When wine nights, book clubs, happy hours and potlucks feel stale, it’s time to mix it up. Thank God you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, amiright? Explore a new place and invigorate some thrill into your next date with your bestie.
1. Half Moon Bay Ritz Carlton
Views on views on views. I bet you didn’t think there was a place in the Bay Area where you could watch world-class sunset (Instagram filters not necessary) while hearing bagpipes and roasting marshmallows?
Behold, friends, there is, and you should head up Highway 92 to experience it. If you feel like spoiling yourself beyond cocktails, views and fire pits, there’s a spa and, of course, the luxury of the hotel itself.
And…it’s dog friendly!
Afterwards, go for a Highway One cruise. Enjoy the wind in your hair and the Beach Boys in the stereo as you rip along the California Coast. Honestly, you should have done it yesterday.
2. Coppola Winery
Coppola, as in Nicolas Cage’s uncle and Sophia’s pops. Wine and cinema – these folks know how to live!
Winery + pool = a day you won’t forget. To top it all off, there are props from Francis Ford Coppola films like The Godfather and Dracula stationed throughout the estate.
Pool passes and cabines are a mighty hard thing to find, but enjoying a taste poolside has nearly as pleasant an effect.
3. Stanford Dish
A hike with a view – I mean Stanford boys, but the Bay’s not bad either. On weekends, get there early for parking and then head to University Avenue or Tootsie’s at the Barn on campus for an outdoor brunch.
4. Brunch at The Cliff House
At $55, it’s a bit of a splurge, but totally worth experiencing once – especially if you’re entertaining guests from out of town. Views of the Pacific perched atop Ocean Beach while eating unlimited amounts of extremely delicious food. And unlimited champagne. You’re welcome.
5. The San Francisco Symphony
Yes, you heard right. Not just for retirees who come from old money. You can see movies ranging from classics like Casablanca to Disney’s Ratatouille screened with a live orchestra. How many people do you know can say they’ve seen that?
Other themed nights include A Night in Paris (much cheaper than a ticket to La Ville Lumière) and a tribute to John Williams. Bring on the Harry Potter and Star Wars.
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