The Bay Area Bucket List: Simply the best things to do in and around San Francisco

My friends often call me a de facto representative of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, since I'm always such an advocate for the city and its surroundings. A common refrain from me is that it's "just a better life" out here -- with our amazing culinary culture, our proximity to so many incredible places from mountains to beaches and everything in between, our big city benefits yet small city feel, and our unique ability to welcome diversity of people, thought (not sure about this one anymore -- we may be closed-minded about being open-minded, but that's not the topic for this blog entry), culture, etc.

In writing this Bucket List, I recognize that one of the very things that I appreciate most about the Bay Area is that you can truly stumble upon a magical new place or sensory discovery at almost any moment. However, a "bucket list" is a list of activities or experiences you want to ensure you've had before you die. I audaciously claim that you have not sufficiently enjoyed this place as a resident nor have you really seen what the Bay Area has to offer as a tourist if you've missed any of the following wonders:

In "The City"

• Ferry Plaza Farmers Market -- Go early on a Saturday morning if you can, in order to have access to the best bounty from the local area farmers. Try to find dry-farmed Early Girl tomatoes from Dirty Girl Produce, figs of many varieties at Knoll Farms, lettuces from Star Route Farm, goat cheese made fresh that morning from Bodega Goat Cheese. Any day of the week, you can and should enjoy a cheese sampling at Cowgirl Creamery, a fresh marshmallow from Michael Recchiuti Confections, an apricot or plum or cherry tart from Frog Hollow Farms, the biggest mushroom selection I've ever seen at Far West Fungi, olive oils from Stonehouse, coffee from Blue Bottle Coffee Co, oysters and amazing grilled cheese at Hog Island, great Vietnamese food at Slanted Door or Out the Door, one of the best value meals anywhere at Il Cane Rosso, and an incredible Ahi burger at Gott's Roadside. 
• Seeing the San Francisco Ballet or listening to the San Francisco Symphony in the Stern Grove wooded amphitheater -- I'm not sure there's a better setting for music or the arts anywhere. If there is one, it needs to be on my life's Bucket List.
• A Giants game at AT&T Park -- Arguably the most aesthetically impressive stadium in professional sports, it's a downtown park with views of the Bay and absolutely not a single bad seat.
• Walking Land's End trail -- At and around the very tip of the San Francisco Peninsula with gorgeous views through the Golden Gate and across the mouth of the Bay to the Marin Headlands
• "First Tuesdays" at SF MOMA -- The first Tuesday of every month, you can get into SF MOMA for free. It's usually a bit crowded, but it's also usually well worth the visit and the wait.
• Sailing on the Bay -- Find a way to get on the water, move without a motor, and see the city from a completely different angle.
• Bay to Breakers -- I'm not sure there's more of a signature event for the city than this, and it's always one of the best weekends of the year to be in town.
• Golden Gate Park and all its splendors -- The park has so many things to offer, it's definitely undervalued by many. Check out the rose garden, the North American Bison, and the all-white-wearing lawn bowlers.Or just grab a book, find a tree and read.
• San Francisco's best takes on Italian Food -- Delfina and Dopo (in Oakland)
  
• Running through the Presidio -- Find a trail and go.
• The best and most unique Cafes -- Grab the best bread you can get, some baked goodies, or a sandwich at Tartine and grab a coffee from the Japanese siphon bar at Blue Bottle Coffee

Outside "The City"

• An oyster picnic at Hog Island in Marshall (Point Reyes) -- Bring your own oyster shucking knife, and be sure to enjoy some Kumamotos and Sweetwaters (I prefer the extra small variety, but they'll give you several size choices).
• Weekend trip to Tahoe -- In sun or snow, Lake Tahoe is a destination for outdoor fun. North shore, for sure.
• A day in Healdsburg -- Perhaps the "cutest" town in California about 1 hour North of The City, you can eat well, shop the square, and enjoy local Russian River Valley wineries without the hype and touristy madness of its sister valley over the hill, Napa. Make a picnic for yourself from Oakville Grocery, enjoy a burger at Healdsburg Bar and Grill, or step it up a notch (or three) and dine at Cyrus. Favorite wineries nearby: Dutton-Goldfield, Williams-Selyem, Gary Farrell, Copain and Rochioli.
• Eating in Yountville -- Tuna tartare and fish tacos at the Bar at Redd; cream of tomato soup en croute at Bistro Jeanty; fried chicken at Ad Hoc; oysters and croque madame late-night at Bouchon
• Hiking Mount Tamalpais -- Through the trees, across the streams and down to Stinson Beach from the Pan Toll station, you can take a zillion different routes; they're all worthwhile. Do it in the sun, and also, do it in the fog and in the rain. They're each distinct experiences that bring such different colors, sounds and smells. Just be prepared for the weather, and enjoy!
• A summer concert, at sunset, at the Greek Theater in Berkeley -- You'll have the incredible backdrop of a colorful sunset over the Bay while enjoying the tunes.
• A visit to Chez Panisse -- This is what started it all (whether it's San Francisco's foodie culture, or California Cuisine, or being a "locavore", or enjoying sustainable or organic farming processes). Go see for yourself what Alice Waters did to revolutionize food.
• Whitewater river rafting on the Tuolomne River -- You can do one day or an overnight trip. While there are loads of terrific river rafting experiences available in California, this one tops the rest with exciting adventure combined with over-the-top natural beauty and seclusion.
• Touring Steinbeck country in Salinas and Monterey -- While you're at it, check out the 17-mile drive in Pebble Beach, but focus on some of Steinbeck's old haunts and landscapes.
• An overnight trip to Mendocino -- Great coastal village with local farms, beautiful walks along the sea, and a real old-time California feel. 
• A beer on the lawn at The Pelican Inn -- Preferably after a hike along the coast to Muir Beach on a sunny day, go inside to this traditional English pub and have them do a real "pull" of a draught English stout or ale, then bring it outside and sit down on the front lawn with friends and enjoy.
• Views, vines and vino in Rutherford and Calistoga -- Favorite wineries for both good settings and great tastings include Quintessa, Joseph Phelps, and Ridge.

Do you love one of our great museums, have a favorite overlook in Half Moon Bay, enjoy going to the Chabot Center, swear by a particular yoga class, or eagerly await some annual event every year? Surely, I've missed some experiences that I may have forgotten or should be added to my own personal Bay Area Bucket List, so please nominate your favorites!