Sightseeing

Whether you live near by or are visiting California for the first time, we are sure there are activities and destinations to suit you. We have broken them up into nearby destinations and day trips.

East Bay:


The Oakland Zoo: The Oakland Zoo offers realistic animal habitats set into the sprawling Oakland hillside. Located just off the freeway visitors are treated to an experience that feels continents away.

Chabot Space and Science Center: Set high in the Oakland Hills, Chabot offers hands on exhibits, a digital planetarium and is home to three massive telescopes. On clear nights you can find amateur astronomers stargazing and teaching newcomers.

Oakland A's: Lisa's favorite team will be in town! If you want to know about that other team, you'll have to search for yourself.

Eats (East Bay):


Zachary's Pizza: Chicago deep dish style has fans lining up out the door.

Bobby G's: Before meeting Lisa, Jack's diet was pretty steady; a slice of pepperoni & jalapeno pizza and a draft IPA. The owner Robert (don't call him Bobby) is quite a character. 

La Mediteranee: Delicious Middle Eastern food with plenty of vegetarian and meat options.

Ici: Just a few doors down from La Mediteranee, Ici features a menu of housemade ice creams that rotates daily.

San Francisco:


Exploratorium: The fantastic hands-on museum has a new home in a convenient location; great exhibits for kids and adults.

Academy of Sciences: An aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, natural history galley, and gourmet food court in the heart of Golden Gate Park

SFMOMA: Sorry if you hoped to see the Museum of Modern Art during this visit. It is closed for remodel/expansion until 2016 but has partnered with other museums for colaborative exhibits.

Chinatown: Plenty of great food set among souvenir shops and authentic grocery stands. This area is a mix of tourist trap and working neighborhood and always seems packed with people.

 Eats (SF):


Giordano Bros: All-in-one Pittsburgh style sandwiches may leave you in a food coma, but what a way to go!

Westfield food court: Beneath the newest mall is a gourmet food court with something for every taste. Lisa and Jack have been known to take BART to SF just to eat here and then turn around and go home. Loving Hut has soup Jack loves and Bear Papa makes amazing cream puffs.

 


Transit:


511: 511.org offers a trip planner that uses a database of all local transit options and will put together great options that connect you with your destination. Real time traffic updates and parking finder are also available if you choose to drive

Emery Go Round: A free shuttle that loops between Emeryville locations and the local BART station

BART: The Bay Area subway. A convenient way to visit San Francisco if you don't want to drive.

Cable Cars: The quintessential San Francisco tourist experience.

Day Trips:


Monterey: Anchored by the amazing Monterey Bay Aquarium, the area offers amazing sights, golf, scenic drives, and fresh-caught seafood.

Muir Woods: The parking lot will be closed til November so this may not be the best time to go.

Napa Valley: A favorite weekend get-away. Lisa and Jack's favorites include V. Sattui winery, St. Helena Olive Oil Company, and Bouchon Bakery.