Three days from the airport gate to the Golden Gate — wine-country evenings, a swim under the redwoods, Highway 1 in the afternoon light, and rooftops over San Francisco.
Scoop her up at the International Terminal and point the car south toward San Jose.
Stylish, elevated spot right on Santana Row — easy to pair with an afternoon of shopping. Café Augustine next door if you just want a quick coffee and pastry first.
Open-air shopping and people-watching. Wander as long as it's fun.
Wind down and cook in. Staying in Livermore tonight.
Redwood hike to a clear swimming hole inside Henry Cowell. It's about a one-mile walk along the old train tracks to reach it — bring water shoes, a towel, and water. No restrooms on the trail.
The famous gondola spot — ride the little cable car down to the restaurant, walk the stair-garden back up. The black truffle gnocchi is the move. Reserve in advance; it books up.
Quick scenic pull-off up the coast — cliff views and a cute roadside fruit stand.
The arch and rock formations. Steep, slippery scramble down — best at low tide, which is also what opens up the beach. Free roadside parking.
Walk the Main Quad, Memorial Church, and the palm-lined Oval. Lovely at golden hour.
End the day downtown. The miso black cod is the signature. Staying in Pacifica tonight.
Slow start right by the Airbnb. Grab breakfast at the Taco Bell Cantina on the sand at Linda Mar and eat watching the surf.
The best head-on view of the Golden Gate Bridge, from the Marin Headlands. Windy even when it's sunny — bring a layer. Earlier means fewer crowds.
City views from above. Placeholder is Rooftop 25 — open from 11 on weekends. Reserve ahead. (Easy to swap if you'd rather a different rooftop.)
Built-in breathing room before dinner — wander, walk Crissy Field, or head back to relax.
The stunning glass-atrium restaurant at RH San Francisco. Hit the rooftop for a drink first. Back to Pacifica after.
She flies out Monday morning — about 20 minutes from Pacifica back to SFO.