Great Escape: A World Destination Across the Bridge

Leave the kids with your parents, take a break from chauffeur duty, and let us help you find a great escape. Every Wednesday, we'll feature a fun (often free) way for you to escape from it all. This week, just take a world-class trip across the bridge.

San Francisco is a top destination for world travelers, but for us living here it is only a hop over the pond. 

This weekend stash the kids at a sleepover, pack an overnight bag, and leave your car and your troubles behind the waves of the ferry boat leaving from Larkspur. The city awaits. Upon your arrival, grab a picnic of cheeses and breads at the ferry terminal and wander down the way to a bench overlooking the bow and arrow and the bay. Stroll through Union Square and take in some window or real shopping.

Really treat yourself by staying at the Ritz Carlton up on the Club level, where they offer an incredible array of culinary delights throughout the day and into the night. The spread is more than enough for every meal, with beverages and cocktails, all for one lump sum -- a somewhat large lump, but so worth it. Or stay at any number of hotels, like the Hilton on Union Square where a room can be found for $159 on Expedia and explore one of the thousands of restaurants on what seems like every corner.  

You could spend every night here for three years eating at a different restaurant and never go to the same one twice. But, you may only have one night away from it all, so make the most of it -- whether that’s with dim sum in China Town or a private table at Gary Danko or Masa’s.

Take in the sights, the sounds, the smells and the sweet knowledge that here you can be a tourist, but you're never really a tourist; this is your city and home is only a beautiful ferry ride away. Enjoy!