What can you do in Northern California for two weeks in June and July?

[NYCfixie]

So, following up tp this thread: What can you do on Cape Cod for two weeks in June and July?, my wife and I decided we are headed to SF and surrounding areas (we already booked the tickets).

These two links seem interesting:

The Big List of Northern California Strange & Unique Spots

Ultimate Northern California - 10 stops (8-10 days)

[lumpy]

Now you're talking.

[Matthew Strongin]

Go follow Houston around for a couple weeks. You'll have a blast. Other than that...are you bringing bikes? Do you like wine? Do you like to eat? Hiking and nature? Let us know a couple of the types of things you like to do for fun and I'm sure we can give you some can't miss destinations. Northern California has a lot to offer.

[NYCfixie]

I would die trying to keep up with Houston, Lionel, and others. Maybe if Lionel loans me his Porsche, I can try and keep up with them on the bikes.

Have not been back in a loooooooooooong time. Work in tech so use to fly out all the time in late 90s and early 00s. Very excited to be going back.

Not bringing bikes but might rent. My wife likes wine but I do not drink. We love to eat (anything great from the local taco joint to 5 star restaurant). Anything active and outdoors works for us. I am tempted to bring our moto clothes and helmets so we can rent something fun for part of the trip.

Thought we might head to Yellowstone, Tahoe, Redwood Forrest, and a few other places depending on how much driving we want to do. Will stay a few days in each location. Flying in/out of SFO.

Go follow Houston around for a couple weeks. You'll have a blast. Other than that...are you bringing bikes? Do you like wine? Do you like to eat? Hiking and nature? Let us know a couple of the types of things you like to do for fun and I'm sure we can give you some can't miss destinations. Northern California has a lot to offer.

[alexstar]

What can't you do? At that time of year the world is your oyster. Great cycling, hiking, etc etc etc as you well know. Popular tourist spots, like Muir Woods, will be crowded on weekends, so maybe go on a Tuesday or something.

The restaurant scene is alive and well. Oakland's dining scene has exploded in the last few years as people flee SF. For example, I just had a meal at Juhu Beach Club that was truly memorable.

If you're familiar with the area from the 90s, although some things have changed, many things have not. Alcatraz, for example. Book well in advance (read: now). Some other old standbys are still there, but have been rebuilt or renovated - like the Cliff House, redone about 15 years ago now, a definite improvement from the previous version. Same goes for the de Young museum and the Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park - both must-visits IMO. South of Market (SOMA) has changed too -its safe now, but boring. The Westfield Mall on Market Street @ Powell is worth a visit just to see the old dome from the Emporium.

Catch a Giants game if you can. The ballpark is a gem. And tickets are cheap because the Giants stink this year (even though we're on a roll right now!).

For wine, skip Napa and head to the Santa Cruz Mountains for a more intimate, less polished-marble-clad experience.

Have fun!

[sonicw]

You could take a trip from Reno to Mendocino

[Mark Walberg]

Ride a rented bike from Palo Alto area to Pescadero an back. A great ride. A beautiful ride. Be sure to stop for espresso in Pescadero.
You can rent a good bike form Bike Connection, or several other places.

[Lionel]

Ride a rented bike from Palo Alto area to Pescadero an back. A great ride. A beautiful ride. Be sure to stop for espresso in Pescadero.
You can rent a good bike form Bike Connection, or several other places.

If you do this let me know, I'll go with you !

[NYCfixie]

Ride a rented bike from Palo Alto area to Pescadero an back. A great ride. A beautiful ride. Be sure to stop for espresso in Pescadero.
You can rent a good bike form Bike Connection, or several other places.

If you do this let me know, I'll go with you !

I would like too but I think my wife is pushing for a spa/pool/drink/walk/drive vacation rather than an active one.

We might get on a scooter or motorcycle but that might be the extent of our two wheeled adventures. As I have yet to be an active participant in the planning, I only booked the flights, I am not sure how much choice I will have at this point but how can we go wrong with 2 weeks in Northern California.

[Lionel]

how can we go wrong with 2 weeks in Northern California.

You can gain 10 pounds. Trust me on this one.