How do you feel about waking up on a Sunday before sunrise? Not too keen on the idea? Well, think again. I love to sleep in on weekends too, but one day I was determined to get myself out of my bed and into the car - for a lovely morning in the Bay Area. Read on!

We got into the car (I live in South San Francisco) just as the sun was making its first foray into the sky. The drive to Golden Gate Bridge was traffic free and lovely - especially as we drove along the Pacific ocean on the Great Hwy. The bridge looks lovely in the morning - the fog slowly ebbing away as the first rays of the sun warm up the bay. We drove on the bridge, and parked at the vista point north of the bridge.

Then you walk on the bridge - the air is crisp and cool, and the water below shimmers in the morning sun. Across the water, still amidst the Bay Area's trademark fog, you see the distinctive San Francisco skyline. As it gets around 7 am, you start seeing more and more joggers and walkers, and the cars zip by. True, the sound of the cars might take away from the otherwise tranquil surroundings, but it also reminds you of the greatness of the Golden Gate Bridge - it is after all a functional bridge, linking Marin County to the Bay Area and yet remaining beautiful and majestic.

After our hour-long walk on the bridge (punctuated of course by various stops to admire the scenery), we got back into the car, to drive northward toward Sonoma. The drive is lovely, and soon you're in the idyllic wine country, surrounded by gently undulating hills with their neat grape plantations. As you take the Hwy 121 exit into Sonoma, you can't help wondering how the wine country remains so quiet and different from the bustle of the Bay Area just a few miles away.

You will probably be in Sonoma by 9 am, and most stores and restaurants are not open yet. But head on to East Napa St (just east of First St.) to Cafe La Haye, attached to the La Haye Art Center. Be the first customers when they open for Sunday brunch at 9:30 am and you will likely be seated next to a window by the sidewalk. The place is casual and the menu is simple but delicious: We had the farm omelet with white cheddar and scallions, served with hasbrowns, and the wonderful cinnamon french toast. My dining companion also enjoyed her freshly squeezed orange juice, and the coffee was good too. Service was impeccable. And while you are eating, look around - there are paintings and art pieces everywhere, even in the restrooms. Good food, great art!

You will be stuffed after that delicious breakfast, so it's time to walk around Sonoma. Quaint stores, sunny courtyards, expensive shops, lovely weather. What more could you want on a lazy Sunday morning? The town wakes up as you walk round - stores open, locals get their morning coffee, and unlike its better known cousin Napa, you are not overrun by tourists.

We drove back around noon, crossing the Golden Gate again. This time it was more crowded, and the city was fully awake and busy. Time to head back home, relax, and enjoy a movie on video, while the rest of the world jostle each other out of their way.

Recommended: Yes

Best Suited For: Couples
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime