Visiting San Francisco Bay Area: The Leonardini Family Way

With summertime fast approaching that also means summer vacation is around the corner. When it comes to vacation spots, one of the Leonardini family favorites is our hometown of San Francisco, Calif. There is so much to do it’s hard to hit everything in one trip, but who doesn’t like a reason (or two, or three) to make another trip to the city by the bay? We’re guessing after hitting the following recommended hot spots, we won’t be the only ones who left our hearts in San Francisco!     

1. Catch a Giants game at AT&T Park

AT&T Park is a city site in and of itself, having been chosen as the 2008 Sports Facility of the Year by Sports Business Journal thanks to its spectacular views and numerous features. As the official home of the 2014 World Series champs the San Francisco Giants, there’s no excuse not to make it out for a ball game.

2. Peruse the Ferry Building Marketplace

With a city so full of rich history like San Francisco, no visit would be complete without getting a little taste. The Ferry Building originally opened in 1898, and offers a burst of energy with the hustle and bustle of its many shops and restaurants that serve food of all varieties including everything from artisan cheeses to freshly caught fish. Our personal favorite eatery to hit is the Slanted Door, a Vietnamese restaurant with excellent cuisine and unrivaled views of the bay.

 3. Hike in Marin Headlands

San Francisco is a beautiful city in so many ways, but particularly in its natural outdoor beauty. One way to take full advantage of all the sites is to strap on your hiking boots and head out to the varied trails of the Marin Headlands. As part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the Marin Headlands offer unrivaled views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

4. Visit to Angel Island State Park

A trip out to Angel Island, the largest natural island in the San Francisco Bay, is a great chance to experience one of San Francisco’s favorite modes of transport—a ferry. Hop aboard and pack a picnic lunch. An extra perk? On a clear day, you can spot Sonoma and Napa from the north side of the island—keep an eye out for us!

 5. Paddle to Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park

Rent pedal or rowboats from the Stow Lake Boathouse and hit the water in Golden Gate Park. Stow Lake, a manmade body of water, is another great opportunity for a history lesson thanks to its roots dating back to 1893. Enjoy the natural surroundings and get a glimpse of a waterfall on an adventure filled afternoon.

 6. Check-out City Lights Bookstore

Known as a “literary landmark,” City Lights Booksellers & Publishers is an independent bookstore that focuses on world literature, the arts, and politics. Literature fans from around the world come to check out the pages that fill City Lights, which are spread throughout three floors of both hardcovers and paperbacks.

 7. Tour the Anchor Steam Brewery

The Bay Area has some excellent craft beers, and for a taste and tour of one of its finest, tour the Anchor Steam Brewery located on Potrero Hill. One of the oldest breweries in the country, established in 1896, Anchor Steam is one of the last breweries to still offer California common beer, also known as steam beer. Try one of their seven year-round beers, or one of their seasonal specialty brews.

 8. Attend a concert at the Fox Theater

Downtown Oakland’s Fox Theater is a former movie theater that first opened its doors to moviegoers back in 1928. Reopening in 2009 as a concert hall, the Middle Eastern influenced design of the Fox make it a must-see for both music and architecture lover alike. To see a listing of their upcoming shows, check out their show calendar here.