Re: Best restaurants in SF Bay Area
Depends, really on what interests you and what you want to do. You can easily hit all the major touristy spots, like Fisherman’s Wharf (Pier 39), Alcatraz, GG Bridge, Coit Tower, China Town, North Beach (Little Italy) etc in 3 days. As long as you are planning to see stuff inside SF, public transport will take you all over. The famous SF tram is a lot of fun. But if you plan to explore GG bridge, Vista Points across on the Marin side etc, then definitely rent a car. If you have a car, you can take a drive from SF on Highway 1, South, towards Half Moon Bay and all the way to Carmal. Its windy and scenic and you can stop at all the interesting beaches on the way.
July is probably not the best of times to visit Napa and Sonoma valleys, otherwise the whole wine country is very beautiful when the grapes are in season. If you are into Red Wood forests, then cross GG Bridge, take Highway 1 North and go past Stinson Beach. Probably about 2 hour drive after GG Bridge.
Let me know closer to the time and if your programs are more definitive, and I can point you to more interesting places in the area.