excellent! More thorough and diligent, polite, exacting, professional, and overall exceptional care. Highly recommend from exam to prescriptions to eyewear.
Jean M — Google review
The campus is beautiful and in a decent location not too far from San Francisco. The students are very passionate about what they do and it seems that the school really cares about providing students with clubs, services, and classes that can truly benefit them. It would be an honor to attend this school. A+ from me. Only downside is that it was hard to find good restaurants around there. And I watched a guy get arrested on campus so that was interesting. They don't really have parking options. It's a walking school for sure. The nature and campus is welcoming, gorgeous, and an overall peaceful atmosphere. Truly a beauty.
Olivia Y — Google review
A little bit dirty, or else, it is great. Do not recommend someone who want to have a walk(unless you wanna exercise).
Ryder H — Google review
3.7
(1824)
•
4.6
(937)
Berkeley, CA, USA
https://www.berkeley.edu/
(510) 642-6000
12

Levi's Stadium

Mentioned on 
19 lists 
Stadium
Sights & Landmarks
Arenas & Stadiums
Levi's Stadium, located on Marie P. DeBartolo Way in Santa Clara, is a versatile facility with over 68,000 seats and serves as the home of the San Francisco 49ers. This open-air stadium features a natural grass field and can be expanded to accommodate approximately 75,000 people for major events like the Super Bowl and FIFA World Cup. In addition to NFL games, Levi's Stadium hosts various annual events including concerts with renowned artists.
I’ve enjoyed taking my Mom to Levi’s Stadium for years! The best part is the BNY Mellon Club West!! It is beyond prestigious and first class with delectable dishes. There is something for every palate. The bar service is nonstop and quick! I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Everything is top notch and immaculate. The staff members are extremely friendly, hospitable, and engaging! Go Niners!
Janey M — Google review
It could be that I'm a southern girl, Falcons fan, and season ticketholder to the Benz, with great food options, but the food looked good at Levi's stadium but was pretty awful. Chicken nuggets tasted like sawdust from organic chicken. The tater tots were soggy and old. Stick with adult beverages!
Gwen D — Google review
Levi’s Stadium is a modern, spacious, and impressive venue the home of the San Francisco 49ers and host to many great events. The design is sleek, with comfortable seating, great visibility, and an excellent sound system. The atmosphere during games and concerts is energetic and exciting, and the large screens make it easy to follow all the action. The stadium is very clean and well maintained, with good food and drink options throughout. Parking and entry are well organized, though traffic after events can be slow, as expected for big venues. Overall, Levi’s Stadium is a top-notch sports and entertainment arena that offers a fantastic fan experience modern, comfortable, and full of energy. Definitely worth visiting if you’re in the Bay Area!
Lg G — Google review
Great stadium. Access to get in was easy and pretty quick. The app did a good job telling you what you can and cannot bring. The stadium was clean and plenty of friendly security staff. The food on the other hand hlwas not so! The chicken tenders were okay but the fries were like cold cardboard. I would have asked for new ones but when you order for 4 and it piled on, didn't notice till seated! Over priced. The staff taking orders were cool but the staff serving food were a bit not friendly, but not unfriendly.... just meh?. We had. Great time at the 9ers game though! Will go again. Just find better places to eat I guess. Oh ya paid $70 for 2 whiskey mules from Joe Montana's Whiskey! What? I guess if they dont list the price, be prepared to pay!
Denny S — Google review
Great big stadium! Loads of fun and good food as well as great drinks choice! Our seats were sec 120, row 29 - great view
Paula B — Google review
Levi stadium is always a lot of fun. Especially when the Niners win!!! The food is very high price it was $18 for a little brisket sandwich and $20 for one tall can of beer. I suggest to pregame it before you even enter the gates. Security is all around so it is pretty chill. It is a nice stadium. In fact one of the nicer ones I've ever been to.
Robin C — Google review
Levi Stadium is nicely built. We went for a 49ers game and I loved the layout and that their sound system is so great. Usually in stadiums, you can’t understand what they’re saying but glad it was different here. Such a cool place for the game with a nice variety of food & drinks! Can’t wait to go back!
Karina A — Google review
We went to see Morgan Wallen and it was AMAZING!! I had nose bleed seats but I could see very well and the sound was excellent. After the concert so many people were trying to exit the stadium and even though it looked intimidating it wasn't bad at all. I'm looking forward to my next event at Levis stadium whether it be a concert or a football game.
Noah B — Google review
4.4
(12908)
•
4.2
(996)
4900 Marie P DeBartolo Way, Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA
http://levisstadium.com/
(415) 464-9377
13

California's Great America

Mentioned on 
+39 other lists 
Temporarily Closed
Amusement park
Water & Amusement Parks
California's Great America is an expansive and thrilling amusement park located in Santa Clara, just a short drive from San Jose. The park offers a wide variety of attractions suitable for visitors of all ages, including heart-pounding roller coasters like the iconic Gold Striker and family-friendly rides. Additionally, the park features Boomerang Bay, a refreshing water park perfect for cooling off on hot days.
We had a fantastic day at California’s Great America! The park has a great mix of rides, entertainment, and water fun. My daughter especially loved the water slides—she couldn’t get enough of them. The South Bay Shores water park was clean, well-organized, and perfect for cooling off. Plenty of shaded spots for parents to relax too. Overall, a fun family outing with something for everyone. Highly recommend, especially if you have kids who enjoy water play!
Abhijeet S — Google review
This was my first time entering and experiencing the park. I’ve passed by several times in the past few years and I always wanted to experience the rides especially after I hear news on closure. Luckily my friend had a seasonal pass and we got discounts on daily tickets. A good place to bring kids and spend a day here. We went in all the big rides as we were adults. It was thrilling and our adrenaline was pumped. Parking was a bit expensive and I suggest you to take light rail or park in Santa Clara convention center as you might get free parking. Avoid going here on days when Levi’s stadium has events as it will be packed. Overall we had a great one day experience which rejuvenated the kid inside me.
Jagadeesh R — Google review
California’s Great America in Santa Clara is a fun and well-rounded theme park that offers something for just about everyone. Whether you’re into high-speed thrills or laid-back family rides, the park’s lineup delivers — especially with coasters like Gold Striker, RailBlazer, and Flight Deck. If you visit on a weekday or arrive early, you’ll beat the crowds and get more ride time without long waits. The layout is easy to navigate, and there’s plenty of shaded seating to take breaks between attractions. Food options are surprisingly diverse for a theme park. You’ll find everything from funnel cakes and burgers to sushi rolls and boba tea, with most meals priced between $10 and $20. Seasonal food festivals like Taste of Orleans add extra flavor with Cajun-inspired dishes and live music. Dining plans are available and can be a good value if you’re planning to stay all day — just keep in mind that some locations may have limited menus or longer lines during peak hours. Overall, the park is clean, well-staffed, and packed with entertainment throughout the year. Events like WinterFest and Red, White & Brews bring extra charm, and Planet Snoopy keeps younger guests happy with gentle rides and character meet-and-greets. While occasional ride closures and crowding can be a downside, the overall experience is memorable and worth the visit.
Jonathan P — Google review
It was a marvelous experience, Loved all the rides and the atmosphere. Enjoyed very bit of it. A hidden gem I would say. Hoping staff could smile more but regardless, A never forgotten moment. Couldn’t go on all the rides so will have to come back for water park. But make sure your whole day is reserved for California’s Great America.
Simran A — Google review
We got the annual pass, and it has been totally worth it! It pays for itself in just a few visits and gives us the freedom to come and go without feeling rushed — especially helpful during busy summer days or holidays when lines can get really long (sometimes over an hour for popular rides). California’s Great America is great for all ages — there are thrilling coasters for teens and adults, gentle rides and splash areas for younger kids, and a full water park (South Bay Shores) that everyone can enjoy. If you’re planning to visit the water park, it’s best to arrive early — lounge chairs fill up quickly, especially on hot or crowded days. Going early also means shorter lines for the water slides and more time to relax. The park is clean, the staff are friendly, and there are plenty of food options. Parking is easy, and the annual pass comes with great perks like discounts and early entry on select days. Overall, it’s a fantastic spot for families and anyone looking for a full day (or season!) of fun. Highly recommended!
Iris Z — Google review
California’s Great America has a special kind of charm you don’t find often anymore. Right in the heart of Silicon Valley next to Levi’s Stadium, this park blends nostalgic vibes with legit thrills. RailBlazer is a wild, fast, one-of-a-kind coaster that twists and dives like nothing else. And GoldStriker? One of the best wooden coasters anywhere—fast, loud, and an absolute blast from start to finish. It’s heartbreaking that this park is closing for good. There’s so much soul here, and I truly hope some of these iconic rides, especially RailBlazer and Gold Striker, get saved and relocated. If you’ve never been—or haven’t been in a while—go while you still can. You’ll walk out smiling, guaranteed.
Richard H — Google review
This is such a cute and amazing amusement park. I went two weeks ago when I was visiting the Bay Area, and I had a great experience. It was very clean, well-maintained, and I got to ride all the roller coasters in the park in a couple of hours. The coaster line up is pretty solid as well. The Gold Striker, RailBlazer, and Flight Deck were my absolute favorites. The Demon, the Patriot, and the Grizzly are really fun classics as well. This park is totally worth the trip. I’m really sad to hear they’re going to close in a few years, but I will definitely come back for another visit before that happens!
Abraham S — Google review
Enjoy it while it lasts, people. This place is set to close in two years.😔 I’ve been coming to Great America with my siblings for 31 years. Now, we have our kids and they’re enjoying their time at the park. The rides are amazing. The children’s spot is Snoopy Themed. They’ve upgraded the water park within GA. It will be greatly missed!🥹
Francisco C — Google review
4.4
(15949)
•
3.8
(661)
4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA
https://www.cagreatamerica.com/
(408) 988-1776
14

Computer History Museum

Mentioned on 
47 lists 
History museum
Museums
Non-profit organization
Nestled in Mountain View, the Computer History Museum is a treasure trove for anyone fascinated by the evolution of technology. Just a stone's throw from San Jose, this museum offers an engaging exploration of computing's past and its profound influence on our world today. With an impressive array of artifacts and interactive displays, visitors can encounter groundbreaking machines like the ENIAC and discover the stories behind industry pioneers who have shaped our digital landscape.
This is a must see place for people who are interested in technology. The place is conveniently located near google main office complex. You can see the complete history of how computers were invented and their progression to new generation computers. There is a section on robotics which I liked the most. The place also has a coffee shop and a store that sells souvenirs and apparel’s specifically made by them. On weekends sometimes you may see some free entries for specific company employees and families, so please check if you are from a company that is offering a free entry on a specific day or weekend.
Vikas M — Google review
The ticket are cheaper if you do a donation on the website. I was happy with the museum, the story of computer development comes from counting and measuring systems and moves slowly to counting and first codes and decoding and moves to devices. I would bring kids in different ages, but go through museum together, so they will see the full timeline.
Kira C — Google review
The computer history museum is a must visit for anyone that uses a computer. That’s everyone! Seriously, if you haven’t been and you live in the area, make the time— the “revolution” exhibit alone will take the entire day and if you go on the correct day, you can have the pleasure of seeing the PDP-1 come to life. They turn on the IBM 1401 daily and will print you a fun memento on a 1402. Check the times for guided tours, you will not be disappointed! The docent are amazing and passionate. Still not sold check their calendar. They have regular events called “tech fest” the most recent of which was 90s themed and they brought out the museum of art and digital entertainment from Oakland for playable 90s video games. There was even a 90s dance party on the lawn complete with Skip-it and all the 90s jams. Plan a visit and learn something new about the tools that surround us and power our modern lives!
Mason Y — Google review
If you care at all about where modern computing came from, this is a must-visit. The Computer History Museum offers a near-encyclopedic sweep of computing’s evolution — from abacuses and early mechanical calculators to mainframes, personal computers, software milestones, and beyond. The artifacts are real, many rare, with detailed context. The storylines are well-curated: hardware, software, social impact, all woven together. Highlights: the IBM 1401, the Babbage Difference Engine, classic gaming and electronics, well-done interactive displays. Staff are knowledgeable and engaging; docented tours add depth. The layout gives space to breathe, read, reflect — not just dash through. Some caveats: Exhibits are often text-heavy; if you’re not already interested you may find yourself skimming. Also, to truly absorb everything — you need at least 3-4 hours, more if you want to dive deep. Overall: it delivers serious educational and aesthetic value. Worth every minute and every dollar.
Olga N — Google review
It was way more interesting than I thought. Even my kids enjoyed it. Definitely has a wealth of information as well as interactive displays. I was only able to see half the museum in two hours. I went two hours before closing. Wish I had gone earlier in the day.
Zaigham A — Google review
Best field trip ever thanks to Jesse and Steve! I took my class of graduate students and our minds were blown away by the amazing collection that they have. Highly recommend booking a docent tour or going on one of their public tours to better understand the historical significance of everything that you’re seeing!
Pia Z — Google review
The Computer History Museum is a fascinating journey through the evolution of technology — from the earliest calculating devices to the breakthroughs shaping our digital future. It’s inspiring to stand inches away from legendary machines, rare prototypes, and artifacts that changed the world. A must-visit in Silicon Valley.
Michael V — Google review
It's all about how the Silicon Valley started and how it progressed over the years till now. Journey of computers progress starting from year 1930 to present day AI based computers. It's divided into 18 sections + 2 additional sections outside the main entry. Every fee of 12$ is more than worth it. Knowledge and information you get there is exceptional. Children upto 7 age free entry. If you are really interested in computers history of progress then be ready to spend about 2-3 hours here. Inside you may not know how fast the time is tickling.
Jagdish T — Google review
4.7
(7301)
•
4.5
(789)
1401 N Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA
http://www.computerhistory.org/
(650) 810-1010
15

Google Android Statues Square

Mentioned on 
+2 other lists 
Permanently Closed
Sculpture
Sights & Landmarks
The Google Android Statues Square is a compact square featuring colorful mascots representing different versions of the Android mobile operating system. Each time Google releases a new version, they add a statue to the lawn in front of the Android development teams building, with each statue representing the codename for that particular system, always named after a sweet treat.
This place is small but quite cute and interesting especially if you are with kids. It made me hungry walking around so many yummy looking statues :) It's in the middle of the Google campus which is as big as a small city :) and cute to see all the colorful Google bikes there too. Not sure what the campers were around there - maybe the homeless crisis hit that area too or people just prefer to live by their office in a camper/RV :)
Mariana J — Google review
As a Google and Android fan, I was excited to check this out. The area was a bit surprising. It's on a part Google's campus that you definitely wouldn't expect a tech company to be. It seems like they converted old rundown apartments into office space. All of that aside, the Android dessert statues were fun. It's a small area. It's easy to get some pictures with your favorite Android desserts. The most disappointing part was that they weren't maintained. Many of them had chunks taken out of them or paint peeling off. It's right next to the Google Merchandise store and a quick stop for both of them.
Jacqueline T — Google review
The photos online make it look amazing. It is not anymore, sadly. The statues are broken down, faded, and ruined with masks. I'm still (mostly) glad I saw it, but I won't be going back unless I see online that it's been updated. I thought the area they were in would be bigger too. With all of Google's money, you'd think they could keep their sculptures nice looking. Google maps didn't navigate you to it well either. Oh and the whole area is roped off.
Jessica A — Google review
I enjoyed visiting the Google Android Lawn Statue Park! The statues, although slightly weathered, were adorable and fun to snap pictures of! The park is pretty small, and can be viewed quickly if you only have a few minutes. Parking was free, and it easy to find a spot on a Saturday morning. I definitely recommend stopping by, especially if you have young kids.
Kristy G — Google review
BEAUTIFUL!!! Everyone was cheerful, had great attitudes , very friendly. This facility is so Huge. I would love to get to actually go inside and get a tour. And it's only getting bigger. They have people letting you know where to go, how to get back if you get lost. And the diversity of cultures. Man that's WONDERFUL. Hopefully I can get a chance to get a tour.
Steven A — Google review
Badly maintained. You can see the paint peeling off of many statues. Reportedly, Google moved these statues from all over the campus to this single place for better tourist crowd control. Also there was no nougat ( 6.0 ) or the latest pie ( 9.0 ) as of May 2019. The latest one was Oreo (8.0), if you wanna take pic next to it. Honeycomb looked interesting. But definitely lower your expectations before visiting. Update: Separate Android pie and Oreo statues are present in other places.
Vignesh M — Google review
If you are an Android Fan you can take some great pictures here with the different Android Statues. The park is also conveniently located right next to the Google merchandise store. Location of the park is a bit of shame, feels like it is shoved into small corner of the campus right next to freeway. Also some of the statues could use a bit of TLC - some repair and another lick of paint.
Helena G — Google review
Nice small space to check out some of the android robots and the app/iOS systems they run on. Lollipop, marshmallow, jellybean and more. Kids and adults seem to love it equally lol. The Google merchandise store is around the corner too, the weird thing about this place is the Google visitor center is only open to Google employees and not actual visitors...
Booyaka ( — Google review
4.3
(4616)
•
4.0
(298)
1981 Landings Dr, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA
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16

San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge

Mentioned on 
26 lists 
Bridge
Sights & Landmarks
The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, often simply called the Bay Bridge, is a magnificent structure that gracefully spans the San Francisco Bay. Completed in just three years from 1933 to 1936, this engineering marvel connects the vibrant cities of San Francisco and Oakland. While it may not enjoy the same level of fame as its iconic neighbor, the Golden Gate Bridge, it stands tall as one of the busiest bridges in America, accommodating around 260,000 vehicles daily.
Great for photography during the day or night! This unique bridge design is due to the South direction of traffic being being on top and North being on the bottom, and is ultimately rare around the world.
BB's L — Google review
The Bay Bridge in SF is stunning, especially at night with its LED light display. It connects SF to Oakland and offers amazing skyline views. Often less touristy than the Golden Gate, but just as iconic. A must-see for architecture and city lovers!
Sami G — Google review
Adore it's Atmosphere – The San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge stretches ~7km across San Francisco Bay, carrying Interstate 80 between Yerba Buena Island and Oakland. Its original double-deck steel truss was joined in 2013 by a new eastern span – a single-tower, self-anchored suspension bridge engineered for seismic resilience. Over 280 sensors monitor strain, motion, and temperature, making it one of the most instrumented bridges in the world.
Iryna K — Google review
Maybe not as iconic as the red painted Golden Gate Bridge but still a stunning piece of engineering. most of the ferry trips give great views of the bridge for photographers and tourists.
John M — Google review
**🌉 San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge: The Secret Superstar You’re SLEEPING On! 🚨** Move over, Golden Gate—there’s a new icon in town (well, technically since 1936), and it’s serving **engineering realness**, **jaw-dropping views**, and a light show that’ll make your Instagram EXPLODE. 💥 Here’s why the Bay Bridge is SF’s *unsung hero*… and why you NEED to see it ASAP! --- ### **🔥 WHY THIS BRIDGE WILL BLOW YOUR MIND** 1. **Double-Decker Drama**: Two decks, 8.23 miles of pure hustle. Upper deck for westbound vibes, lower deck for eastbound grind. It’s like a *commuter’s rollercoaster* with views of the skyline, Alcatraz, and those iconic SF fog banks rolling in. 🎢 2. **The Bay Lights**: 25,000 LED lights twinkling like a galaxy on the western span? This art installation (reborn in 2022!) is **#NightGoals**. Pro tip: Grab a pic from Embarcadero at dusk—*chef’s kiss*. ✨ 3. **Survival Queen**: The eastern span got a glow-up after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. The new single-tower design? A $6.5B flex in engineering. 💪 4. **Secret Tunnel Alert**: The Yerba Buena Island Tunnel is the world’s largest underwater bore. Driving through feels like a *sci-fi movie scene*. 🚗💨 --- ### **📸 INSTA-WORTHY SPOTS YOU CAN’T MISS** - **Treasure Island**: Mid-bridge pit stop with panoramic views of SF’s skyline. Sunset + bridge = *fire emoji*. 🌆 - **Embarcadero Walk**: Stroll along the waterfront for that iconic western span backdrop. Pair it with a clam chowder bread bowl—*perfection*. 🥣 - **Bike the East Span**: Pedal from Oakland to Yerba Buena (yes, bikes allowed!) and feel the bay breeze in your hair. 🚴♂️ --- ### **🚨 HOT TAKES & TIPS** - **Toll Trolls**: Peak hours cost $7 (cashless—they’ll bill you, so don’t panic). Worth every penny for the views. 💸 - **Traffic Tango**: Avoid 7-9 AM & 4-6 PM unless you’re into bumper-car zen. 🚗💢 - **Golden Gate’s Cousin**: Less crowds, same glory. Fight me, tourists. 😎 --- ### **💀 DARK HISTORY (BUT MAKE IT CHIC)** Opened in 1936, this Art Deco beast was once the *longest bridge ever*. But the ’89 earthquake exposed its eastern span’s midlife crisis. The rebuild? A phoenix moment—*iconic*. --- ### **🎯 FINAL VERDICT** The Bay Bridge isn’t just concrete and steel—it’s a **vibe**. A symbol of hustle, resilience, and hidden beauty. Whether you’re crawling through traffic, biking at dawn, or geeking out over LED light patterns, this bridge *delivers*. **🌟 TL;DR:** Skip the basic Golden Gate selfie. The Bay Bridge is SF’s *cool aunt*—less flashy, more fascinating. Go. See. Stan. **📌 #BayBridgeBaddie #HiddenGemAlert #BridgeOverHypeWaters** **Tag someone who’d risk it all for a midnight drive across this glow-up legend!** 🔥 *(Drop a ♻️ if this review made you wanna road trip RN!)*
VoltaAoMundo ( — Google review
San Francisco isn’t just about the Golden Gate — the Oakland Bay Bridge is just as stunning in its own way :)
Jay — Google review
The Bay Bridge is absolutely stunning, especially from the island where I live. The views from this vantage point are unmatched, with the bridge stretching across the Bay in a way that feels both powerful and graceful. By day, it frames the water and skyline beautifully, and by night, the light display turns it into a living work of art. It is more than just an engineering achievement — it is a reminder of how extraordinary the Bay Area is, and seeing it daily from the island where I live is something I never take for granted.
Blux — Google review
It’s an experience. The immediate impression is that I’m not in Kansas anymore. Traffic and traffic but it’s a fun place to pass through.
David C — Google review
4.6
(3693)
•
4.3
(1824)
San Francisco – Oakland Bay Brg, San Francisco, CA, USA
https://www.baybridgeinfo.org/
17

Stanford Shopping Center

Mentioned on 
+15 other lists 
Shopping mall
Shopping
Gardens
Stanford Shopping Center is a top-notch open-air shopping and dining destination situated near the renowned Stanford University Campus. It boasts an impressive lineup of over 140 specialty stores, featuring upscale brands such as Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, and Nordstrom. The mall offers a delightful mix of luxury labels and local favorites, along with a diverse selection of restaurants and cafes. Visitors can revel in the outdoor ambiance while exploring the array of stores and eateries that cater to various tastes.
This is a fun shopping mall here in Palo Alto California. It’s completely outdoor and it’s not a huge problem due to the great climate here. It has your typical big department stores like Macy’s and Nordstrom but also many other familiar franchises. A few restaurants and cafes to choose from as well. A fun filled time for the whole family. 😎👍
Yodaman S — Google review
Loved the open-air vibe with all the greenery and fountains—it doesn’t feel like your typical mall. Tons of great stores, from high-end brands to cool local shops. Grabbed a bite at one of the cafes and just enjoyed people-watching. Perfect place to spend a relaxed afternoon shopping and soaking up the Silicon Valley energy.
Marwan — Google review
Stanford Shopping Center: A High-End Shopping Destination** Stanford Shopping Center offers an outdoor shopping experience that can be enjoyed year-round, with some visitors noting summer as a particularly pleasant time to visit. The open-air design provides a relaxed atmosphere, enhancing the shopping experience. The selection of stores includes a mix of high-end designer boutiques and unique specialty shops, indicating a careful curation aimed at providing a diverse range of luxury goods. Dining options at the mall are varied, with establishments such as Tender Greens offering healthy meal choices, along with several upscale restaurants and cafes. Attention to detail is evident throughout the mall, including cleanliness and the professionalism of the staff across various stores. Additional amenities such as valet service, ample parking, and comfortable seating areas contribute to a sense of convenience. Overall, Stanford Shopping Center serves as more than just a shopping venue; it is situated as a destination in the Bay Area, suitable for various occasions, whether for extensive shopping or a casual outing. It is regarded as a premium outdoor shopping experience.
Kiet L — Google review
This is a really big and spacious shopping center! I’m amazed by the number of seating areas available, especially for university students. It’s such a great spot if you want to study outside, with its airy and nature-friendly architecture. You can easily spend hours walking around, window shopping, or people-watching. There are lots of sports shops, high-end brands, and there’s even a very cute cat town!
BA — Google review
A bit underwhelming… there is not many stores here compared to other malls such as the Roseville Galleria which also carries most luxury brands. I do enjoy shopping at Loro Piana and Tiffany but this particular Hermes isn’t my preferred location. Overall I would not go out of my way to visit here.
Komal K — Google review
I've had a ton of experiences here and they've always been good! The place is well kept and clean, with tons of options offering everything you could ever imagine and need all in one place. The food spots are also delicious, and well priced for this style of mall. The parking situation can get hectic at times, but you'll find a spot!
Robert W — Google review
The ultimate Bay Area shopping experience comes with a beautiful wander through flowers and foliage. Planters and bedding can be found throughout the open-air experience with plenty of food options to dine in the presence of petals 🌺
Karl G — Google review
It has a great Christmas vibe, lots of delicious restaurants to choose from, and plenty of shops to explore, including Christmas decorations, clothing, and beautiful kitchenware.
Jia W — Google review
4.5
(10850)
•
4.4
(880)
660 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
https://www.simon.com/mall/stanford-shopping-center
(650) 617-8200
18

Ferry Building

Mentioned on 
+146 other lists 
Historical landmark
Shopping
The Ferry Building, an iconic historic landmark in San Francisco, has been transformed into a bustling marketplace offering a wide array of culinary delights. Originally opened in 1898 as the city's main entry point, it underwent renovation and was reopened in 2003 as the Ferry Building Marketplace. Today, it houses numerous farmers' market stalls, artisan vendors, and independent restaurants serving diverse cuisines from around the world.
I love this building. I love looking at the clock tower. Apparently it’s based on a Renaissance tower in Sienna or one of those cities. It’s in the Beaux Arts style, like the City Hall. The building itself has pricey shops and eateries, and it’s a bit of a tourist trap, but it’s also bustling with activity. Great for street photography if you’re into that kind of thing. There’s a small plaza in front where people hangout, and it’s great for people watching. But just remember, when you’re people watching, people are watching you!
Sylvanus S — Google review
This was quite a nice section of San Fran with the Ferry Building, the Port of San Fran and the markets / food sections. There's a couple of street shops too which had some unique items which was cool. The food markets are not too bad although some were closing up at 5pm on a weekday. There is a bit of homeless action going on down there though so whilst we didn't feel unsafe or anything - it's something to be aware of especially if you are tourists. I probably wouldn't be walking around at night which is a shame as it looks like it would be beautiful then. Walking there or catching the train is quite easy. There are ferries taking you to Oakland which we didn't do but looked worthwhile (we just couldn't find a reason worth going there). We ended up walking up The Embarcadero which was really nice and easy to walk. We nearly ended up all the way back at the Fisherman's Wharf in 30 minutes or so.
Chris C — Google review
Beautiful place to walk around. The whole area is just really nice — lots of shops, lots of food, and plenty of spots to sit down and take in the views. It’s also super close to Pier 39, which makes exploring both really easy. I’d definitely come back again and spend more time here. Highly recommended.
Omar — Google review
My first time taken a ferry since I became an adult. It was incredible! The staff was super friendly i met Dj cheerful attitude has a way of brightening the room. His optimism and good humor create a more pleasant atmosphere for everyone around them. He has a welcoming smile."I have no doubt Dj will continue to be a positive influence in all his future endeavors." The ride was peaceful! The water was liberating! I'd be definitely,be riding the ferry more often.
Nee-Nee R — Google review
The Ferry Building is a must-visit in San Francisco with so many great food options and local shops all under one roof. The farmers’ market is lively and full of fresh produce, and the views of the Bay Bridge make it extra special. It’s a bit pricey, but the quality and atmosphere make it worth the trip.
Flora — Google review
It's a nice place on seashore where you can do good shopping in ferry building shops and can have some awesome snacks with coffee. Behind the ferry building, it's a very scenic place to view the cable bridge and also city's skyline. There is Mahatma Gandhi's statue also behind the ferry building. As an Indian, it was a proud moment for me to find this statue here. His message written below the statue is so much relevant in today's world of wars between the various countries. There is a good sitting area behind the ferry building.
Jagdish T — Google review
How has this place not yet been ruined? This whole neighborhood tho, has mostly prevented/blocked/crushed Market/Tenderloin drift. If your compassion excludes helpful structure, it's just toxic "charity" not compassion.
Charles J — Google review
Overall, I liked everything, but the area around the building wasn't perfectly clean, and there were queues in the toilets, too, and they weren't very clean. Overall, I had a good impression, and of course, there were quite a lot of people everywhere.
Danyil D — Google review
4.6
(36782)
•
4.5
(7457)
1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA
https://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/
(415) 983-8000
19

Ferry Plaza Farmers Market

Mentioned on 
+34 other lists 
Farmers' market
Shopping
Flea & Street Markets
The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, located in the iconic Ferry Building and operated by CUESA, is a renowned market that connects city dwellers with local farmers. With over 100 vendors offering a wide variety of produce, food craft products, and dining options, it's a popular spot attracting around 40,000 shoppers weekly. Visitors can explore organic meats, fresh vegetables, artisanal snacks like oysters and dumplings while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Nice farmers market. It’s definitely far from European level but it’s good for San Francisco. The interior looks modern and fresh. They have a couple of spots with pastries, some spots outside with berries, and also have a roasted chicken spot outside! Overall there is nothing exceptional but you can find some quick bites there
Alexey S — Google review
The market is a vibrant place mainly for its atmosphere. There are quite a few vendors selling fruits, flowers, and prepared food. The flowers didn’t look fresh, and I don’t think the morning rush thinned out the better bunches. I have mixed feelings about the place. The vibe is lovely but the selection of produce could have been better. The products were of limited variety, and I didn’t get the vibrant abundance I was hoping for. It’s a great setting with potential but I might try a different day or time.
Bartika D — Google review
It has to be one of my favorite places on Earth, right next to Amsterdam. Anywhere that combines good food, water, vibrant life, ferries, trains, and excellent weather is a place I would try to visit every weekend between work trips.
Iben R — Google review
My wife and I love taking the ferry from Jack London sq to the Farmers market on Saturday’s. It’s a wonderful place with all of the different foods and fresh produce. You name it and it’s probably there. The atmosphere is awesome.
Bernie F — Google review
A must-visit for food lovers! The variety and quality of fresh produce, and artisanal foods, is incredible—everything from gourmet breads and organic fruits to unique street food. Saturdays are especially lively, with over 100 vendors and a festive atmosphere right on the Embarcadero, offering amazing views of the Bay and Bay Bridge. The market is also very accessible, with ample parking nearby and public transit options. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, it’s a fantastic spot for breakfast, brunch, or just a walk among the stalls. Highly recommend for the unbeatable combination of quality food, community spirit, and beautiful waterfront setting!
Manasi J — Google review
Vibrant outdoor market with a range of produce on offer. Street food carts offer typical Latino food which is excellent. Worth visiting.
Basilian — Google review
This is by far one of the best farmers markets in SF. Always great selections of produce and meats. Nice options for breakfast or lunch if you don’t want to shop for groceries. Make sure to visit Primavera for an authentic meal. Roli Roti Gourmet Rotisserie is another great choice, but we aware the line is always very long.
Virginia C — Google review
We bought some pastries from Portside bakery. The passion fruit puffin was especially delicious! It had a very nice flavor and not overly sweet.
K G — Google review
4.7
(955)
•
4.1
(1215)
One Ferry Building #50, 1 Ferry Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA
https://foodwise.org/markets/ferry-plaza-farmers-market/
(415) 291-3276
20

Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University

Mentioned on 
15 lists 
Museum
Art museum
Nestled within the Stanford University campus, Cantor Arts Center is a renowned museum showcasing classic and contemporary art. Boasting a vast 38,000-piece collection across 24 galleries, it offers free admission to visitors. The center features rotating exhibitions by world-class artists and houses an impressive array of art, including the famous Rodin bronze sculpture collection. The highlight of the center is the Rodin Sculpture Garden, which displays 199 sculptures by Auguste Rodin.
Mind-blowing museum and totally free! The Cantor Arts Center at Stanford is one of those hidden gems that completely surprises you. The building itself is beautiful—elegant architecture, light-filled rooms, and peaceful energy throughout. What really blew me away was the range of art: ancient artifacts, classical European paintings, modern photography, sculpture, video installations, and even a vintage train and curated historical displays. One moment you’re admiring a Renaissance portrait, the next you’re watching a moody film piece or examining early motion studies. It’s like traveling through time and across the world—all under one roof. The indoor-outdoor layout is perfect. You can wander through the galleries, then take a break outside in the sculpture garden or courtyard. Even if you’re not usually into museums, this place is so well done that it just pulls you in. And the staff? So kind and helpful without being overbearing. You feel genuinely welcome here. Whether you’re visiting Stanford or just in the area, this is a must. You could spend 30 minutes or 3 hours and still leave feeling inspired.
Maryam G — Google review
Beautiful place to enjoy artsy environment. A gem in the middle of Stanford: free entrance, free art kit for kids, and plenty of places to enjoy the art. We came here during weekday in the afternoon, there was no wait, some group of students came in for field trip. Appreciate the owner of this place so much. What a legacy!
Ngân S — Google review
A powerful and thought-provoking experience. The Cantor Arts Center surprised me deeply. I came in expecting a typical university museum—and left moved, inspired, and full of questions. The Second Nature exhibition was particularly impactful: bold, raw, and unapologetically urgent. Some works felt overly constructed, others struck me like quiet revelations. But overall, it was a meaningful encounter with art, nature, and our responsibility as humans. Highly recommended for anyone seeking more than just pretty pictures.
Hernan P — Google review
This museum is hidden gem in Palo Alto & Standford University! What a beautiful place and variety collection of Art & sculpture! Highly recommended to visit when you have chance to tour Palo Alto city and Standford University!
Trung ( — Google review
Outdoor sculptures are Amazing, if you have some time to visit, before a Stanford Appointment. The museum has a Great History of the first railroad from The Bay Area, to The East Coast, too!! There's a Church, too, with Beautiful stained glass windows.
Amythyst20 — Google review
A stunning collection! I loved this compact, well organised and virtually empty (visitors wise) museum. It's free entry as well, such a treat
Valeria ( — Google review
A museum with a vast archive that is well worth seeing. You can spend a day visiting the museum and the school.
Adnan K — Google review
This museum is free, easy to navigate, and fun for kids. The collection is diverse—everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary pieces—so there’s always something interesting to see. The building itself is beautiful, elegant, spacious, and clean, and staff (volunteers) are quite helpful and friendly. The outdoor sculpture garden is a highlight, especially for kids who need to move around after looking at art indoors. It’s a great balance of culture and fresh air. You could easily spend a whole day here, and since admission costs nothing, the only expense is parking and coffee, - if you visit the small cafe. Great place for a laid-back visit, whether you’re into art or just looking for something different to do.
C G — Google review
4.7
(2331)
•
4.7
(485)
328 Lomita Dr, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
https://museum.stanford.edu/
(650) 723-4177
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21

Stanford University

Mentioned on 
25 lists 
University
Sights & Landmarks
Universities & Schools
Stanford University, located in Palo Alto, California, is a renowned private research institution established in 1885. The campus features striking historical architecture with a Spanish colonial revival style. Notable alumni include the founders of Google, Hewlett-Packard, Nike, Sun Microsystems and Yahoo!. The university's expansive grounds are considered among the most beautiful in the world. With an acceptance rate of less than five percent and attracting top-tier students globally, Stanford University maintains its prestigious reputation as a leading educational institution.
I was there for my son's graduation. What a beautiful campus. It's also HUGE. Be prepared to walk a lot. They have a free shuttle, but the steps and routes seem limited, but it's free. I walk with a cane. Whenever I tried walking somewhere, a golf cart would zip up out of nowhere, and take me where I needed to go. They also fed all of the families extremely well. The food was great, with fresh and unique choices, and the portions huge. We were never asked for a penny to pay. The whole campus has a very welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. It was a great change from what we have seen from those in our government lately. I was quite impressed. I would give them more stars if I could.
Anthony B — Google review
I just visited Stanford University, and it was an incredible experience. Walking through the Main Quad, visiting the Hoover Tower, exploring the Cantor Arts Center, and strolling around the Arizona Garden made the campus feel alive with history, art, and natural beauty. Every corner of Stanford inspires learning, creativity, and exploration—it’s a place I’ll never forget.
Dr.Bhargava B — Google review
One of the top universities in the world and in the Ivy League university of the United States. It has a very distinct architecture that attracts a lot of visitors from around the globe. The campus is quite large and very pleasant to walk around on a weekend. There are plenty of tourist in the area along with the students as well. Plenty of historical significance of the buildings and signage around the area. There are many pictures spots in the campus. A nice place to visit.
Avais S — Google review
Stanford University is one of the most beautiful and prestigious campuses in the U.S. We visited as a family and were amazed by the blend of historic architecture, open green spaces, and peaceful courtyards. The Main Quad, Hoover Tower, and Memorial Church are all must-sees. The campus is clean, well-organized, and perfect for walking or biking. Tip: Start at the Stanford Visitor Center for maps and tips, and wear comfortable shoes—it’s a large campus. Whether you’re a prospective student or just sightseeing, it’s an inspiring place to explore.
Pezhman R — Google review
Stanford absolutely lives up to its reputation as one of the most gorgeous campuses in the US! The 8,000-acre grounds are stunning, starting from the iconic Palm Drive entrance lined with Canary Island palms. Hoover Tower is a must-do for $8 - the 360-degree views from the 14th floor observation deck overlooking the entire campus and Bay Area are incredible! The Main Quad with its Richardsonian Romanesque architecture is breathtaking, and Memorial Church is definitely worth stepping inside. The biggest surprise was the Cantor Arts Center being completely free with the world's second-largest Rodin sculpture collection outside of Paris - art lovers shouldn't miss it! Parking is coin-operated at $1.50/hour but free on weekends which is nice. They offer guided tours on weekdays (need to book ahead) but self-guided with the free map works great too, taking about 1-2 hours. I'd recommend visiting on weekdays for a more authentic academic atmosphere and fewer crowds. The whole campus feels like a beautiful park - no wonder so many tech leaders came from here!
Eliz G — Google review
A top prestigious university with a beautiful, spotless campus — truly vast and breathtaking. It's such a dream; I might never have the chance to study at a place like this in my lifetime❤️
Tinh J — Google review
Stanford University is such a beautiful and prestigious campus! It’s open to the public, and you can freely walk around and explore. I recommend wearing comfortable shoes since the campus is quite large. Make sure to visit the art museum too it’s full of fascinating history and definitely worth checking out
Rui L — Google review
Stanford University and Campus is open to the public and like us tourists. I first came here when I was still in Highschool one can't help but feel the history of the place as it is one of the premiere schools in the U.S. There are history etched inside the Church. The whole area is very picturesque and has that academe feel to it while roaming around. I highly recommend visiting Stanford whenever you're around the area.
Neonsky — Google review
4.7
(4416)
•
4.8
(1742)
450 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
http://www.stanford.edu/
(650) 723-2300
22

Oracle Park

Mentioned on 
+32 other lists 
Stadium
Sights & Landmarks
Arenas & Stadiums
Oracle Park, home to the San Francisco Giants, is a must-visit for sports enthusiasts and baseball fans. Located in the vibrant SoMa district, it offers more than just baseball. Daily public tours provide behind-the-scenes access to areas like the Visitors Clubhouse and batting cages while showcasing the team's history and achievements. The park also features a Fan Lot with activities for kids.
This would have to be one of the most beautiful sporting arenas in the world. The stadium has the old world charm combined with being situated right next to the water. There is not a bad seat that I could find in the place. We sat level 1 behind home base and then also visited the top tier to take in the views of the field out to sea. If you are in San Fransisco going to a game if you can time it right - this is a must do. The atmosphere was like a carnival and we had so much fun. The food vendors, the merchandise stalls everything is easily accessible and this place is such a super vibe. Even better that the Giants won during our visit! Access is really easy. You can easily catch public transport and walk to the venue. Thanks to the wonderful team who make this event great.
Paul H — Google review
Got to the ballpark early to see BP. The Redbirds were in town. The Giants fans were friendly. The staff at Oracle were some of the nicest people you would want to meet. Just about everyone was smiling as they asked if you needed anything. The views from anywhere in the park are amazing. San Francisco is truly reprinted throughout the ballpark. They even have a trolley car! Lol. Awesome. The Willie Mays statue is a thing of beauty. It was the 1st thing I searched out. Arguably the greatest player ever and was a better human being. Truly missed. Mr.National podcast had a great time and shall definitely return.
PhillyNEFL — Google review
First Time at Oracle Park — Absolutely Stunning! ⚾️🌉 This was my first time watching a game at Oracle Park, and I’ve got to say — it’s probably the most beautiful stadium I’ve ever been to. The atmosphere, the views, and the energy were all incredible. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect, and the food options were top-notch — plenty of variety and great quality throughout the park. Everything from entering the stadium to finding our seats was smooth and convenient. The traffic flow getting in and out was surprisingly easy, nothing outside of the norm for a big event like this. Overall, it was an amazing experience watching the San Francisco Giants here. If you ever get the chance, Oracle Park is 100% worth the visit — easily one of the best stadium experiences out there! 🧡🖤
Ryan R — Google review
Oracle Park is one of the most beautiful ballparks in the country! The setting right by the bay is absolutely stunning, with amazing views of the water and the Bay Bridge. The atmosphere during games is electric, and the park is always clean, organized, and easy to navigate. The food selection is excellent from classic ballpark snacks to local favorites and everything feels fresh and well-prepared. The staff is friendly, and every seat offers a great view of the field. Whether you’re a baseball fan or just visiting for the views, Oracle Park is a must-see experience in San Francisco.
Lg G — Google review
Best park in America. Views are incredible and there is no bad seat in this stadium. Night games have a magical feeling. And day games are fun to be next to the water. The food is amazing. They have options for everyone, and the popular item is the garlic bread crab sandwich. 10/10 dish. No better MLB stadium out there!
J H — Google review
I love this place. Very fan friendly. There are all sorts of statues and plaques commemorating giants baseball heroes and milestones. you could come on an off day and just walk around the outside looking at those for awhile. Parking is kinda crazy though. If you can get a spot close to the stadium as early as you can online. Otherwise it's a quite a walk. Also look into taking the ferry over. It's much cheaper than parking and takes you right to the stadium!
James P — Google review
Giants vs Yankees...This is a beautiful ballpark, and we watched a great baseball game, but the standout was the fabulous crab sandwich, on buttery sour dough, purchased from the stands behind the outfield. This stadium is beyond fan family friendly. The views of and from this stadium are amazing. One of the real highlights of attending a Giants game at Oracle Park is the fabulous (pricey) crab sandwich here at Crazy. Though the crab is real and great, and the bread is toasted perfectly with butter. We could only wish for less wind lol. But the great sandwich makes up for any small discomfort. Have a brew with it, and it ends up perfectly. 100% recommend!
Hagz — Google review
Pretty cool area around the stadium. A little hard to figure out which entrance is open for regular public when walking in for a game. Lots of food options all around. Get club tickets for cool history. The club level was fantastic. Staff inside were pretty nice.
Suzy H — Google review
4.7
(31174)
•
4.7
(7201)
24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA
https://www.mlb.com/giants/ballpark
(415) 972-2000
23

2131 19th Ave #202

Sights & Landmarks
Scenic Drives
4.5
(470)
San Francisco, CA 94116, USA
24

Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail

Mentioned on 
+12 other lists 
Nature & Parks
Hiking Trails
The Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail offers a serene escape from street traffic, winding along the shoreline through sandy beaches, grasslands, and under Cypress trees. This multi-use path is perfect for biking or leisurely walks, with opportunities to spot hawks and owls in the area. The trail connects various scenic spots and attractions such as Half Moon Bay State Park's four beaches and The Ritz-Carlton.
Apart from the limited parking spaces, this hiking trail is absolutely fantastic. The trail passes through the Ritz-Carlton hotel, offering unbeatable views, and the expansive golf course is truly a sight to behold.
BINBIN G — Google review
Easy trail along the coast with access points to the beach. Trail is filled with beautiful natives, and other flowers mostly yellow colored variety! Good for walks, runners etc. flat pathway takes through RV parking and has restrooms. Good for relaxed stroll out in the nature.
Info S — Google review
Very easy trail and I personally consider it as a jogging trail. It usually takes an hour to complete. The views were awesome, access to the clean beach and perfect vibes. I recommend this trail for beginner hikers.
Deepak P — Google review
Stunning! The Half Moon Bay coastal trail is so beautiful and inviting with the trail skimming the coastline in some areas and taking one through woodsy trails in others. It begins (or ends) near the Half Moon Bay Ritz Carlton, along the golf course, and ends in Pillar Point Harbor. A worthwhile hike.
KGQ N — Google review
Slightly Busy, overall wonderful experience
Gene C — Google review
Trail with beautiful beach and ocean view. It’s surrounded by beautiful and colorful flowers. Multiple walking paths which makes it less crowded.
Aakash M — Google review
It’s breathtaking with the beautiful coastline view!
Kim H — Google review
I love the.coast and this place is awesome recommend weekdays as weekends are traffic nightmare.
Carl B — Google review
4.7
(31)
•
4.6
(301)
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, USA
25

Venice Beach

Mentioned on 
2 lists 
Beach
Nature & Parks
Dunes Beach is one of the four beaches that make up Half Moon Bay State Beach in California, USA. The beach offers various facilities such as picnic areas, a campground, and opportunities for fishing. Visitors can also enjoy splendid views and observe spring flowers in full bloom. Although the sand is warm, visitors should bring extra wind-resistant clothes as the water and wind are cold. The beach is less crowded than other beaches in the area and has restrooms available.
Venice beach is one of my favorite places. A lot to do, very hip. The art is incredible. A lot of great places to eat in town. The skatepark is great either to be a spectator or use. Very clean beaches. So many cool elements encapsulated into one great experience.
BEAUTTAN L — Google review
Wonderful beach. Very windy and requires to buy tickets. Well worth it. Lots of flowers and good walking trails. Recommend going to Venice beach, which is one of the 4 beaches in half moon bay
Raj A — Google review
Beautiful because of the magnificent waves. I've never seen waves like this. They are high and far-reaching on the beach. I also saw a huge number of seagulls resting on the beach. They form their own territory just between two areas filled by human visitors.
Nan L — Google review
A very enjoyable entry point to the beach. Restrooms are generous in size and very clean. There are also sinks and lowered faucets for feet washing outside. The parking lot is rather small which makes this spot more intimate compared to the nearby beaches. There is an entry to the walking/biking pass from the parking lot. Picnic tables are also available on the cliffs above the beach with the views.
Galina G — Google review
Windy ….. but nice and clean beach. Campgrounds are very close to the beach. May be camping would be my next option for the San Francisco Area Visit.
Sagar A — Google review
Bring a jacket before coming out. Also remember to pay for the parking, there’s always couple of rangers around. Not sure they are there to patrol the park or doing parking enforcement. We came on a Friday and once you go down to the beach it’s so beautiful and isn’t crowded at all. Only few people is down by the water. Wonderful!! Oh, the bathroom was bit dirty. They could use some normal maintenance. 🤗
Jesse L — Google review
Windy, foggy & cool when we went. Typical San Fransisco weather I didn’t care for. We skipped the park so no idea what that would have been like. There is a walking trail if you’re a hiker. Parked down the road to avoid any entrance fees. View to the left of the beach was cool. Horses traveling on the beach frequently, which is totally my vibe of interest.
Melanie P — Google review
A very beautiful beach with camping facility. Parking here is $10 and you can do overnight camping. You can take your RV here as they have campsite with hookup facility for $50 for overnight camping. Enough restrooms . It's very beautiful currently due to full spring bloom. So many picnic tables here with bbq facility. So basically you can have a wonderful time with family and friends be it for some hours or overnight plans. There are some nets also for people to play beach volleyball as you can make out from the pics .
Farheen K — Google review
4.6
(3959)
•
4.4
(672)
California, USA
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=531
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26

Pillar Point Harbor

Mentioned on 
+16 other lists 
Marina
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Pillar Point Harbor is a bustling refuge for commercial fishing, sport fishing, and leisure boating. The harbor offers a picturesque setting to witness stunning sunrises over the Pacific Ocean and provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as kayaking, fishing, and whale-watching tours. Visitors can also enjoy purchasing fresh seafood directly from the fishermen. Additionally, the area is popular for surfing at Surfers Beach and Mavericks Beach.
A small but bustling harbor with public walkways and benches with plenty of high end shops and restaurants nearby. I’m a sucker for wildlife so the abundance of pelicans, harbor seals and seal lions was a delight
Nash H — Google review
At the pier, you can find a variety of fresh seafood. In the past, the prices were much cheaper compared to inland markets, but now they’re no longer affordable. Previously, you could negotiate prices, and each boat offered slightly different rates. Now, all the prices are the same and more expensive. As long as the crabs are alive, there’s not much difference in taste or quantity whether you buy them from the market or the boats. With such high prices, I don’t see a reason to come all the way here to buy them. Rock crabs are said to be affordable, but I wouldn’t recommend coming here for Dungeness crabs.
Daniel — Google review
Nice facility. They were working on the ramp area but we're very accommodating. The fish cleaning station was fair and the restrooms were clean. Parking is a bit of a way from launch area but was very well maintained, secure and clean. No complaints and the fishing was excellent 🐟🎣🐟🎣
2 D — Google review
We bought several types of fresh seafood, including rockfish, as well as crab and uni from the fishing boats here. The prices are cheap, the products are fresh, and the vendors are very friendly. Shopping for seafood here has become a fun family activity.
Jackie Y — Google review
This sea urchin is a gift from the bounty of the Pacific Ocean. Thanks to the nice young couple who taught us so kindly.
Okada C — Google review
The pier was named after the congressman who helped raise money for the harbor project. It is one of the most active commercial fisheries. Where customers are allowed to buy directly off the fishing boats. Arrive early, because many boats sell out by late morning. No fishing license is required to fish off the Johnson Pier. The designated area is at the rail nearest to the Harbor Patrol Office. This would be a great date spot. Spend the day fishing or crabbing, while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Don't forget snack food and drinks. IG: SACRAMENTOHONEY
Sacramento H — Google review
Love this marina! You can stay as a transient vessel for a fair price. Lots of nice people live and work here. The harbor master Betty is very friendly and helpful and has gone out of her way to help us multiple times. The anchorage is beautiful and is protected by a sea wall, the price of anchoring is even better!
Kaya E — Google review
Great location next to the new Harbor Village RV. Many shops to choose from and excellent restaurants all around. Half Moon Bay Brewery has both great beer and food. Hop Dogma Brewery is here as well and has consistently has good beers on tap.
Jeff S — Google review
4.6
(1395)
•
4.4
(113)
1 Johnson Pier, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, USA
(650) 726-4382
27

Half Moon Bay Distillery

Mentioned on 
1 list 
Distillery
Food & Drink
Half Moon Bay Distillery is a small, local distillery that prides themself on producing super premium quality spirits using, with rare exception, all natural and organic ingredients and botanicals. Their small batch, artisan Purissima Vodka is distilled from 100% grain and is true to their “smooth and silky” description. Another winner from this distillery is their “Lavender Vodka.” The lavender tone in this vodka is nothing short of amazing. The flavor is so perfectly nuanced that I’ve come to the conclusion that their distiller is a gifted savant. How else could he continually get absolutely everything right? The Harvard Avenue Gin is about as tasty of a gin that I’ve ever been privileged to drink. Even though it was about closing time (my bad), I was treated like a king and did the full sampling. I would describe the tasting room as a smallish warehouse only slightly off the beaten path in Half Moon Bay. There’s plenty of space to host a business or social event. Great vibe to the place and superior liquor.
John J — Google review
Wonderful team to work with! We hosted a team activity mixology class/competition with a large group and David and his team were amazing! They took care of everyone and made sure all of our needs were met. We had a great time and the group could not stop talking about their experience. Not only was the experience memorable, but the gin and vodka we tasted was top notch. If you are looking for a fun experience with friends, family, or corporate definitely check out HMB Distillery! Will definitely be back.
Courtney P — Google review
Booked to come and tour as part of a 10yr anniversary stay at the Ritz Carlton. My wife loves Gin, so i thought it would be fun. I booked weeks ahead and even got a second email confirmation of our tour booking a few days before we were there. We arrived at the Distillery, only to find the doors locked and no one answering the phone. What a way to run a business.
Martyn S — Google review
We went to a late tour on a weekday and we were the only people there. The owner gave us the presentation and she was so friendly. The vodka and gin tasted really smooth and tasty. Highly recommended.
Ahinoam P — Google review
Tasted vodka, gin and the 10th grappa(yes it is better than the other 9), followed by a delicious mini cocktail. The staff were super knowledgeable and friendly, bought a bottle of their wheat&barley based vodka to take home! We’ll be back next weekend - it’s such a nice open space 😍
Heidi P — Google review
Came by during open hours and spotted a sign but lots of closed doors without a marked place to enter and the parking lot was almost empty - wandered around the building for a few but left when there wasn't any clear way to actually enter the business - genuinely not even sure they're still in business
Rachel B — Google review
Drove from Petaluma to check this place out. Lots of open seats, we were turned away because we did not have reservations and were not ordering food. Staff was RUDE. Was told bartender was behind and can't help us! Never been treated this bad before
Michele M — Google review
Amazing craft spirits made in the Pillar Point Harbor. Great tour with friendly staff, which includes a vodka/gin tasting
Emily B — Google review
3.8
(22)
•
4.8
(132)
103 Harvard Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, USA
http://www.hmbdistillery.com/
(650) 392-5355
28

Mavericks Beach

Mentioned on 
1 list 
Beach
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Mavericks Beach is a renowned spot for experienced big-wave surfers and hosts an exclusive competition. The beach is also dog-friendly and offers opportunities to explore underwater treasures during low tide. Families often visit on weekends with buckets to collect interesting finds, such as starfish and other wildlife. However, parking can be limited, and it's vital to park in legal spots to avoid fines.
This is such a fun, dog-friendly beach! When the tide is low, you can bring buckets and find cool things under water. You’ll probably have to do more research on what exactly people find, but there were dozens of families and people out on a Sunday afternoon with buckets full of things! Very cool! Also the starfish and other wildlife was so beautiful! Only con: very limited parking and be cognizant of parking in LEGAL spots. Cheers mate!!
Abe H — Google review
This was my second visit and I was once again disappointed. The beach is dirty and there are hardly any waves. Nice walk to the beach, though.
Brigitte J — Google review
Very nice walk and tide pools. The dog police was not reinforced so the dogs were off leash. It had a bit of trash along the way to the tide pools.
Taynara M — Google review
Dog friendly beach with very interesting tide pool ecosystem to discover. On the weekend there are families with children playing with sand, people collecting clams. We used the chance of low tide and walked to the other side (Ross’ Cove). It was quite an exciting trip.
Chia-chen L — Google review
Beautiful beach to just sit and watch. Nice walk out to the base of the cliff. The sunken eye sore in the shallows that’s probably contaminating water and the trash we kept finding everywhere was a turn off. Pay lots of taxes for dirty state beaches.
Jon P — Google review
Beautiful beach, but watch out for broken mussel shells 🐚 and jelly fish 🐙 in the sand (both are EVERYWHERE). Practically NO ONE follows the leash law while walking the trail from Pillar Point, so anticipate lots of random dogs running up to you. 🐕🐾 Also, the parking lot to access the trail to the beach is nearly always packed full on the weekend when weather is nice. Road access beyond the entrance to the parking lot is restricted by the military base atop the hill, so if you get tired of waiting for a parking spot to open up, you'll have to make a U-turn on the road and find somewhere else to park. When we were waiting for a parking spot, a group of chatty dog-walkers were standing around gabbing with one another, blocking the entrance to the parking lot before finally pulling out, with seemingly no regard for the long line of cars waiting. 🙄😒 Other than that, the scenery is soothing. 🏖️🌅⛵ It's an enjoyable experience visiting a place with so much history. 🏄‍♀️🌊 You can hear the seals from Pillar Point Harbor barking as you walk along the trail. There are warnings posted about bacterial contamination of the stagnant water around Pillar Point (marsh) before you get out to the actual beach, so I'd be wary of playing in the water there. There are porta-potties at the entrance to the trail, but that's the only spot, so use the bathroom before you get out to the beach. Children and adults who enjoy collecting sea shells will be delighted to find mussel shells, colorful sea snail shells, sand dollars, and many others. 🦐🐚 We even found a tiny pearl! 📿 There is also a wealth of other flora and fauna to be explored in the tide pools, along the trail, and around the beach!
Heather B — Google review
Hands down one of the best places on the planet for big wave surfing...brought my family here to see this place for the awesomeness that it is and for myself to exercise some demons from my past. Have been scared to set foot on Mavericks for years as it almost killed me back in my early 20's. I remember the water being very cold and the water moving very fast. Seals and otters are everywhere along the water. Parking is scarce at best on a half decent day, so on a beautiful day be prepared to walk as there isn't any roadside parking due to the military base and the traffic in and out. The lot itself is very small and parking can get very tight. Half moon bay is a great place to walk around and just soak in the surroundings, mind you the crazy abundance of seaweed can get overwhelming for the nostrils. Cool ride pools make it extra enjoyable too. Beware of sneaker waves and keep your distance from the napping seals on the beach. Remember to thank Jeff Clark in your prayers for having the balls and the vision to even attempt riding Mavericks at all let alone all those years...alone. Hit up the surf shop and chill at the bar for some wobbly pops and chow. Ride on brothers and sisters and remember W.W.E.D. Peace.
Booyaka ( — Google review
Fantastic beach that has everything you could want. There is a section with seaweed, then a large section with nice sand and gentle waves thanks to the seawall. There is also boats and seals that are making their home on the dock. You will also find small tide pools where you can find sea creatures. There is a small parking area with Porta Potties, but if you can't find parking there is plenty of parking in the hippy town that is within half mile of the beech. Also, look out for the large waves on the other side of the seawall....it is Mavericks after all.
Jeff ( — Google review
4.7
(866)
•
4.4
(217)
Pillar Point, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, USA
https://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/mavericks-beach/
29

San Gregorio State Beach

State park
Nature & Parks
Beaches
Sheltered by soaring cliffs, this coastal park has a wide sandy beach & a driftwood-strewn estuary.
We were driving by and the cave caught my eye ..had to go explore. The parking at this location was free so we did some exploring. We spent about an hour here enjoying our time pretty much alone.
Alisha L — Google review
A friend told me to come and see this place. The place is fabulous. It was windy and water was rough at that time. Nevertheless, I had a wonderful time walking and seeing the views. Theres a $8 entrance that can be used to enter any park for the day.
James L — Google review
Easily my favorite beach in the area. You pay $8 to get in, then can go to any other state park for the day. The cliffs and caves are really neat and there's sand for miles, so you can go where it isn't crowded. Also, there's a really neat driftwood shack a short walk North up the coast!
Jules S — Google review
This state beach is a hidden gem. I just happened to come across it while driving on Hwy 1 and decided to check it out. It's a small beach area but wasn't crowded. The waves were terrific with lots of pelicans and seagulls flying around. I'll definitely come back. NOTE: There's an $8.00 fee but it allows you to visit any state beach for the day.
MrRon B — Google review
This place is so mind blowing. We spend 2 hours in this beach Lots of woods came into beach but still it’s so outstanding place to visit . That little cave on the corner is fantastic Water is so clean Must visit place
Oceanic_sailor — Google review
Nice calm beach, lots of walking. Great for kiddos (lots of sticks and drift wood to play with lmao) Pretty clean looking water
Jo — Google review
Lovely, quiet beach. There is a good amount of parking (costs $8). Next to the parking lot there are a lot of picnic benches that look out at the ocean as well as a good sized public bathroom with 4 stalls. There were several people fishing but we still had plenty of space to enjoy the water and nearby cliffs. There is a short but fairly steep walking path up one of the cliffs with nice views. There isn't much else to do nearby but it's a fun place to visit and enjoy a day at the beach!
Allison W — Google review
The beach is easily accessible. It's really cool to look at the wooden structures that people have built. I like that everyone kinda respects the work that went into them. It's a great beach for kids, not a long walk to the water and plenty of exploring for them to do with all the rocks and wood around. It's a really nice drive straight up La Honda for a scenic route.
Danielle G — Google review
4.6
(2162)
•
4.5
(119)
20063 Cabrillo Hwy S, San Gregorio, CA 94074, USA
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=529
(650) 726-8819
30

Pomponio State Beach

Mentioned on 
1 list 
Beach
Nature & Parks
We were here on the late October, it was very quiet and peaceful. Not many cars were in the parking lot. Easy walk to get to the beach and the view was amazing and beautiful. I believe it will be very busy in the summer time. But the water was pretty cold. You need a wetsuit to get in the water. Few fishermen were there to fish,but not sure the catch.
Steven C — Google review
This beach is not like Big Sur but still gives you the opportunity to feel like that. The place where ocean meets the sierra. The water was freezing in November.
Krishok P — Google review
Beautiful beach with rocky hills.
Sara S — Google review
It's a state beach, hence the bathroom is quite dirty and smelly. We arrived around 1145 am on a Saturday. Parking lot is self pay, no attendant. You have to be vigilant of weird strangers if you have children.
LUZ M — Google review
Beautiful beach and calm. No pets are allowed so it was clean. Must visit. Good background for photography
Sharmili R — Google review
I must say this is a secret beach. Not crowded and absolutely pristine. Great for walks and picnic.
Aditya C — Google review
This was a fun, random stop to stretch our legs while driving down Hwy 1. We saw some cool caves and there was a lot of ocean life in the little puddles on the bluffs. A fun place to explore and move around before getting back on the road.
Dana J — Google review
Beautiful state beach. Great place if you want to do a long walk on the beach, but check the tide schedule before. The parking is 8$, and we were able to pay with a card.
Maud C — Google review
4.9
(94)
•
4.4
(39)
California
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