101 Best Sights in The Bay Area, California

A 1,000-acre wildlife sanctuary along the Bolinas Lagoon, this Audubon Canyon Ranch preserve gets the most traffic during late spring. Quiet trails through the rest of the preserve offer tremendous vistas of the Bolinas Lagoon and Stinson Beach. On Saturdays, ranch guides are posted throughout to point out animals—including waterbirds, shorebirds, bobcats, and coyotes—and answer questions. During the week, check in at the small bookstore and take a self-guided tour.

Just off the coast at Half Moon Bay is Mavericks, one of the biggest surfing breaks in the world when there's a big swell. Waves here have reportedly reached 60 feet in height, and some surfers get towed out to them by Jet Skis. The break is roughly a mile offshore, so seeing it from the coast can be tough and requires a challenging hike. Every year, if the conditions are just right, the word goes out that the Mavericks surf competition will take place, and the world's best surfers rush to town for the famous invitational. The Mavericks competition is best viewed on closed-circuit TV at local bars.

In the center of Santa Clara University's campus is the Mission Santa Clara, the site of the first college of higher learning in California (est. 1851). Some of the roof tiles of the current building, a reproduction of the original, were salvaged from earlier structures, which dated from the 1770s and 1820s. Restored original adobe walls (1822) and a spectacular rose garden (viewable, but not open to the public) remain intact as well.

This longtime producer above Saratoga is widely considered the region's Pinot Noir whisperer. Its vineyards date back to 1945 when one of the most iconic names in California wine, winery founder Martin Ray, planted them at an elevation of roughly 2,000 feet. Mount Eden also produces outstanding estate Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Tastings on the veranda include three wines and are by appointment only.

Small but scenic, this beach—a rocky patch of shoreline off Highway 1—is a good place to stretch your legs and gaze out at the Pacific Ocean. Locals often walk their dogs here; families and cuddling couples come for picnicking and sunbathing. At the northern end of the beach are waterfront homes (and occasional nude sunbathers), and at the other are the bluffs of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. A land bridge connects directly from the parking lot to the beach, as well as to a short trail that leads to a scenic overlook and connects to other coastal paths. There are no lifeguards on duty and the currents can be challenging, so swimming is not advised. Amenities: parking (no fee); toilets. Best for: solitude; sunset; walking.

One of the West Coast's leading zoos resides in the rolling hills of southeast Oakland. More than 750 animals from near and far live here, often putting on quite a show for the human visitors. The children's zoo and the California Trail are notable areas, with the latter featuring two of the most iconic animals in the Golden State: California condors and grizzly bears. The zoo has a handful of entertaining rides, but the main non-animal highlight for most guests is the Sky Ride gondola that offers incredible Bay Area views.

To see one of the outdoor oases that make Mill Valley so appealing, follow Throckmorton Avenue west from Lytton Square to Old Mill Park, a shady patch of redwoods that shelters a playground and reconstructed sawmill. The park also hosts September's annual Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival. From the park, Cascade Way winds its way past creek-side homes to the trailheads of several forest paths.

The restored Victorian storefronts that line the four historic blocks of Oakland's original downtown now contain restaurants, cafés, offices, shops, galleries, and a Friday morning farmer's market. Architectural consistency distinguishes the area from surrounding streets, giving it a distinct neighborhood feel. Old World–inspired Caffè 817 (817 Washington St.) serves poached eggs and polenta, fresh-pressed panini, and bowls of café latte in an artsy atmosphere. Stop in for a deli sandwich at Ratto's International Market (827 Washington St.), an Italian grocery that's been in business for more than a century, or head over to the renovated Swan's Market (538 9th St.), where you can choose from an array of high-caliber multicultural eateries that offer takeout. Pacific Coast Brewing Company (902 Washington St.) pours a mean microbrew, while The Trappist (460 8th St.) wins loyalty for its exhaustive selection of Belgian ales. Various pop-up boutiques and permanent shops throughout the neighborhood are reinvigorating the storefront scene.

The architectural centerpiece here is a stark-white 1888 Carpenter Gothic church that overlooks the town and the bay from its hillside perch. Surrounding the church, which was dedicated as a historical monument in 1959, is a wildflower preserve that's spectacular in May and June, when the rare Tiburon paintbrush and Tiburon black jewel flower bloom. Expect a steep walk uphill to reach the preserve. The Landmarks Society arranges guided tours by appointment. The hiking trails behind the landmark wind up to a peak that has views of the entire Bay Area.

When this Berkeley-born coffee chain opened at Vine and Walnut Streets in 1966, the unparalleled dark roast java was roasted in-store and brewed by the cup. Enjoy a splash while viewing a small exhibit in the back room that chronicles the company's evolution.

If a quarantine is not in effect (watch for signs), from November through April you can look for mussels amid tidal pools and rocky outcroppings at Pescadero State Beach; a fishing license is required. Any time of year is good for exploring the beach, the north side of which has several secluded spots along sandstone cliffs. Across U.S. 101, the 243-acre Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve has hiking trails and is the site of a large and active blue-heron rookery. Early spring and fall mornings are the best times to come, when there are lots of migrating birds and other wildlife to see. No pets on the beach or in the preserve. Amenities: parking (fee); toilets. Best for: solitude; sunset; walking.

One of the most striking stretches of the peninsular coastline is where Highway 1 meets the road leading to the quaint town of Pescadero. On the other side of the highway is a marsh that is always a great spot for seeing local wildlife and birds. The mile-long beach almost appears like an amphitheater thanks to how the short, steep cliffs block any view of the highway above them. Stroll around and view the majestic rock arch and coves. Amenities: toilets, parking (fee). Best for: walking.

At 115 feet tall, it's impossible to miss this impressive lighthouse that is about halfway between Pescadero and the southern edge of San Mateo County. The lighthouse dates back to 1872, helping boats navigate through the ever-present local fog. The original lens is no longer used, but the Coast Guard still uses a much more modern LED light here to help guide those at sea.

With its laid-back restaurants (including Half Moon Bay Brewing Company) and waters full of fishing boats and sea lions, the harbor is a nice place to wander, and you can pick up shoreline trails at nearby Pillar Point.

The second "downtown" area of Half Moon Bay, known as Princeton-by-the-Sea, surrounds this beautiful, calm harbor. It's the center of the seafood trade for the coast, and possibly the most important Bay Area fishing wharf other than San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf. Stroll over to Barbara's Fish Trap ( 281 Capistrano Rd.) for some of that fresh catch. For pisco sours and fish in ceviche form, visit La Costanera ( 260 Capistrano Rd.), one of the leading Peruvian restaurants in the Bay Area. Besides eating fish-and-chips and sand dabs, it's a great area for walking or kayaking.

At the edge of the harbor and around a corner resides Mavericks Beach, a somewhat hidden, world-famous surfing spot. Most of the time the waves aren't that notable. However, when the time is right, the best surfers in the world gather here for one of the most prestigious big wave competitions anywhere. Don't even think about trying to surf or swim here.

The original Point Montara fog signal station was established in 1875. The lighthouse, which originally stood on Cape Cod from 1881 to 1922, was added in 1928, and it still has its original lightkeeper's quarters from the late 1800s; it's the only known lighthouse to have served on both coasts. Gray whales pass this point during their migration from November through April, so bring your binoculars. Visiting hours (9 am to sunset) coincide with morning and afternoon check-in and checkout times at the adjoining youth hostel. Parking is free, but a one-hour time limit is enforced.

Birders adore Point Blue Conservation Science, which maintains the Point Reyes Bird Observatory, located in the southernmost part of Point Reyes National Seashore. The surrounding woods harbor some 200 bird species. As you hike the quiet trails through forest and along ocean cliffs, you're likely to see biologists banding birds to aid in the study of their life cycles. Visit Point Blue's website for detailed directions and to find out how to make an appointment to attend a banding demonstration.

Sequoia sempervirens, or coastal redwoods, grow to 150 feet tall in Redwood Regional Park, one of the few spots in the Bay Area that escaped timber-hungry loggers in the 19th century. The 1,830-acre park has forested picnic spots and myriad hiking trails, including part of the 32-mile East Bay Skyline National Trail, which links Redwood to four other parks in the Berkeley–Oakland hills. Also check out adjacent Joaquin Miller Park for beautiful East Bay views and lush forested trails.

One of Oakland's most desirable places to live is this fashionable, upscale neighborhood. Explore the tree-lined streets that radiate out from College Avenue, just north and south of the Rockridge BART station for a look at California Craftsman bungalows at their finest. By day, College Avenue between Broadway and Alcatraz Avenue is crowded with shoppers buying fresh flowers, used books, and clothing; by night, the same folks are back for satisfying meals filled with fresh local ingredients, artisanal wines, and locally brewed ales. There's even a cider bar, one of the few in the Bay Area (Redfield Cider Bar & Bottle Shop,  5815 College Ave.). With its specialty food shops and quick bites to go, Market Hall, an airy European-style marketplace at Shafter Avenue, is a hub of culinary activity, including the wonderful Californian-Mediterranean cooking of the attached Acre Kitchen & Bar ( 5655 College Ave.).

Fascinating if dated, this museum showcases the largest collection of authentic ancient Egyptian artifacts on display in Western North America. Walk through a tunnel to reach a hidden burial chamber lined with murals, see a mummy more than 2,500 years old, try to figure out which animal mummies aren't what they appear to be, take a tomb tour, and learn about games ancient Egyptian children played. If that's not enough, the planetarium shows space films.

There's an unusual historic landmark on the Sausalito Ferry Pier—a drinking fountain inscribed "Have a drink on Sally" in remembrance of Sally Stanford, the former San Francisco brothel madam who became Sausalito's mayor in the 1970s. Sassy Sally would have appreciated the fountain's eccentric attachment: a knee-level basin with the inscription "Have a drink on Leland," in memory of her beloved dog.

Nearly 2,500 modern and contemporary artworks by cutting-edge West Coast and Latino artists are featured in this downtown museum. Bay Area figurative painting, photography, and sculpture are also well represented, and, not surprising given the museum's proximity to Silicon Valley, new-media works are often exhibited.

Berkeley's diversity is front and center along this evolving north–south artery in West Berkeley, where the old and new stand side by side: sari shops and a Mexican grocery do business near a hipster dive bar, a bait-and-tackle store, a typewriter store, and a dozen cool boutiques, all cheek by jowl in a melting pot microhood.

Start at Bartavelle Coffee & Wine Bar (No. 1603) off of Cedar. Order a handcrafted cappuccino and the best avocado toast this side of town. Journey a couple of blocks south to the Albatross Pub (No. 1822), a neighborhood favorite where grad students have been playing darts and eating free popcorn for 50 years. Tuck into solid Pakistani food at Indus Village (No. 1920) and stop by the Halal Food Market (No. 1964), then cross University Avenue. Duck into Mi Tierra Foods (No. 2082) for piñatas and chorizo—notice the Mission District–like mural—and Middle East Market (No. 2054) for rose water and rockin' baklava. Café Venezuela (No. 2056) has authentic arepas, and pretty much everyone loves the loaded thin-crust pies at Lanesplitter Pizza & Pub (No. 2033). The coffee at Highwire (No. 2049) is strong and delicious, and can be enjoyed indoors or on the back patio.

Long-running Country Cheese (No. 2101) has hundreds of cheeses, of course, but it also carries great bulk foods. Nearby industrial-cute Gaumenkitzel (No. 2121) serves up schnitzel, spaetzle, and other traditional German fare. Not to be confused with the fresh-baked loaves that come from Acme Bread (No. 1601), craft cocktails and curated whiskey flights are the most popular daily offerings at Acme Bar & Company (No. 2115).

As you move south, you'll pass lots of home-decor shops. Witness the chic renovation genius on display at Mignonne Décor (No. 2447) or venture into Ohmega Salvage (Nos. 2400–2403) and browse though its claw-footed tubs and pricey Victorian window frames.

At the corner of Dwight Way, stop for more caffeine at Caffè Trieste (No. 2500), Berkeley's homey branch of the North Beach bohemian coffee bar. Arousing browsing of erotic products can be had at sex-positive Good Vibrations (No. 2504). Find wonderful gifts for crafty soap and candle makers at Juniper Tree Supplies (No. 2520), and one-of-a-kind jewelry at Kiss My Ring (No. 2522).

There is something for everyone at this longtime Downtown favorite. Dating back to 1972, it’s technically still a market (there are a handful of boutiques), but it’s really a lively, vast food hall with more than a dozen tempting choices and plenty of places to sit and watch sports on TVs or enjoy live music outside.

Known by locals as The Dish, this radio telescope has served many purposes over the years, including some for the government; it's run by a local research institute, not the university itself. The main reason that everyone comes to The Dish is because of its series of hiking and jogging trails that wind their way around the classic Northern California landscape full of oak trees, poppy flowers, and local wildlife, rewarding each workout with stellar views.

Well-to-do Palo Alto and its intellectual neighbor, Stanford University, are about 35 miles south of San Francisco. Stanford's gorgeous grounds are home to a primordial-looking cactus garden, a stone river sculpture by Scottish artist Andy Goldsworthy, wood carvings and indigenous artworks from Papua New Guinea, and an excellent art museum—the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Center for Visual Arts (open daily except Tuesday)—whose lawn is planted with bronze works by Auguste Rodin. Free one-hour walking tours of the campus leave daily at 11 and 3:15 from the visitor center.

When the fog hasn't rolled in, this expansive stretch of sand is about as close as you can get in Marin to the stereotypical feel of a Southern California beach. There are several clothing-optional areas, among them a section south of Stinson Beach called Red Rock Beach. Pets are not allowed on the national park section of the beach.

Swimming at Stinson Beach can be dangerous; the undertow is strong, and shark sightings, though infrequent, have occurred. Lifeguards are on duty July–September.

On any hot summer weekend, roads to Stinson are packed and the parking lot fills, so factor this into your plans. The town itself—population 600, give or take—has a nonchalant surfer vibe, with a few good eating options and pleasant hippie-craftsy browsing. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards (summer); parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: nudists; sunset; surfing; swimming; walking, windsurfing.

At this hands-on, high-tech science museum, kids can engineer multicolored bacteria, attempt to steer themselves in a vehicle like ones astronauts use for forays outside the space station, experience earthquakes of different magnitudes, or design, build, and program a robot. The on-site domed IMAX theater shows a mix of nature programs and Hollywood blockbusters. Take a quick swing through the museum during the last hour and get a discounted rate.