PhillyB;13969 said:
I will be traveling to the Berkeley, CA area at the end of May this year. I will be a short distance from San Francisco (I believe it is ~16 mile ride) and will have some free time during my stay to do some sight seeing and general relaxing. I believe a lot of people on this forum are from the area and I am wondering if you had any suggestions for places to visit, things to see...
Aquariums?
Nice bay areas? Any places I can do some "natural" sight seeing/hiking?
Good Cali. Food stops!?
Other stuff?
Any suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks!
I live here so I ought to know a thing or two

Albany Aquarium is right next to Berk.
Aqua Forest is near Japanatown and Ocean Aquarium is a short ride from there.
I'd see those.
Food, well, hard to go wrong in China town, or to know what you are eating, North beach has lots of great Itaian food, there's a great Chinese place in Berk, there's Spangler's Fish Grotto, and old school fish diner in Berk, Berk has lots of places to eat. Several good Indian and Thai food places.
There are museums all over.
I'd suggets you drive over to Marin county for hiking and nature.
Go out to Pt Reyes to McClure's beach. You will not be disappointed.
Make a day of it. Drive up and over MtTam, one of the best views you'll ever see.
Beaches in Marine are wonderful.
Fairfax Bolinus highway is the best little curve road through and is a super drive.
Many hiking trails abound.
The best hike in Marin is likely the hike to Alamere Falls in Pt Reyes.
4.1 miles each way, Bass lake is a great place to do the tarzan rope swing 30ft in the air. Best swimming hole in Marin. Note, plenty of Aquatic plants on the hike and lots of flowers.
The hike is about 3 miles along the bluffs overlooking to coast, then you hike down to Alamere falls, about a 50 ft year round water fall spilling directly onto the beach.
The drive along HYW 1 north or South of SF is awesome.
The farther you go, the neater it is.
Regards,
Tom Barr