offlady

My husband is flying to the bay area this weekend on business, and has the entire Monday free. He wants to drive out to Tahoe since he's never been, but everyone told him he was crazy to drive 3 hours each way. So his other option is to drive up to Napa or into the city and cruise Pier 39 or into Monterey (which we've done both several times). Any other suggestions?

tovarich

Muir woods.Paul

Mincepie

The Petrified Forest just outside Calistoga is well worth a visit. Lunch in Calistoga afterwards and a wander around. Wappa Bistro has a very nice outside patio and a super mezze plate.

I think Armstrong Woods(just north of Guernville) is a great place to see the redwoods...good hikes...less visited by tourists.

Fort Ross State park is a lovely drive..this is an old Russian Fort...beautiful views of the ocean.

happytrailstoyou

What about hanging out in San Francisco?

We like to take the bus from Union Square to Fillmore Street and walk through the neighborhood shopping district to the top of the hill (Pacific Heights and spectacular views). Then we walk down through Cow Hollow to Chestnut Street (both interesting places) and through The Marina to Fisherman's Wharf.

After lunch (or what-have-you) we walk back to our hotel via North Beach, Chinatown, and the Financial District.

This puts us in a good mood for a night on the town.

What could be better?

FainaAgain

Would you be interested in visiting Jack London's park, museum, his burned house and his grave? The park is lovely for hiking. It's in Glen Ellen.

You can start with John Muir (go early to get a parking space) and maybe add Calistoga petrified forest and the geiser.

christy1

Up Hwy 1, to the top of Mt. Tamalpais, up to Point Reyes. You could see Muir Woods on the way if you wanted to.

offlady

†hanks. We have been to Muir Woods. A couple people told us that the Gilroy Garlic Festival is going on this weekend. Has anyone been? what's it like (besides having lots of garlicky foods)? He ate at the Stinking Rose once and came home, and stunk for days! He may take your advice, happytrails and cruise the city which we always enjoy.

happytrailstoyou

You will have such a great time. Hint: Buy a map of the transit system at the information center in the Powell-Market Street area. It is handy to have if you get pooped and want to take a bus to your next destination.

There is a National Park for boats in the Fisherman Wharf area. Admission is free with a NP pass (if you have one).

If you have never seen Beach Blanket Babylon, do it on this trip.