Bay Area Recs

[merrhosyn]

So DH and I just relocated to the East Bay and the parents are coming next week...

What are your must-dos in the area for tourists? Things you like that are more off the beaten path? We're into historical sites, culture, arts, museums...open to things within a 1-2 hr driving distance as well.

Any great restaurants you'd recommend for the ambiance or food? We've mostly been eating ethnic food since we arrived, but we enjoy everything.

Thanks in advance!

[honeybadger]

Where in the East Bay are you? I only ask because 1-2 hours from Berkeley is a lot different than 1-2 hours from Livermore, or Antioch.

I'd do a Giant's game if they are in town--LOVE eating garlic fries at AT&T park. A's games are fun, but the crowd is a bit different. Still fun, though, and much cheaper.

I'd go wine tasting--if not Napa, then maybe Livermore? There are some cute wineries out there and it's much cheaper than Napa.

Are they outdoorsy? There is some awesome, easy hiking in the East Bay--Mt. Diablo and Redwood Park come to mind. Even if not, maybe take them to the top of Mt. Diablo--the view is INCREDIBLE! FYI--driving to the top takes about 30 minutes from the park entrance.

Dining-wise...for casual-ish dinners, I love Patxi's Pizza (google it--there are several in the East Bay--the one in Lafayette is my favorite) and Zachary's is a staple (in Berkeley--but there is no dining at the restaurant). My favorite fancy restaurant is Postino in Lafayette (Italian)...In the City, I love Greens (vegetarian--right on the water at Fort Mason). Burger Bar is a chain (also in Vegas and St. Louis, I think), but we like taking tourists there because the burgers are pretty good and the view from the 6th Floor of Macy's into Union Square is nice.

I also LOVE the sandwiches at Ike's (in the City and in uptown Oakland)...SO delicious. My carnivore friends love the Matt Cain. I love the Ugly Owl (vegan chicken, swiss cheese, teriyaki sauce, dutch crunch bread...num num num)...

Have fun!