Northern Comfort

You don't have to drop a load of benjamins to enjoy the grounds at the upscale, yet understated, Cavallo Point Lodge, the tastefully restored reincarnation of historic Fort Baker. Anyone can enjoy brunch or a drink on the wide-open veranda overlooking the complex's grassy, sprawling parade ground. The site is literally around the corner from the Golden Gate Bridge, so it's easy to get there by bike—a short, sweet, and classic way to appreciate the Bay Area's iconic wonders. Start the ride at Crissy Field, cross the Golden Gate, and descend Alexander Avenue, following signs to Fort Baker. When you arrive, head for the Muir Building, home to the wonderfully woody Farley Bar and the elegant Murray Circle Restaurant. The best seats in the house are the veranda's soft-cushioned rocking chairs. Weekend brunch serves up farm fresh comfort food including steak and eggs, house made granola and fruit, and ciabatta French toast. (Prices are reasonable, too). Or just order the mint julep refresher. Either way, you'll likely want to stay a while and savor the tranquility and the views of the bay, the Golden Gate, and the city skyline beyond. This Northern Belle is an original.

Brunch is served at Murray Circle Restaurant and Farley Bar on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (415-339-4750).

Bluffs and Brews

Pillar Point is famous for big wave surfing, but this condensed region of coast-side open space offers big-view hiking too. The ocean-hugging bluff trail starts north of the iconic Mavericks surf break. On the path, scan the sprawling beach below the bluffs, where harbor seals like to lounge on the rocky shore. After a mile the trail merges with a residential street, and from there it's just a few blocks to the thirst quenchers at Moss Beach Distillery's Seal Cove Patio. This staple establishment can get busy on sunny afternoons, but the patio is expansive enough to leave ample elbow-room. If it's chilly, grab a complimentary wool blanket and sit near one the three large firepits. If it's warm, a draught beer is as good as the ocean views.

Moss Beach Distillery, 140 Beach Way, Moss Beach; 650-728-5595. The food at Moss Beach Distillery is pricey (overpriced, in our opinion); bring your own snacks if you're watching your budget. To reach the trailhead: Drive 25 miles down Hwy 1, south of San Francisco. Turn right on Capistrano Rd. in Princeton-by-the-Sea. Turn left onto Prospect Way and right onto Broadway. Make an immediate left onto Harvard and follow it through the industrial area. Turn right on West Point Ave. and continue to the Pillar Point dirt parking lot on the left. Begin the hike by going through the yellow gate across from the parking lot. Follow the paved road uphill toward the antenna. Follow a dirt trail on the left when the road curves right. This is the beginning of the bluff trail. The trail ends at Ocean Blvd.; continue walking a few blocks to the distillery. Both the trail and the distillery are dog-friendly!

Rock the Haus

"The first rule of Tourist Club is you don't talk about Tourist Club." While the location of this Bavarian-style lodge in Mount Tamalpais State Park isn't a total secret, the club can be very hard to find—but it's worth it when you do. From 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekends the club sells pitchers of delicious Austrian beer to the public. The catch? Sweat. It's a 15- to 20-minute hike to the lodge. And there are multiple trails. One starts at the end of Ridge Avenue in Mill Valley. That's all we're saying. Remember Rule #1.

The Tourist Club is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.; it's closed on the second Sunday of the month for maintenance. Groups of more than seven people are not allowed. No dogs.

Think Outside the Aquarium