Things to Do in San Francisco

A local beer pub with an extraordinary beer selection on tap, Toronado Pub is one of San Francisco's most beloved bars. Ask anyone in the city who knows their beer where to find the best, and they'll send you here. The unpretentious atmosphere makes it feel like a local secret, but the bar is well regarded. It also tops lists of the best craft beer bars in America, so you know you're in for some serious beer sipping.

Toronado has more than 40 beers on tap and 100+ more in bottles. The pub updates its draft beer listing online nearly daily, with interesting new finds alongside classic favorites that never change. If you're looking for something seasonal or special, odds are you can find it here. With such variety, it's a fun spot for everyone "” but a must-see for any beer aficionado.

Tomales Bay Oyster Company, which dates back to 1909, is California's oldest shellfish farm. It's situated north of San Francisco on the shores of Tomales Bay, an inlet between Point Reyes National Seashore, on the western edge of Marin County. Its proximity to San Francisco means city-dwellers flock here on the weekends to purchase oysters fresh from the sea.

 

Tomales Bay Oyster Company is located 40 miles (65 kilometers) from San Francisco in the community of Marshall, just north of Point Reyes Station. Unlike neighboring oyster companies, Tomales Bay does not allow on-site picnicking or grilling; you simply buy your oysters and take them to a nearby beach or park to enjoy them. Some Marin County food tours include this as a stop, although many stop at Hog Island Oyster Company or Marshall Store.

 

 

From San Francisco via vehicle, head across the Golden Gate Bridge and north along State Route 1 until you reach the oyster farm on the west side of the road, just past Millerton Point.

 

Tomales Bay Oyster Company is open for oyster sales on Friday 12pm-5pm and Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm. Go early to beat the line.

On your way to Tomales Bay Oyster Company, stop by Tomales Bay Foods in Point Reyes Station to pick up locally made cheeses by Cowgirl Creamery. This Bay Area favorite also has a popular shop in the San Francisco Ferry Building.

Though not as well known as Yosemite's famous Half Dome, at 4,150 feet high a climb up Sentinel Dome offers some incredible 360 degree views of the national park. The 2.6 mile hike up is well-marked with signs and is easy to follow. From the gently-rounded top you can see the whole of Yosemite Valley, including Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, El Capitan, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.  The trail is mostly flat, except for the granite slope to the summit.

Sentinel Dome first became known for the lone Jeffrey Pine tree that grew from its peak. The tree is no longer there, but was well-documented by photographer Ansel Adams. The dome is a sight in itself, but the real rewards are the views from atop. It's a good alternative to the often crowded viewpoints of Glacier Point, and is particularly scenic during the sunset hours.

The trail to Taft Point offers some of the best views in Yosemite National Park. The viewpoint is an excellent overlook of El Capitan mountain and the valley's golden meadows. 

The 2.2 mile, moderate roundtrip hike to Taft Point is well-shaded by tall trees. Winding through an open meadow area, you can see white quartz and granite hills surrounded by dark green pine forest. The hike is relatively easy given the payoff of the dramatic views once you reach the point. 

Most of the trail is flat. There are also vertical cracks visible in the granite cliffs "” these are known as The Fissures. The rocky cracks drop all the way down to the valley floor at points and are an impressive natural sight. You can also see Yosemite Falls from the point at the canyon's edge (not recommended for those with a fear of heights!)

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is known for its eight roller coasters and many animal attractions. The Northern California amusement park is made up of 135 acres featuring more than 40 thrill rides, in addition to an assortment of gentle ride for the less daring. Looney Tunes Seaport, not far from the park's main entrance, is prime for families with young children thanks to Bugs Bunny and his character friends, who often make appearances in the park throughout the day. 

Animals are also a large part of the Discovery Kingdom experience, as a variety of critters are on display, from elephants, tigers, and giraffes to dolphins, penguins, and butterflies. Numerous animal shows are presented on a daily basis, so be sure to pick up a show schedule upon entering the park. The shows featuring sea lions, dolphins, and elephants can be popular, so if the park is crowded, it's wise to arrive a little early to get good seats. Along with the shows, visitors can opt for an add-on animal encounter such as a dolphin swim, giraffe feeding, or trainer for a day experience for an additional fee. Viator does not offer these encounters.