101 Best Sights in The Bay Area, California

Palo Alto’s “second downtown” actually was its own town named Mayfield until it joined the neighboring city in 1925. Back then, the main difference between the towns was that Palo Alto was dry and Mayfield was predominantly saloons. Things are quite different a century later; the old Mayfield’s main thoroughfare, California Avenue, is now a favorite dining and shopping destination for the nearby Page Mill Road tech workers and Stanford students.

Térun’s ( 448 California Ave.) Neapolitan pizzas are among the best on the Peninsula, while the Latin cuisine and rum cocktails at La Bodeguita del Medio ( 463 California Ave.), named for Ernest Hemingway’s favorite bar in Havana, have a devoted following. Bistro Elan ( 2363 Birch St.) and Protégé ( 250 California Ave.) are the two fine-dining standard bearers on the street. Mediterranean Wraps’s ( 443 California Ave.) lamb and beef shawarma plates and falafel wraps are a popular choice for the lunchtime crowds. A pair of coffee shops are the morning heart of the corridor, with Backyard Brew ( 444 California Ave.) serving excellent coffees in a hidden garden setting, and the quirky Zombie Runner ( 344 California Ave.) producing a terrific chai tea in addition to coffee from beans roasted by the café (it was previously a running shoe store with a small coffee kiosk, then fully switched and no longer sells shoes). California Avenue really shines every Saturday morning when it hosts what most residents consider the Peninsula’s most impressive farmers' market. And every day of the week, there’s a fun European vibe because it’s now permanently pedestrian-only to expand restaurants' outdoor seating options.

Stanford’s main art museum is a wonderful indoor-outdoor mix, where it’s easy to linger for two or three hours. Outside is the acclaimed Rodin Sculpture Garden, home to the one of the largest collections of the legendary French sculptor’s works in the U.S. Inside, beyond the ornate opening steps and grand entry hall are two levels of galleries that mix modern works with rotating exhibitions, indigenous American art, and classical European and American paintings.

The heart of Downtown Mountain View, this constantly bustling street runs from the Caltrain station (where a few blocks are pedestrian-only for outdoor dining because of the COVID-19 pandemic) to the City Hall complex that includes the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts. Fast-casual restaurants and ramen shops tend to be the main destinations during the daytime, while the bar scene in the evening is livelier than in any other city between San Jose and San Francisco.

A pair of excellent coffee shops anchor the ends of Castro Street: Red Rock Coffee ( 201 Castro St.) and 1 Oz Coffee ( 650 Castro St.). Once you’re caffeinated, make sure to try downtown’s two premier French bakery/pastry shops: Alexander’s Patisserie ( 209 Castro St.) and Maison Alyzée ( 212 Castro St.). Doppio Zero ( 160 Castro St.) is the best restaurant of the crowd directly on the street, serving superb Neapolitan pizzas with an irresistible soft, lightly charred crust. Just off Castro Street are a pair of dramatically different establishments, both worth a visit: Steins Beer Garden & Restaurant ( 895 Villa St.) and longtime fine-dining icon Chez TJ ( 938 Villa St.), where the careers of many top Bay Area chefs began.

A densely packed, bustling neighborhood, Oakland's Chinatown, unlike its San Francisco counterpart, makes no concessions to tourists. You won't find baskets of trinkets lining the sidewalk and souvenir displays in the shop windows, but supermarkets such as Yuen Hop Noodle Company and Asian Food Products (824 Webster St.), open since 1931, overflow with delicacies, and the line for sweets, breads, and towering cakes snakes out the door of Napoleon Super Bakery (810 Franklin St.). Don't miss an enlightening tour of The Fortune Cookie Factory (261 12th St.), bubble tea and egg puffs at Shooting Star Cafe (1022 Webster St.), or a walk through the lovely Chinese Garden Park (7th St.).

Shops and cafés pack this pleasant neighborhood centered on College Avenue, just south of the U.C. campus. You'll know you're here when you spy the historic Elmwood theater, near College and Ashby Avenues, or notice the long line snaking outside nearby Ici Ice Cream, at 2948 College. Check out the architectural details of pre–World War II storefronts and the century-old shingled houses that line the tree-shaded streets.

Your senses will immediately perk up as you enter this upscale market that has everything to go, from impeccable sushi to decadent gelato. Outside, you can find a terraced garden—the only place to sit—that winds up four levels and ends at the Imperial Tea Court.

Moss Beach's biggest attraction is the spectacular Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, a 3-mile stretch of bluffs and tide pools that occupy 32 acres. Since the reserve was protected in 1969, scientists have discovered many new aquatic species. The best time to visit is during a zero or negative low tide, when you're likely to find crabs, anemones, urchins, and sea stars. Volunteer naturalists are around to answer questions on the weekends. Self-guided tours available, but pets are not allowed.

Once an industrial area, this walkable stretch of Fourth Street north of University Avenue has transformed into the busiest few blocks of refined shopping and eating in Berkeley. A perfect stop for lovers of design, curated taste experiences, artful living, and fashion, the vibrant district boasts more than 70 shops, specialty stores, cafés, and restaurants. Find inspiration at Castle in the Air, Builders Booksource, and Stained Glass Garden, or sip a perfect drip coffee at Artís, where you can watch small-batch coffee roasting in progress—one pound at a time.

The town comes to life—and traffic to a standstill—on the third weekend in October, when some 250,000 people gather for the Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival. Highlights include a parade, pie-eating contests, live music, plenty of pumpkin-themed food and drink, and a "weigh-off" of giant pumpkins, some more than 1,900 pounds.

This 4-mile stretch of sand is perfect for long walks, kite flying, and picnic lunches, though the frigid water and strong rip currents make swimming inadvisable. There are three access points (Francis, Venice, Dunes) and four beaches (Francis, Venice, Dunes, Roosevelt). One access point (Francis) is in Half Moon Bay; the others are north of town off the highway. To find them, look for road signs that have a picture of footsteps. There's a visitor center and BBQ pits at Francis and picnic areas at Francis and Roosevelt. Dogs are prohibited. Amenities: parking (fee); showers; toilets. Best for: camping; solitude; sunset; surfing; walking.

The peninsular coastline’s signature beach is actually a collection of four smaller beaches. All of them are beautiful and all of them will definitely be too cold for swimming beyond a brisk dunk. Each of the beaches has its own facilities and they’re connected by the Coastal Trail, a popular choice for joggers and cyclists. On a clear day, the beaches are absolutely magnificent with the tree-covered Santa Cruz Mountains looming tall behind you and the deep blue of the Pacific right in front of you. The appropriately named crescent-shaped beach has sand for roughly four miles, but its grand setting makes it feel much larger. For a good overview, hit the visitor’s center at Francis Beach (open only on weekends). Amenities: restrooms, showers. Best for: walking, sunset.

Stop for a spell at Harley Farms, a restored 1910 farm and fully operational dairy that stretches over 28 acres and houses 165 goats on 9 acres of pasture. Two-hour weekend tours follow the milk trail as it moves from goat to dairy, then from curd to cheese (Harley's is renowned for its chèvre, fromage blanc, ricotta, and feta). You can walk around the yard, spy on goats and llamas, and read detailed signage describing the buildings and operations. The Harley Farms Shop sells cheese, lotions, soaps, and gift items. Monthly dinners, conducted in the old hayloft showcase local, in-season produce and book up fast.

At 923 feet tall, craggy Hawk Hill is the best place on the West Coast to watch the migration of eagles, hawks, and falcons as they fly south for winter. The main migration period is from September through October, and the modest Hawk Hill viewing deck is about 2 miles up Conzelman Road from U.S. 101; look for a Hawk Hill sign and parking right before the road becomes one way. In September and October, on rain- and fog-free weekends, docents from the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory give free lectures on Hawk Hill; call ahead of time for details.

The campus, which is comprised of rehabilitated military buildings, features contemporary art in a rustic natural setting. An artist-renovated space called the Key Room contains objects found and created by residents, including interesting glass bottles filled with collected items, and other unusual ephemera. Stop by the Project Space studios and galleries, two flights up, to see what select artists in residence are up to—most of the work is quite contemporary.

Northern California is known for wine, but it's a different buzz at this meadery situated just outside the center of Point Reyes Station. All of the meads are sparkling, made in the Champagne production style. The honey comes from local hives owned by the meadery and from hives around the country and the world. Flavors can vary from Tanzanian miombo wildflower to Oregon radish blossom. The tasting room is open daily.

It’s hard to miss Stanford’s iconic building named for the 31st president of the United States and class of 1895 alum, Herbert Hoover. At 285-feet tall, it’s the closest thing the Peninsula has to a skyscraper. The domed red-tile roof with a Belgian carillon underneath it can be seen for miles. Visitors of Stanford-affiliated individuals can take the elevator up to the top for a panoramic view from San Francisco to the bay and East Bay Hills, and to the Santa Cruz Mountains. Unfortunately, the general public can only visit the exhibition galleries at the base of the tower.

An outcropping of nature in a sea of North Berkeley homes, this is an unbeatable spot for a sunset picnic. Look for amateur rock climbers, after-work walkers, and cuddling couples, all watching the sun sinking beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Come early to grab a spot.

Shops, minor historic sites, restaurants, recreation, and the venerable Yoshi's (510 Embarcadero W) jazz club line Jack London Square, named for the author of The Call of the Wild, The Sea Wolf, and other works. London, who was born in San Francisco, also lived in Oakland, where he spent many a day boozing and brawling in the waterfront area, most notably at Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon (48 Webster St., at Embarcadero W). The wonderful little saloon has been serving since 1883. Next door is the Klondike cabin in which London spent a summer in the late 1890s. The cabin was moved from Alaska and reassembled here in 1970.

Weekends at the square are lively, with diners and drinkers filling the many outdoor patios and bars, and shoppers perusing Sunday's farmers' market, from 9 am to 2 pm. Catch a movie at Regal Jack London (100 Washington St.), sample local wines at Rosenblum Cellars (10 Clay St.), play some bocce in Plank's beer garden (98 Broadway), or plan an adventure with California Canoe & Kayak (409 Water St.).

Like the tide-pool section of an aquarium—except in real life—this protected area is on every must-visit list for school field trips and anyone interested in marine biology. This is one of the premier California coast places to see sea stars, crabs, and the other aquatic creatures who inhabit this unique marine ecosystem. Be careful walking around; tide pools are slippery and full of wildlife. There are trails for enjoying views from above. The reserve's website has a handy self-guided tour brochure.

This center is the starting point for free, student-guided tours of the Cal-Berkeley campus, which last 1½ hours and require an online reservation. You can also visit the website to schedule a virtual campus visit with a student ambassador.

This center is the starting point for free, student-guided tours of the Cal-Berkeley campus, which last 1½ hours and require an online reservation. You can also visit the website to schedule a virtual campus visit with a student ambassador.

Runners, joggers, and power walkers charge along the 3.4-mile path that encircles this 155-acre heart-shaped natural saltwater lake. Crew teams glide across the water and boatmen guide snuggling couples in authentic Venetian gondolas (fares start at $60 per couple for 30 mins; 510/663–6603, gondolaservizio.com), while yogis, jugglers, and picnickers look on from the shore. Lakeside Park, which surrounds the north side of Lake Merritt, has several outdoor attractions, including the small children's park, Children's Fairyland (699 Bellevue Ave.), and the Lake Merritt Wildlife Sanctuary, a water and air fowl haven that was also North America's first wildlife refuge. Don't miss the nearby Grand Lake neighborhood, centering on the parallel strips of Lakeshore Avenue and Grand Avenue, for good browsing and even better eating.

In the center of Oakland just east of downtown, this tidal lagoon with its unique habitat for more than 100 bird species became the country's first wildlife refuge in 1870. Today the three-mile path around the lake is a refuge for walkers, bikers, joggers, and nature lovers. Lakeside Park has Children's Fairyland ( 699 Bellevue Ave.) and the Rotary Nature Center ( 600 Bellevue Ave.). The Lake Merritt Boating Center ( 568 Bellevue Ave.) rents kayaks and rowboats (from $18; cash only).

On the lake's south side, the Camron-Stanford House ( 1418 Lakeside Dr.) is the last of the grand Victorians that once dominated the area; it's open Sundays for tours. Nearby, bold Oakland mural art offers a more modern feast for the eyes ( Between Madison and Webster Sts. and 7th and 11th Sts.).

The lake's necklace of lights adds allure for diners heading to Lake Chalet ( 1520 Lakeside Dr.), as well as to a host of tasty options along Grand Avenue, from Ethiopian cuisine at Enssaro ( 357A Grand Ave.) and Korean barbecue at Jong Ga House ( 372 Grand Ave.) to comfort gourmet at Grand Lake Kitchen ( 576 Grand Ave.).

Arguably best known for its remaining apricot orchards, Mountain View's neighbor, Los Altos, is one of the most charming, Main Street USA–evoking downtowns in the Bay Area—well worth a stroll and a lunch break. Anchored by a grand clock at the intersection of its two main streets, the small business area is split between Main Street and State Street, where both run for roughly five blocks. Linden Tree Books ( 265 State St.) is the signature boutique in town, and families drive from many miles away to browse the children's book selection and attend the book talks and other events a few days each month.

Popular breakfast and lunch spots along Main Street include Red Berry Coffee ( 145 Main St.), Manresa Bread ( 271 State St.), Tal Palo ( 149 Main St.) and The American Italian Delicatessen ( 139 Main St.). In the evening, crowds descend upon the contemporary farm-to-table cooking at ASA ( 242 State St.) and Cetrella ( 400 Main St.), contemporary Indian cuisine at Aurum ( 132 State St.), yakitori specialist Sumika ( 236 Plaza Central), and craft cocktails at Amandine Lounge ( 235 1st St.). A five-minute drive from downtown takes you to Chef Chu’s ( 1067 N. San Antonio Rd., Suite 1300), an institution for excellent Chinese cooking.

Situated at the southern end of the San Jose sprawl as the last city stop in the Bay Area before Santa Cruz and the gateway to the Santa Cruz Mountains, Los Gatos is a fun, exciting city that has also maintained its small-town vibe. The downtown area is almost L-shaped, where Santa Cruz Avenue connects with Main Street for two different thoroughfares that feel like one together. Along Santa Cruz, there’s the beautifully renovated art-deco-style Los Gatos Theatre ( 43 Santa Cruz Ave.). Excellent cocktails and seasonal eats are served at The Lexington House ( 40 Santa Cruz Ave.); standout pizzas at Oak & Rye ( 303 Santa Cruz Ave.); notable pastas are offered at The Pastaria & Market ( 27 Santa Cruz Ave.); fantastic breads and pastries from Manresa Bread ( 40 Santa Cruz Ave.); and house-made brews are showcased at Loma Brewing Company ( 130 Santa Cruz Ave.). Elsewhere in downtown on the small side streets are creative cocktails from Los Gatos Soda Works ( 21 College Ave.), the unique gluten-free Italian cooking of Polenteria ( 10 Victory La.), and modern Spanish tapas at Telefèric Barcelona ( 50 University Ave., Suite B270).

Beyond downtown, Los Gatos is a residential city with a variety of neighborhoods and parks. Vasona Lake is a beautiful reservoir within a county park ( parks.sccgov.org) that includes a children's railroad pulled by a steam engine and is a must-visit for families. At the far northern tip of the city is the headquarters of Netflix.

Mill Valley locals congregate on weekends to socialize in the coffeehouses and cafés near the town's central square, but it's buzzing most of any day of the week with the lunchtime crowd, tourists, and Marin residents running errands. The Mill Valley Depot Café & Bookstore at the hub of it all is the place to grab a coffee and sweet treat while reading or playing a game of chess. Shops, restaurants, and cultural venues line the nearby streets.

Tiburon's narrow Main Street is on the bay side; you can browse the shops and galleries, walk with a coffee or gelato, or relax on a restaurant deck jutting out over the harbor.

The stunning headlands stretch from the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Beach, drawing photographers who perch on the southern heights for spectacular shots of the city and bridge. Equally remarkable are the views north along the coast and out to the ocean, where the Farallon Islands are visible on clear days. Hawk Hill (accessed from Conzelman Road) has a trail with panoramic views and is a great place to watch the fall raptor migration; it's also home to the mission blue butterfly.

The headlands' strategic position at the mouth of San Francisco Bay made them a logical site for military installations from 1890 through the Cold War. Today you can explore the crumbling concrete batteries where naval guns once protected the area. Main attractions are centered on Forts Barry and Cronkhite, which are separated by Rodeo Lagoon and Rodeo Beach, a dark stretch of sand that attracts sandcastle builders and dog owners.

If you're curious about the rehabilitation of marine mammals from the Pacific—and the human practices that endanger them—stop by this research hospital and rehabilitation center for rescued aquatic creatures. An observation area overlooks pools where sea lions and seals convalesce, and informational exhibits explain the center's history and work. You'll learn even more—and get closer to the animals—on a 45-minute docent-led tour.