To help you plan your trip, below are recommended travel itineraries that ensure you won’t miss a thing! Select the four-day San Francisco Bay Loop Route, or the four-day route from Southern California. If you are time-strapped, you can also review our suggestions for one-day excursions from San Francisco.

Four Day San Francisco Bay-Peninsula Loop Route

There is no better way to start the day than watching the ferries and sailboats on the bay while strolling along Fisherman’s Wharf.

Then go tickle your taste buds with some of the typical San Francisco clam chowder or other delicious food at one of the many other delicious eateries along the Wharf.

When you’re done with lunch and exploring the many unique sights, sounds, smells and people of Fisherman’s Wharf, spend the rest of the day strolling, shopping, and eating your way through the many diverse neighborhoods exclusive to San Francisco! Shop at Union Square, visit Golden Gate Park, hop on a cable car, take in a museum.

Overnight in San Francisco

Today is the day to leave the confines of the City behind and go exploring! Depart San Francisco by auto via Highway280 South. This beautiful route takes you along the San Andreas fault-line paralleling Crystal Springs Reservoir and the Santa Cruz mountain range to the west. Stop along the way for some spectacular views.

Continuing south, this route will take you past Palo Alto, home to Stanford University and many leading Silicon Valley tech companies. Soon you’ll enter Silicon Valley proper and exit at Winchester Blvd, the northern edge of the city of San Jose. Make two left turns off the freeway ramp onto Winchester Blvd. Go approximately 100 yards and on the left you’ll find the Winchester Mystery House, the first stop on your excursion.

Spend the morning exploring this 160-room, reportedly haunted mansion built by the eccentric Sarah Winchester, heiress to the Winchester Rifle fortune. The enormous house includes staircases leading into walls, doors that open to nowhere, and other mysterious features. (Find out more at www.winchestermysteryhouse.com or 408. 247.2101)