Must See Places around the Bay Area (according to me)

Yesterday I had a lunch with a friend from out of town. I promised to send her a list of must-see places for her next visit to the Bay Area, so here are my choices for places suitable for a weekend visit.


Going North

1. Muir Wood National Monument - if you don't have time to drive to the Redwood National Park, this nice park will give you a peek at the California giants. 30 minutes north of S.F.

About Town

1. S.F. Academy of Science - This recently renovated nature history museum is more popular than ever. Across street is the De Young Museum so you can visit both places in a day. Parking in the Golden Gate Park is a bit hard in the weekend so be prepared. Note the ticket you purchase for De Young Museum can also be used for the Legion of Honor museum so you can combine 3 stops in a day if you are in a tourist mode.
   
2. San Jose Tech Museum - Usually a minor museum, but they are showing Leonardo Da Vinci now (the only stop in North America) so what are you waiting for?
3. Computer History Museum in Mountain View - This place is probably for geeks only. It's right off the Shoreline exit on Hwy 101 in the old SGI building. (Does anybody still remember that company?) It's also blocks away from Google, so contact your Google friend and get a free lunch there.
   

Going South

1. Monterey Bay Aquarium - This world famous aquarium just gets better. Make sure you check out the Moon Jellyfish tank.
2. 17 Miles Drive and Carmel - For general tourists it's "the" tour. For golf lovers you know what to do in Monterey.
3. Point Lobos State Reserve - The crown jewel of California state parks. (You probably know it already if you are reading this blog.) Not convinced? OK, go check out this photo album (http://jiunjiunma.zenfolio.com/p328065535)

Special Interests

1. Lighthouses on Hwy 1 -Lighthouse fans (like me) can visit the Pigeon Point Lighthouse on Hwy 1 (between Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay) and even stay the night in the hostel. There are also the famous Point Bonita (north of SF) lighthouse and a few others along the HWY 1.
   
2. Missions - Feeling missionary? There are a few California missions around the Bay Area all within driving distance, e.g. Misison Carmel, Mission San Juan Bautista.
3. John Steinbeck Center at Salinas - Literature buff may want to pay a visit. You can also visit the old Steinbeck house in town.