BEST VIEW/DECK

Quinn’s Lighthouse
51 Embarcadero Cove
Oakland, CA 94606
(510) 536-2050
www.quinnslighthouse.com

This historic building was once the Oakland Harbor Lighthouse, but in 1966, the lantern was disassembled and moved to another location. It’s now a relaxed dockside restaurant serving up casual American grub and a couple of award-winning seafood dishes to complement their very impressive beer and wine list.  The vibe is totally low-key, and the view of the marina and the downtown Oakland skyline from Quinn’s deck absolutely serene. Grab a beer or a nice glass of wine and snuggle up with your honey outside on the deck. Watch the boats sailing in and out of the estuary and daydream about someday being the captain of your own yacht. Hey, it could happen!

Valhalla Restaurant
201 Bridgeway
Sausalito, CA 94965
(415) 332-2777

The panoramic views of San Francisco, the Bay, and Angel Island from Valhalla’s dining room have often been described as “magical.” Our readers agree, but the amazing view is really just a part of Valhalla’s charm. The historic waterfront building, originally built in 1870, has quite an interesting history. Oh, if these walls could talk, they’d have quite a story to tell. Over the years, the quaint dining room has hosted a colorful cast of quintessential San Francisco characters–slick politicians, gun-toting gangsters, foul-mouthed madames, and other assorted rapscallions. Nowadays, the clientele isn’t quite so bawdy but folks still like to stop by after a day of shopping to feast on excellent international cuisine and watch the fog roll in through the Golden Gate.