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Bay Area Like a Local: What We Always Go Back For
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items Growing up in the Bay Area means our standards are high. Even though we live down in SoCal now, our parents and in-laws are still local, so we visit all the time. These are the non-negotiable food stops, scenic views, and easy outings that make the c...
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Fairfield & Solano County
Oakland, Alameda & East Bay
San Francisco & Across the Bridge
Fairfield & Solano County
Their cookies are unbelievable and they have spots popping up all over the Bay. If you aren't local, they ship nationwide too! 🙋🏻♀️
Butter Pecan Bakeshop
This was the very first place I ever saw sushi served on a revolving conveyor belt! Such a fun all-you-can-eat experience, and grabbing fresh plates right off the track never gets old.
Fuji Sushi Buffet
The factory tour is super fun for all ages. Don’t leave without grabbing a bag of "Belly Flops"—the oddly shaped factory rejects that taste just as good!
Jelly Belly Candy Store
Hands down one of the best fried catfish spots around. Fresh, hot, and seasoned to perfection every time.
JJ Fish and Chicken
The ultimate "you buy it, we fry it" hidden gem. Pick out your fresh fish or seafood and they fry it up hot, crispy, and seasoned to perfection on the spot.
Soultran's Seafood
Our go-to shopping pitstop right off the freeway. Great selection of brand outlets and super easy to navigate.
Vacaville Premium Outlets
Oakland, Alameda & East Bay
One of the best flat, breezy waterfront walks in the East Bay! You get stunning, direct views of the Golden Gate Bridge and SF skyline across the water, and Cesar Chavez Park right next door is the ultimate spot to fly kites or let the dog run.
Berkeley Marina
An absolute Bay Area landmark! The ice cream is so rich and good—grab a scoop of Toasted Almond or brave one of their giant sundaes. (They have a spot at Nut Tree in Vacaville too!)
Fentons Creamery
Hands down the best view in the East Bay. Pull out onto the shoulder at sunset to look out over the entire Bay, the bridges, and the San Francisco skyline.
Grizzly Peak Blvd
The heart of Oakland! A flat, 3-mile walk around the water with gorgeous skyline views, food trucks, and a great lawn to people-watch or picnic.
Lake Merritt
Our go-to casual Chinese spot. The wings are seriously so good, and the crispy fried tofu is an absolute must-order.
Monkey King At The Brewery
Legendary Bay Area comfort food. The garlic noodles, crab, and fried prawns are unmatched—huge portions and always packed with flavor.
Smellys Creole Catering LLC.
Their handcrafted lumpia is absolutely to die for. So many inventive flavors and combinations—a total must-stop when you’re in the East Bay.
The Lumpia Company
San Francisco & Across the Bridge
The best foodie stop in the city right on the Embarcadero water. Amazing artisan bites, Blue Bottle Coffee, and gourmet market stalls while looking out at the Bay Bridge.
Ferry Building
Yes, it’s touristy, but splitting a warm brownie hot fudge sundae overlooking the bay is a classic for a reason! Great shops to wander through and always an easy, fun stop when you cross the bridge into the city.
Ghirardelli Square
The heart of vintage shopping, record stores, and colorful Victorian architecture. Fun for wandering, grabbing coffee, and checking out iconic Bay Area history.
Haight-Ashbury
Tucked down a historic side alley, you can watch them fold fortune cookies by hand on a vintage 1962 revolving griddle. Grab a bag of fresh, warm cookies to snack on while you explore!
Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory