Top Oakland Tickets & Passes

Called "A Gem of the East Bay," and voted "Best Botanical Garden" by Sunset Magazine (2019), a visit to the Ruth Bancroft Garden offers visitors an opportunity to see cacti, succulents, California natives and other rare and unusual drought tolerant plant species from around the world. The Garden features many large, mature plant specimens, originally planted by founder, Ruth Bancroft, that are not often seen in other dry gardens, making for a unique visitor experience all seasons of the year.

Reach Yosemite easily from the Bay Area on this small-group tour from San Francisco. Avoid the cost of a rental car; you'll travel by bus and train to the park, where entrance fees are included and you'll be provided with a written tour guide. You can use your four hours there however you like, exploring at your leisure, before your return transportation.