Gnarfgnarf activities in San Francisco, California

Mission Dolores

Cliff House, SF

SF skyline from Dolores Park

ACTIVITIES

Mission district

Start at 16th street and Valencia and hop bars northward. If you are here at night, stay with a local, a group of people or take taxis from place to place. It's generally safe, but can be sketchy in some areas. Some places charge a cover for live music, for others it's free. Tons of excellent bars and restaurants, and live music. Trendy types, musicians, artists, rich kids, average Joes. The mission district is a popular nighttime destination for people from all over the Bay area.

Sausalito

Accessible by bus or by ferry from Embarcadero and Fisherman's Wharf. Located in Marin County, this Mediterranean looking town is often portrayed as the quaint and picturesque refuge for bohemian artists. Right, given the prices for the marina and a half decent room, it's more a refuge for the dot com millionaires who haven't gone bust. Some of the rich live here. It's worth a half day trip, or a day trip if you combine it with Tiburon. The main street is lined up with expensive restaurants and shops.

Tiburon

If you're looking for something more low-key and less superficial than Sausalito, Tiburon is the alternative. Also located in Marin County, the town is accessible by ferry from Embarcadero. Founded as a Spanish fishing village, Tiburon has retained some of its origins despite commercial pressure. If you have time and like green nature, you may like to check out Muir Woods and Mount Tamalpais, also in Marin County.

UC Berkeley

Home of the University of California at Berkeley, and long considered a hotspot of liberalism and radicalism. This is a good opportunity to have a tour around one of the most famous universities in the US. Easily accessible by the BART, the rapid transit commuter train, Berkeley offers plenty of opportunities for cheap books, cheap eats and grass to sit on for picnic.

Napa and Sonoma Valley

The wine country is further away (up to two hours north), and you'll need a car to drive there. Even if you don't drink, the vineyards are worth a day trip. Except for the occasional highways, it's very bucolic. Of course, don't "taste" too much wine and drive.