We live in one of the most photographed cities in the
world, but city dwellers have a tendency to forget the unparalleled,
natural beauty sitting just outside the man-made structures of San
Francisco proper. Remind yourself why your East Coast friends are
jealous of your Nor Cal life by taking a good, long look at it. Escape
the city to visit national parks, restaurants, and vineyards for
spectacular views of the landscape.
Here are the 10 best views in the Bay Area.
1. Work for it: Mount Tamalpais | Panoramic Highway | Mill Valley
In exchange for a light dosage of blood, sweat, and tears,
Mt. Tam offers a stunning bird's eye view of redwood forests, oak
groves, and the huge, glittering ocean. Hike or bike to the summit. (mttam.net, parks.ca.gov)
Directions: Take Golden Gate Transit Bus
92 toward Manzanita. Get off in Marin City at Donahue and Terners and
transfer to Marin Transit Bus 61 toward Brighton Avenue. Get off at
Panoramic Highway and Pan Toll Road.
2. The great escape: River's End | 11048 Highway 1 | Jenner-by-the-Sea
Named for the place where the Russian River meets the
Pacific, this unassuming bluff-top restaurant and inn on the Sonoma
Coast reminds us that California is paradise. (ilovesunsets.com)
Directions: Because of its secluded locale, driving is the only way to get there. Consult the map below for directions.
3. Fired up: La Costanera | 8150 Cabrillo Highway | Montara
The only thing better than the Michelin-rated Peruvian
cuisine at this gorgeous Half Moon Bay restaurant is the beachfront
deck, replete with fire pits.
Directions: Take BART to the Daly City station and transfer to SamTrans bus number 110. At the Linda Mar stop, transfer to SamTrans bus 294 and get off at 2nd Street.
Gondola rides, Napa Valley's rolling hills, and world-class vino. Need we say more?
Directions: Hop aboard the Baylink Vallejo ferry, and then take the Napa VINE route 10 bus to Calistoga.
5. Adrenaline rush: Indian Rock Park | 950 Indian Rock Avenue | Berkeley
Beginner and veteran rock climbers alike will go gonzo for
Berkeley's magnificent, craggy rock outcrop. But be careful: If the
climb doesn't halt your breath, the views might.
Directions: Take BART
to the Downtown Berkeley station. Walk to Shattuck Avenue and Center
Street, and take bus number 18 toward Albany. Get off at Sutter Street
and Hopkins Street and walk north to Indian Rock Avenue.
6. Dine at the top of the world: Meritage at The Claremont | 41 Tunnel Road | Berkeley
From its post in the Oakland Hills, this opulent restaurant offers a wine-driven menu and some of the best views imaginable.
Directions: Take BART to the Rockridge station. Take Bus 49 to Claremont and Ashby and walk to Tunnel Road.
7. The deck out: Horizons Restaurant | 558 Bridgeway | Sausalito
Terrible puns aside, sipping a Bloody Mary on this sun-drenched deck is your recipe for a perfect weekend afternoon.
Directions: Take the Golden Gate ferry to Sausalito.
8. Drink it all in: Silverado Vineyards | 6121 Silverado Trail | Napa
Drink fine wines on the terraces of this lovely winery, where views of Napa Valley abound.
9. Rock out: Greek Theatre | 2001 Gayley Road | Berkeley
This impressive amphitheater on the UC Berkeley campus
draws the big bands for its incredible acoustics, but we're pretty sure
the fans love the views just as much.
Directions: Take BART
(Richmond line) to the Downtown Berkeley stop and make your way through
the campus. (You can also catch bus 52 at University and Shattuck and
take it to Gayley Road.) The theater is just off Gayley Road.
10. Golden Gate gazer: The Caprice | 2000 Paradise Drive | Tiburon
Offering misty views of the Golden Gate Bridge and French/Italian cuisine, this small Tiburon restaurant is a treat.
Directions: Take the Blue and Gold Fleet ferry to Tiburon. Walk east along the coast to the restaurant.Article and photo sourced from:
http://offmetro.com/sf/2791/bay-area-views/
