One of my favorite parts of a recent visit to San Fran/Napa was driving the long and scenic way up the coast on Highway 1. Just before the turn off inland towards Petaluma is Tomales Bay where tons of oysters are aqua-farmed and harvested. If you want to grill/shuck your own along with a picnic, stop at The Tomales Bay Oyster Company or Hog Island Oyster Company for a large bag. If, like us, you travel a little lighter (without an industrial sized cooler, let's say) drive further towards the small town of Marshall and The Marshall Store which has its own shellfish-centric no frills restaurant.
Simply shucked oysters served with a mignonette were good, as was a crab sandwich with incredibly fresh heirloom tomatoes, but best were the local specialty, barbecued oysters. They were warmed on a grill and served with a hard to place herb and tomato sauce. Very hearty, and entirely appropriate for the cloudy, chilly day.
You really can't beat the ocean views or the super fresh from the water eats served right on the dock.
