Sounds like fun.
It's a little old hat (not the trendiest anymore) but the Fog City Diner is really good and will probably satisfy both your foodie tastes and your husband's less curious approach. Check out their website for the menu.
Alcatraz is really a neat trip. The views of SF from the excercise yard are truly spectacular-must have been a special kind of punishment.
Don't miss the Japanese Garden in Golden Gate Park, but at all costs, avoid Fisherman's Wharf.
North Beach is a neat area. The City Lights Bookstore is still there and fun to poke around in. You're likely to see some famous writers, if you can recognize them. The readings are always interesting.
For something really fun and a truly unique experience, reserve some tickets and go through the Tactile Dome at the Exploratorium. I know, you don't do museums, but this one is really fun! The Tactile Dome is a geodesic (sp?) dome within the museum, that you explore in the dark. You crawl through these different tunnel, shutes and rooms looking for certain items. It's a blast to do with kids too.
A lot of people don't know it, but the ACT (American Conservatory Theater) stages some of the best theatrical productions in the country. I know, Broadway gets all the attention, but if you want to see cool plays with up and coming stars (think Denzel Washington before everyone knew him) go see a show at ACT-they are always good. I've seen Elizabeth Pena and Olympia Dukakis in live productions there.
If you have a car, it's a wonderful drive to cross the Golden Gate to check out Sausilito (a little too snooty in my view) but also Mill Valley, and then drive up to Point Reyes along the Pacific Coast. The Muir Woods will be along the way-not to miss. Near Point Reyes there is an earthquake observation center that has some really nice walks and interesting information about fault lines that run through that area.
Of course, if you go to Berkeley, go eat at Chez Panisse. Why go to the Bay Area and not eat there?
Have fun!!!! |