Photo Credit: C. Valdez
The Bay Area has lots to offer from tours and dining, to indoor and outdoor activities. Here are our top 5 things to see, do and experience in and around the Bay.
1. Ferry Building Marketplace
Situated in San Francisco, along the Embarcadero you will find a long wide sidewalk that stretches for three miles along the eastern bayside shoreline. Bikers, walkers, roller skaters, runners, and strollers line the path each day for exercise, a breath of fresh air, or to simply inhale the beauty of the Bay. One of the many attractions along the Embarcadero is the vibrant Ferry Tower Marketplace filled with restaurants, shops, cafes, and The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market. A quote by East Bay restaurateur, Owner, Chez Panisse, Alice Waters sums up her experience, “My weekly visit to the San Francisco Ferry Plaza Farmers Market brings rhythm and meaning to my life.”
Photo Credit: Joshua Sortino
2. Day on the Bay
One of my personal favorite outings is being on the water. No matter where I am, floating on the water is harmonious. Sailing the San Francisco Bay is no different. Whether by sailboat, catamaran, yacht, or ferry, being out on the Bay is a magical place to be. Ferry between Jack London Square, Alameda, Larkspur in Marin, and San Francisco, or take a sailing class -- there are many offerings in and around the Bay. If you wish to be captained with your own private group, you can do that too. And if you are planning a large event, take a look at Blue and Gold Fleet, Commodore Cruises, or choose from a host of other options. At HIGHLAND PARTNERS, we celebrate our Top 20 Producers each year with a party; this year we invited the entire office to join in the festivities to congratulate the top agents and to celebrate and commemorate post-COVID, vaccinations, and the ability to be together once again.
3. Sausalito, On Land and On the Bay.
Sausalito is a quaint seaside town just beyond the infamous Golden Gate Bridge. Tourists line the parks, streets, and pathways as they stroll along the water's edge taking in the sites of the City. Enjoy great restaurants, beautiful views, and if you are bold enough book a yoga class, on the water, with On Board SUP Yoga. The acronym SUP stands for Stand Up Paddle Yoga. I have yet to experience it but very much look forward to that day. For my birthday we rented kayaks and paddleboards with SekTrek; what a fantastic outing! Afterward, we dined al fresco at one of our favorite restaurants, Angelino Ristorante.
4. Silicon Valley Architectural Jewels Visit CAROLANDS in the affluent Hillsborough neighborhood located in the South Bay, approximately 20 miles from San Francisco and just south of the San Francisco International Airport. Carolands offers small curator-led tours of the Chateau and gardens. My intern, Lucas Wallin, a history aficionado and lover of architecture highlighted Carolands as one of his favorite outings. Another elegant mansion to visit during the Christmas holiday and throughout the year is everyone’s favorite, Filoli Historic House and Gardens. For any tour be sure to reserve well ahead of time.
5. Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine Country
Photo Credit: Quentin Bacon SF
Photo Credit: Quentin Bacon SF
Growing up in the Bay Area we visited Napa and Sonoma Valley quite often. I recall one year Adam and I were staying the weekend at the Sonoma Mission Inn and Resort with our newborn daughter, Bianca, now 28, and during dinner we overheard resort guests speaking French, We looked around and noticed many international guests. The California Wine Country from Sonoma and the Napa Valley to the Central Coast is sprinkled with world-renowned wineries, restaurants, and resorts. When we tour our friends and clients our day in the Napa Valley, just 50 minutes from our home includes a wine tasting at Silverado Vineyards, followed by a drive up the valley along the Silverado Trail to Auberge du Soleil Hotel and Resort for a light lunch on their terrace with another magnificent birds-eye view overlooking the floor of the valley for as far as the eye can see. From there we venture down the valley to Hall Wines and Vineyard, famously appointed by a bunny. Designed by Lawrence Argent this polished stainless steel bunny, named Bunny Foo Foo is no small bunny, and is magnificently visible from highway 29 as it leaps up 35 feet into the sky. And our tour is not over yet. Bistro don Giovanni, for dinner, is our last stop. However, if our guests still have energy left we take a nightcap at the Carneros Resort and Spa while sitting by one of the outdoor fireplaces overlooking the bocce ball courts.
Photo Credit: Quentin Bacon SF
We hope you enjoyed the tour. If you are visiting California feel free to reach out, whether a Buyer, Seller, Investor, Realtor, or neighbor, Adam and I are always happy to share our unique experiences, favorite places, and incredible itineraries with you.
Photo Credit: Quentin Bacon SF
