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rusty98tj's Traveler List
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Cool things to do in San Fran

Ask this member a question. rusty98tj Lived in SF for a couple of years.
Apr 14, 2006
3.5 of 5 stars based on 11 votes
I lived in SF for a couple of years. This is a list of my favorite things to see/do whenever I go back.
  • Explore locations featured in this Traveler List: San Francisco, Mill Valley, Sausalito, Tiburon, Point Reyes Station
  • Category: Perfect week or more
  • Traveler type: Sightseeing, Active/Outdoors, Never been before, Beachgoers
  • Appeals to: Couples/romantics, Honeymooners, Budget travelers, Active/adventure
  • Seasons:
  • Tags: san francisco, sausalito, tiburon
1. Sunsets at the Beach Chalet restaurant
Beach Chalet, San Francisco, California
The food is decent, but that's not the reason to put this place on your list. The sunset views from this restaurant are amazing. If you're lucky enough to get a window table, you'll have a dinner to remember. If you can't get a table, just chill by the bar and have one (or several) of their great micro brews as you watch the sun dip into the ocean.
2. Watch the hang gliders at Fort Funston
Fort Funston, San Francisco, California
Fort Funston is located on the coast (Ocean Beach). When the winds are right, it's a great place to watch the hang gliders as they launch off the cliffs and soar over the waves below. Fort Funston is also a popular spot for hiking and dog walking. Best of all, there's plenty of free parking.
3. Breakfast/lunch at Crepes on Cole
Crepes on Cole, San Francisco, California
The crepes at this place are amazing! There are tons of different crepes to choose from. Great meal to start off your day.
4. Beers & burgers at Frankie's Bohemian Cafe
Frankie's Bohemian Cafe, San Francisco, California
Frankie's isn't flashy, trendy, or pretentious (that's why I love it). It's a small local bar where you'll find friendly staff, great burgers, and plenty of tasty Hefeweizen on tap. Mmmmm...Frankie's.
5. Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach, San Francisco, California
If the surf's up, Ocean Beach is a great place to sit and watch surfers and kite boarders ride the waves. WARNING: Ocean Beach has very "heavy," powerful waves and a strong undertoe. Unless you're experienced, you do not want to go for a casual swim here. Definitely NOT a beach to take the kids for swimming/wading, but it's a lot of fun to watch the experienced surfers tear it up.
6. Hiking near the Cliff House restaurant at Ocean Beach
Cliff House, San Francisco, California
In my opinion, the Cliff House is kind of a tourist trap, but the hiking nearby is phenomenal. Just up the hill from the Cliff House, turn left on El Camino Del Mar. Drive to the end of the short street, park your car and pick up the hiking trail right there near the coast. This hike is very easy and the views are AMAZING! You can look over the cliffs and see waves crashing. Great place to view the Golden Gate bridge as well. Very scenic and usually not too crowded.
7. Neighborhood Restaurants
Jackson Fillmore, San Francisco, California
San Francisco has so many great restaurants. Do some research before you arrive and find some of the great local gems. Some of my faves are Jackson Fillmore, Frascati, and The House. It's good to stretch your legs and get away from Fisherman's Wharf & Union Square for a bit. :)
8. Stinson Beach and Mount Tamalpais State Park
Mount Tamalpais State Park, Mill Valley, Marin County
The drive to/from Stinson Beach is a great one. Take the 101 N over the Golden Gate Bridge and head for Muir Woods/Mt. Tamalpais. Drive through Mt. Tamalpais on your way to the beach and then take Route 1 on your way home (you get a great mix of forest and coastal views). Stinson Beach is a nicely groomed beach that's typically a bit warmer than the SF beaches.
9. Coit Tower at night
Coit Tower, San Francisco, California
Coit Tower is a great spot to view the city of SF at night. Go later to avoid the big crowds. It's cool to see the whole city and hear the ominous fog horn from Alcatraz.
10. Visit Sausalito
Sausalito Visitors Center, Sausalito, Marin County
Sausalito is a small coastal town just over the Golden Gate Bridge. For great views of San Francisco, have lunch at Horizon's restaurant.
11. Sam's Anchor Cafe
Sam's Anchor Cafe, Tiburon, Marin County
Sam's is one of the best outdoor watering holes. It's in Tiburon (other side of the GG bridge), but well worth the drive on a sunny day. Sam's is right on the water and has a big sun deck w/ tables....great for people-watching. If you have a boat, you can dock it right at the restaurant. Sam's is on the opposite side of the bay as SF, so you can have a beer and get great views of the city.
12. Point Reyes Station Lighthouse
Point Reyes Station, California
If you're looking to take a scenic road trip Point Reyes Station lighthouse is a good destination. It's probably about a 1.5-2hr drive from SF. The lighthouse is located amongst beautiful cliffs and endless coastline. Make sure you call ahead to confirm that the lighthouse stairs will be open on the day you're going. You can walk down a very long staircase (couple hundred steps) to get to the lighthouse right out on the water (somewhat strenuous, but worth the effort). Also, if you go in Feb/Mar you'll see whales migrating up the coast. A great day trip.
Explore locations featured in this Traveler List: San Francisco, Mill Valley, Sausalito, Tiburon, Point Reyes Station