Three day trips from San Francisco: Sightseeing by ferry

There’s a reason the Bay features so prominently in the region’s moniker. The San Francisco Bay connects San Francisco to the East Bay, South Bay and North Bay. How best to see it all? Get on a boat, of course!

Sausalito Ferry: The Golden Gate Ferry runs boats to Marin, including quaint Sausalito. It’s such a good time that the prestigious Society of American Travel Writers voted it the second most exciting ferry ride in the world. From the boat, you can see the Golden Gate Bridge, the Berkeley Hills, Alcatraz, and San Francisco. Rent a bike from Bike and Roll in North Beach or Fisherman’s Wharf, and cycle over to the Ferry Plaza to catch the boat. Some people take the ferry one way and then bike the other, to experience the Golden Gate Bridge two ways. Try the Hotel Vitale near the Ferry Plaza as a base.

Tiburon: Several ferries can take you to Tiburon, an upscale town on the water in Marin. Popular with locals, take the boat to Sam’s in Tiburon for Sunday Brunch. A dining spot since 1920, this bay-side restaurant is a favorite for its views and its menu. Try the crab cake benedict or mussels in garlic.

Angel Island: This island, near Alcatraz, is the largest in the Bay Area. It was used as a military base and immigration stop throughout the years. Once there, take a naturalist-led kayak tour, hike, mountain bike, or explore the military sites. Several ferries can take you there.

For the Tiburon and Angel Island trips, consider staying at Fisherman’s Wharf at the Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf or Radisson Fisherman’s Wharf.

- Debbie Abrams Kaplan of Frisco Kids and Kaplan Ink

[Flickr/Franco Folini]