I was lucky enough to call the San Francisco Bay Area home from 2009-2015. Here are a few of my favorite things.

Berkeley

Do

• Berkeley Bowl: Not your average grocery store — a veritable treasure trove of produce. I could spend all day perusing the aisles.
• Strawberry Canyon: A great hike with a wonderful panoramic view. The trail also connects with Lawrence Berkeley Hall of Science, which boasts some great activities and photo ops for the family.
• UC Berkeley: It goes without saying.

Eat

• Bakesale Betty: Once, I literally cried because I realized I wouldn’t make it in time to get a fried chicken sandwich from this magical hole-in-the-wall. It is that delicious.
• Cheese Board Pizza: This bakery and pizzeria is beloved by all. On a good day, you can stroll in and grab some goods and a slice of their daily vegetarian pizza. On a great day, you can catch live music and meet the entire neighborhood.
• Flaco’s: You would never suspect that vegan Mexican food could be so good. Their tamales are wonderful, even by non-special-diet standards. I frequented both their brick-and-mortar and the farmers’ market stalls where they began.
• Gregoire: Deep-fried potato puffs — one of my favorite things in the world. Their seasonal, rotating menu and barebones, sustainable ethos made this a cheap gourmet option during undergrad.
• Ici Ice Cream: Fantastic artisanal ice cream. My sister makes sure this is a pit stop every time she’s in the East Bay. You’re in luck if they’re serving any rose flavor.
• Top Dog: A college town classic. I can’t count how many late nights I’ve ended with a bird dog, heavy on the mustard, from these joints.
• Vik’s Chaat: Incredible Indian street food, and very reasonably priced! A fun and bustling cafeteria-style restaurant, it also features a well-stocked market on its premises.
• Wat Mongkolratanam: Known among students as Thai Temple, this Sunday-only food feast is prepared by the Buddhist community and an experience in and of itself. Many meat and vegetarian dishes are offered, but I always make sure to end my meal with an order of mango sticky rice.

San Francisco

Do

• The 16th Ave Tiled Steps Project: A little-known neighborhood gem, these mosaic steps were a community project (and feature some very expensive, intricate wares from Heath Ceramics). Very pretty, with a sweeping view of the Sunset district at the top of the stairway. Climb up the remainder of the hill, to Grand View Park, for a 360 panorama of the entire city.
• Alcatraz Island: I’m usually not one to suggest tourist traps, but the tour is actually pretty moving. Be warned that it does get very busy, so I’d try to go during weekdays. I’ve heard great things about the night tours, as well.
• The Ferry Building: An institution. The Saturday farmer’s market is not to be missed, as great farmers, producers, and food vendors are in attendance. Plus: free samples galore.
• Golden Gate Park: One of the best things about San Francisco, I’d recommend starting your journey near the 9th and Irving entrance (in my favorite neighborhood in the city). Stop by the Japanese Tea Garden for pretty landscapes. The DeYoung Museum‘s tower is open to all visitors free of charge and offers a breathtaking 360 of the city. On Thursday evenings, check out Nightlife at the California Academy of Sciences for an unbeatable date night.
• Land’s End: An absolutely lovely urban hike. Go to the Lookout for a cup of joe and a view of the Sutro Baths ruins, or stop by the San Francisco VA Medical Center’s canteen for a cheap meal with a million-dollar view. The trails in the area lead to some stunning vistas of the ocean and Golden Gate Bridge. See if you can find the rock labrynth, made out of pebbles laid out in a maze pattern.
• Twin Peaks: The highest point in town! There are few things more beautiful than the view from the top of the mountain on a clear night.

Eat