California, Here I Come

I'm heading for a panflu meeting in the East Bay/San Mateo area next month. As with most business travel, I don't get to see or do much that is touristy with these trips. Most business travelers say the same, but I'm making an exception for this trip. I was Googling around this weekend and discovered that the Castroville Artichoke Festival is a couple of days after my meeting. I'm going to take a couple of days off for the first time in six years and go play tourist/foodie. I'll get a couple of free days in the Bay area before I head for Castroville in the Central Valley. Restaurant and museum recommendations are welcome, along with all of the other quirky stuff that only the locals know. I'll go buy a Rough Guide, but the locals know the best. I need accomodations with Wi Fi, but beyond that it's just a clean bed and bath and I don't need luxury.

I've never been to the Bay Area except on business, and I've never had a chance to scope out the things that are interesting to tourists. Have you got suggestions for the things that are "you must not miss?" I've never been to Chinatown, for example, but what other cultural markers are absolutely necessary? Public transit is pretty good in the Bay area, so I don't want to have to rent a car until I take off for the Valley (and I've driven in SF and would just as soon give it a pass.)

Help a girl plan her trip to your city.