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About this guide
A large diaspora of cultures, countries, and cuisines is represented across the Bay Area, featuring Black-owned businesses, restaurants, and accommodations along the coast. The iconic Northern California region has stunning ocean views and coastal mountains. The scenic route through Napa Valley takes travelers to picturesque vineyards and wineries. From soul food to jazz clubs, the Pacific Coast is brimming with history that shaped its culture.
- Best time to travel: March to May and September to November
- Time zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST)
- Currency: USD ($)
- Language: English
- Noteworthy: Black Joy Parade (February), Bay To Breakers 12K (May), San Francisco Pride Parade (June), Outside Lands Music Festival (August), Oakland Black Cowboy Parade (October)
- Best for: Beach Getaway, Food & Wine Tours, Outdoor Adventure, Friends Trip, Coastal Trip
Get Away: Getting To and Around The Bay Area, California
By Air
The Bay Area has three airports: San Francisco International Airport, Oakland International Airport, and San Jose International Airport. These multiple airports provide flexibility for travelers, depending on the location of their accommodations in the Bay Area.
By Car
Traveling by car is beneficial as the Bay Area covers a lot of landscape. Rental cars are available near the airports; however, keep in mind different gas, tolls, and parking fees. Known for heavy rush-hour traffic on weekdays, it's best to plan routes with enough time to reach different destinations.
Public Transit
The Bay Area has three main public transit options offering a smoother trip along the coast. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, San Francisco's most comprehensive public transit system, includes buses, light rail, and cable cars. Golden Gate Transit serves the North Bay area operating buses running across the Golden Gate Bridge. It also connects to San Francisco and the Golden Gate Ferry for service between Marin County and San Francisco.
Explore The Bay Area On Foot
The Bay Area has many different neighborhoods to explore, with parks, scenic vistas, and interesting attractions complementing its laid-back charm. The varied terrains include beaches, cliffsides, rolling hills, and forests. Opportunities for outdoor recreation include Muir Woods National Monument, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, and sightseeing iconic landmarks.
Quick facts
Pacific Standard Time (PST)
USD ($)
English
Good For
Beach Getaway
Food and Wine Tours
Outdoor Adventures
Group Trip
Keep in mind
- Black Joy Parade (February)
- Bay To Breakers 12K (May)
- San Francisco Pride Parade (June)
- Outside Lands Music Festival (August)
- Oakland Black Cowboy Parade (October)
Gourmet
Gourmet: Places To Eat In The Bay Area, California
Led by Executive Chef and Owner Nelson German, the Michelin-recommended AlaMar Kitchen & Bar restaurant serves a Cajun-influenced menu. The Caribbean-inspired drinks make this a popular spot to wine and dine after a fun day in the city.
Inspired by the owner’s Dominican roots and African ancestry, Sobre Mesa serves premium small-batch Caribbean spirits and artisanal aromatics. The tapas menu of the sister lounge to AlaMar includes roasted bone marrow, picadillo empanadas, and roasted stuffed ripe plantains.
Mela Bistro is an Ethiopian restaurant with a relaxing atmosphere that combines natural elements and modern design. Executive Chef Adiam Tsegaye crafted a bold mouthwatering menu highlighting seasonal ingredients.
ZZoul Cafe is one of the only authentic Sudanese restaurants in the San Francisco area. Owners and chefs Aref and Dalia Elgaali curated a menu that features generational family recipes everyone will love.
The family-owned Kowbird restaurant delivers mouth-watering crispy chicken plates and sandwich recipes. Freshly made Southern-style sides include french fries, mac and cheese, cabbage slaw, and chicken salad.
Founded by self-taught Pastry Chef David Benton in 2009, Black-owned Sugarsweet Cookie + Cake Studio combines old-fashioned baking with modern design. The menu has handmade, chemical-free desserts with a twist of fruity and savory flavors.
Play
Play: Things To Do In The Bay Area, California
Founded in 1960, the oldest independent Black-owned bookstore in the country, Marcus Bookstore offers an extensive collection of works by Black authors and artists. For book lovers and history buffs, the store hosts monthly events and discussions about Black culture.
Led by Oakland natives, this downtown food tour showcases the vibrancy of Black-owned restaurants in the heart of Oakland. Guests can visit local partnering restaurants that offer amazing globally-inspired food.
The gorgeous views of the Pacific Coast cannot be overstated on this San Francisco Sunset Catamaran Cruise. For an hour and a half, guests will enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the skyline while sailing past Alcatraz Island.
A visit to the non-profit Museum of the African Diaspora supports and celebrates the rich cultures of the global African diaspora. Plan a visit around Community Free Day, which is every second Saturday, to enjoy free admission to all MoAD exhibits.
This relaxing wine country tour takes guests to three wineries for some of the country's most recognized wines. With wine-tasting fees included, there's plenty of opportunity to shop or grab lunch at Sonoma Square Plaza or Yountville.
Escape San Francisco's hustle and bustle on the Muir Woods Expedition tour with round-trip transport from Union Square or Fisherman's Wharf. Guests can see California’s iconic redwoods and a have fantastic lunch in Sausalito.
Pier 39 has a 45-acre shopping center and tourist attractions for the whole family to enjoy throughout the day. With over 90 shops and full-service restaurants, there are so many fun things to experience.
Since 1922, the Oakland Zoo has been a staple in The Bay Area. Guests can learn about over 850 animals with exciting attractions like the Wings Over Kenya Safari and California trail exhibits.
