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Tennessee Valley is a diverse recreation, hiking and outdoor area that's just a 20-minute car ride from San Francisco. You'll need a car for this day trip, so rent one for the day or look into ZipCar to go on an excursion that will show you some of the most beautiful vistas the Bay Area has to offer and give you some respite from the hustle bustle of urban life.

From San Francisco, drive north on route 101 over the awe-inspiring Golden Gate Bridge. You'll take the Stinson Beach exit to get to Tennessee Valley Road, which will lead you directly to the parking lot and start of the Coastal Trail, part of the Marin Headlands Loop. The trail will take you up a steep incline for sweeping views of the ocean, and when you curl around the ridge you can hike down to Muir Beach for a dip in the Pacific - the water may be chilly, but it's fully worth it.

When you've worked up a healthy appetitive from the hike, swing by Hotei for lunch. The authentic Japanese restaurant in the Sunset has the best noodle bowls around, and it's reasonably priced. From there, spend a leisurely afternoon in the Mission's Dolores Park and people watch to your heart's content while sprawling out in the grass and soaking up the sun.

For cocktails and dinner, walk just one short block to Pizzeria Delfina. They have some of the best gourmet, thin-crust pizzas in the city, and their wine selection is excellent.

If you're still hungry after dinner, stroll across the street to the Bi-Rite Creamery for an ice cream. This is locally-made ice cream with all local ingredients. You can't beat it. Perfect way to top off and active day.