In Three Days

If we weren't on tight purse strings, I'd have you rent a car and head to the Wine Country for a day of wine tasting, but that would probably blow your budget. Instead, we're going to do one of my all-time favorite things to do on my day off -- ride a bike from Fisherman's Wharf to Sam's Anchor Café in Tiburon (that small peninsula just north of Alcatraz Island). The beautiful and exhilarating ride takes you over the Golden Gate Bridge, through the heart of Sausalito, and along the scenic North Bay bike path, ending with a frosty beer and lunch at the best outdoor cafe in the Bay Area. And here's the best part: You don't have to bike back. After lunch, you can take the passenger ferry across the bay to Fisherman's Wharf -- right to your starting point. Brilliant. Start: Powell-Hyde cable car line. Bus no. 10, 19, 30, or 47.

1. Rent a Bicycle

Walk, take a bus, or ride the Powell-Hyde cable car (which goes right by it) to Blazing Saddles bicycle rental shop at 2715 Hyde St., between Beach and North Point streets near Ghirardelli Square (tel. 415/202-8888). Rent a single or tandem bike for a full day, and be sure to ask for: 1) a free map pointing out the route to Sam's in Tiburon, 2) ferry tickets, 3) a bicycle lock, and 4) a bottle of water. Bring your own sunscreen, a hat (for the deck at Sam's), and a light jacket -- no matter how warm it is right now, the weather can change in minutes. Each bike has a small pouch hooked to the handlebars where you can stuff your stuff.

Fun tip: While you're here, ask about the GoCar rentals -- they're a blast to drive and a great way to explore the city. Also, they talk to you.

Start pedaling along the map route to Golden Gate Bridge. You'll encounter one short, steep hill right from the start at Aquatic Park, but it's okay to walk your bike (hey, you haven't had your coffee fix yet). Keep riding westward through Fort Point and the Marina Green to Crissy Field.

2. The Warming Hut

At the west end of Crissy Field, alongside the bike path, is the Warming Hut (tel. 415/561-3040), a barnlike building where you can fuel up with a light (organic, sustainable) snack and coffee drinks. Several picnic tables nearby offer beautiful views of the bay.

3. Biking the Golden Gate

After your break, there's one more steep hill up to the bridge. Follow the bike path to the west side of the bridge (pedestrians must stay on the east side), cross the bridge, and take the road to your left heading downhill and crossing underneath Hwy. 101. Coast all the way to Sausalito.

4. Exploring Sausalito

You'll love Sausalito. Cruising down Bridgeway is like being transported to one of those seaside towns on the French Riviera. Lock the bikes and mosey around on foot for a while.

5. Horizons

If you're thirsty, ask for a table on the bayside deck at Horizons (558 Bridgeway; tel. 415/331-3232) and order a Bloody Mary, but don't eat yet.

6. North Bay Tour

Back on the bike, head north again on the bike path as it winds along the bay. When you reach the Mill Valley Car Wash at the end of the bike path, turn right onto East Blithedale Avenue, which will cross Hwy. 101 and turn into Tiburon Boulevard. (This is the only sucky part of the ride where you'll encounter traffic.) About a mile past Hwy. 101, you'll enter a small park called Blackie's Pasture. (Look for the life-size bronze statue erected in 1995 to honor Tiburon's beloved "mascot" Blackie the horse.) Now it's an easy cruise on the bike path all the way to Sam's.

7. Sam's Anchor Café

Ride your bike all the way to the south end of Tiburon Boulevard and lock your bike at the bike rack near the ferry dock. Walk over to the ferry loading dock and check the ferry departure schedule for "Tiburon to Pier 39/Fisherman's Wharf." Then walk over to Sam's Anchor Café (27 Main St.; tel. 415/435-4527), request a table on the back patio overlooking the harbor, and relax with a cool drink. Sweet.

8. Ferry Ride Back to San Francisco

When it's time to leave, board the ferry with your bike (bike riders board first, so don't stand in line) and enjoy the ride from Tiburon to San Francisco, with a short stop at Angel Island State Park. From Pier 39 it's a short ride back to the rental shop.

After all this adventuring, it's time to reenergize your body and soul with another Irish whiskey at the Buena Vista Café (2765 Hyde St.; tel. 415/474-5044, across from the cable car turnaround), a short walk from the bike rental shop. After libations, take the cable car back to your hotel for some rest and a shower; then spend the rest of the evening enjoying dinner.