Special Summer Features
Tours of AT&T Park - Home of the S.F. Giants
Visit the press box, dugout, visitors club-house, luxury suites, learn behind the scenes facts about the stadium, and loads of baseball history and trivia. If you have out of town guests this spring/summer who are baseball fans, this tour is a must!
Tours meet daily at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm. $6-$10. AT&T Park, 24 Willie Mays Plaza. (415) 972-2400
Tickets and schedules for both the A’s and the Giants.
Oakland A’s visit - www.oakland.athletics.mlb.com/ticketing
San Francisco Giants - www.sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/ticketing
Parkland Pearls
Redwood Regional Park, 3-Mile Canyon Loop, Oakland
This regional park is covered with redwoods replanted after the area was laid bare in the mid 1860s to provide building materials for the new arrivals during the gold rush. This family friendly park is easy to get to, with meadows dotted with picnic benches and playgrounds. Enter the park on the eastern most side, through Redwood Gate, and follow the road to its terminus at the Canyon Meadow Staging area. From Highway 13, take the Joaquin Miller Road east to Skyline Blvd., Turn left (north) onto Redwood Road. Continue down Redwood Road to Redwood Gate on your left. Follow the entrance road to the end of the parking lot.
Mount Diablo, 8-Mile Mitchell Canyon Loop
At more than 3,800 feet, Mount Diablo towers over the East Bay. The Miwok Indians believed their ancestors were created on the mountain, and it remains an integral part of our Bay Area history. This 8-mile trek is a good sampler of what the mountain offers, with a section of trails that take outdoor lovers through much of what the mountain offers - high, sweeping views, dense forest, and a finish through a grassy meadow and the rolling foothills that the East Bay parks are known for. Take Highway 24 east to the 680 split, then exit Ygnacio Valley Road east for about 8 miles, then turn right, traveling south to Clayton Road. After about a mile turn right onto Mitchell Canyon Road. Continue to the trail head at the end of the road, which is about 1.5 miles.
Crissy Field, San Francisco
The restored Crissy Field is a Bay Area favorite, and mine too. It's a place to walk or bike on a flat, hard packed promenade by the bay, and to bring the family for a class, exhibit, or performance at the Crissy Field Center. A wide fully accessible trail slices through Crissy Field between Marina Green and Fort Point and is perfect for an easy walk, jog, or bike, or for strollers and wheelchairs. If you live here in Oakland, and are looking for a flat, safe and scenic place to teach a little-one to ride a two wheeler or get comfortable with the training wheels, you will love this spot. Crissy Field's beach brings you right to the water edge. The waves deposit crab shells, jellyfish, and pebbles to examine and there are driftwood seats for picnic shoreline contemplation. The Crissy Field Center provides hands-on multicultural, state-of-the-art environment education to kids, teens, and adults. Stop by the Center to explore and unwind with a cappuccino at the cafe. You'll be glad you did!
Muir Woods, Mill Valley
A walk through Muir Woods is a meeting one botanist called "a titan race." The world's most famous grove of virgin redwoods grow in a cool, foggy canyon north of the Golden Gate. These tall trees are a spectacular remnant of the vast redwood forests that once graced the slopes and valleys surrounding San Francisco Bay. Easy, flat trails loop through Muir Woods along a creek where salmon spawn each winter. Black-tail-deer, grey squirrels, and other wild creatures roam among the majestic redwoods. At Muir Woods, the average age of the redwoods range from 400-800 years old. The groves tallest tree stands more than 250 feet. While you are there, don't forget to hug a tree and feel the energy.
Mount Tamalpais State Park, Mill Valley
One of the most popular trails on Mount Tamalpais is the Verna Dunshee on the East Peak of the mountain. This 3/4 mile loop trail circles the 2,571-foot summit and provides incredible views of the San Francisco Bay region. The area offers a handful of other leisurely loop trails in the 2- to-4 mile range. See the park Web site for details. Year-round day use: 8:a.m. until sunset.
801 Panoramic Highway, Mill Valley (415) 388-2070
Estero Trail, Point Reyes National Seashore
The Estero Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore is a testament to this park's value as the No.1 getaway park in the Bay Area. As a bonus, it's also a stellar trip for mountain bikers too, with trail conflicts virtually zero. The trail provides a drop-dead gorgeous views of the lagoon, costal foothills and the ocean, with secluded Sunset Beach as your destination pay-off and picnic site. It's a 7.8-mile round trip, rated easy to moderate, with connector links available for longer rides for mountain bikes.
415-464-5100, www.nps.gov/pore.
Sunol Regional Wilderness
Thousands of drivers speed by the park at high speeds every day on interstate 680 south of Pleasanton without a clue of what is available just 6 miles away. If you take the exit near Sunol on Calavaras Road, this is what you will find:
A Backyard Wilderness: : Sunal Regional Wilderness is a big park, spanning 6,800 acres, and is connected to the 9,736 acre Ohlone Wilderness, 4,310-acre Del Valle Regional Park and the 20,000-acre San Antonio/Calavaras Watersheds.
Trail Use: A network of former ranch roads is cut by a mosaic of hiking trails. Which makes this park excellent for all levels of hiking, biking and horseback riding. A short, near flat wheel chair access trail is available into Little Yosemite, the park's best-known destination. Dogs are permitted off leash, provided they respond instantly to your commands.
Wildlife: This oak woodland habitat is loaded with ground squirrels, golden eagles, falcons, and red-tailed hawks. Seeing deer is common, a bobcat or fox is a possibility, and a lucky few might spot a mountain lion.
Little Yosemite Falls: Most newcomers head first to Little Yosemite. Park your car at the far eastern end of the park near the horse corral. Hike on the ranch road along Alameda Creek, cross the bridge and continue over the short hill down to an overlook of Little Yosemite Falls. From here, it's an easy scramble a short distance down to the center of the plunge pool.
Flag Hill: It's definitely a huff and puff tromp, and well worth it. Flag Hill is actually a massive rock outcrop. From here you overlook the valley floor for beautiful views, near and far. Look for sea fossils and Indian mortars.
Urban Explorers
Berkeley Waterfall
Tucked away in the middle of a quiet neighborhood in Berkeley is a waterfall where Codornices is at its best. Many locals who have lived in the area for years don't know about the cascade hidden in the hills, which provides a bit of wilderness right here in our own backyard. The canyon walk drops sharply, so this walk is not suitable for young children.
Enter Codorncies Park on Euclid Ave at Eunice Street 9 across form the Rose Garden). Walk down to the play area for the youngest children; across from the "trolley" climb the natural looking wood and earth steps to the left. You will shortly come to a very long set of concrete steps on your right. This is the continuation of Tamalpais Path. You don't have to walk the entire steps - after about 60 steps, you will notice a small gate on your left with a "private property" sign. The owner does not mind if you enter, just be respectful and don't leave trash. After the gate follow a narrow path through the foliage with the canyon falling steeply on your left. Listen and you will hear the falls before you see them.
Magical History Tour, Oakland
Take a tour of the Mountain View Cemetery and experience flowers, history and dramatic views of the San Francisco Bay. The area was designed by noted landscape architect Fredrick Law Olmsted, whose other credits include New York's Central Park. Tours begin at 10:00AM on the second Saturday of each month and last approx. 3 hours.
510-568-2588, 5000 Piedmont Ave.
World's Best Haunted House Tour, Oakland
Come see what San Francisco Chronicle write John Carol calls "The Best Haunted House." Public tours of the Paramount Theater are given on the first and third Saturday of each month, excluding holidays. No reservations required.
510-465-6400, 2025 Broadway
The Cookie Knows It All, Oakland
Finally, the mystery of how the some how always relevant advise lurking inside a fortune cookie got there - a definite kid stumper - can be revealed. For the answer, just bring your loved ones on a tour of the Oakland Fortune Cookie Factory in the heart of Oakland's Chinatown. It's a perfect rainy day activity, for only $1.00. Tours last about 20 minutes, and you receive a bag of cookies at the end.
510-832-5552, 261 12th St.
Indian Rock, North Berkeley
A volcanic rock outcrop in Berkeley? It's true! Indian rock known as the Northbrae rhyolites that rise up in NE Berkeley, smack in the middle of a residential neighborhood. Indian Rock was a gift to Berkeley from developer Duncan McDuffie, who built the Northbrae and Claremont neighborhoods and believed in linking neighborhoods to their natural environment. The best way to enjoy the rock is to first walk completely around it. You will see the chalk marks on the rocks where climbers practice - and you will probably see climbers themselves. Continue around the clock until you come to two sets of steps cut into the rock. Climb to the very top, where you can rest on a rocky bench and take in a sweeping view that encompasses Oakland, San Francisco, the Marin Headlands, Mount Tamalpais, the Golden Gate Bridge and, on a clear day the San Mateo Bridge as well. Indian Rock is very kid friendly and will keep the little ones happy and climbing for hours. It's also a great date spot for a sunset and a bottle of wine.
Indian Rock can be found on Indian Rock Ave. between Shattuck Ave. and San Mateo Road.
On the Bay
Fort Funston, San Francisco
The best bet here is hiking/jogging south past Center Hole, beyond the National Park boundary. The area from Center Hole to Mussel Rock feels like a lost beach. This is a fantastic doggy getaway.
415-561-4730, www.nps.gov/pore.
McClure's Beach, Point Reyes National Park
This is a treasure, with a great beach front and some little known tide pools. From the bluff tops, remember to take a moment to scan for the puff of smoke spout of passing whales. The parking areas is just 1/4 mile down the road from Pierce Ranch, the No. 1 wild-life-watching getaway in Northern California. Another can't miss bonus.
415-464-5100. www.nps.gov/pore.
Ride The Waves, Bolinas
Bolinas surf school is the premiere surf school in the Bay Area, offering private and group lessons on the best beginner waves in Northern California. Students learn the basic surfing fundamentals, as well as ocean awareness, water safety, wave riding skills, and surf etiquette. Lessons are for all ages and all skills levels.
415-868-0264
Just Dreaming On The Bay, San Francisco,
The Just Dreaming yacht is a masterpiece of design, commissioned in 1962. Her wooded hull was created by masters of the their trade, the Stephens brothers of Stockton, CA. She features classic lines with a hull that rides deep in the water resulting in a smoother, more comfortable ride. This motor yacht can handle up to 42 guests, and features three state rooms, two heads, and a full galley. With her Gatsby-era salon, forward and aft decks, Just Dreaming allows plenty of space for socializing and enjoying the views. She can comfortably sleep 6-8 people. This vintage yacht is available for customized voyages for day and over night trips. Consider a bay cruise, a wine country cruise, or a cruise out to Angel Island for a picnic. Just Dreaming is perfect for a special family day, a party, or a weekend escape.
888-736-2628
Great Escapes
The Pampered Camper, Pescadero
Located off Highway 1 north of Santa Cruz, Costanoa Lodge and its collection of canvas tents, wood cabins, and campsites may look like a state park, but the private luxury lodge and camp ground is anything but rough. Instead of sleeping bags, there are king and queen size beds with down duvets. Forget weenies on a stick. There's a restaurant serving organic local produce, fresh tombo tuna and local vintages. Kids will love the mountain biking, insect hunts and tide pools. You'll love the yoga, horseback riding, and the spa. Unlike the spider infested latrines of summer camp lore, the camping area bathrooms have heated concrete floors. Snag one of the heavy canvas tents (ask for Pine Village's # 29, 30 or 31 for seclusion) or, upgrade to the Douglas Fir Cabins, where you will have access to a wood burning fireplace and outdoor hot tub. The comforts are cozy, but Costano's beauty is in its hiking trails. They start in the resort and continue through the secluded patch of coastal cliffs - offering stunning views.
650-879-1100, 2001 Rossi Rd., @ Highway 1
Paradise Found, Laguna Beach
I realize Laguna Beach is not even close to the Bay Area but this place is a gem, and an ideal setting for family vacation on the beach away from the pina colada - pool side crowd. At Southern California's Crystal Cove State Park, 13 recently restored vintage bungalows opened in the summer of 2007 and reservations are already in high demand. Dating back to the 1930s, the cottages are the last remnants of a bohemian summer costal community, were families slept feet from the surf. The state purchased the property 27 years ago with the intent of developing a luxury resort. But an alliance of non-profit organizations and local residents rallied to keep Crystal Cove the way it had been. Which, amazingly is exactly what happened. Prices are very reasonable @ $165 a night. You can't beat that for a vacation on the beach.
Crystal Cove Beach Cottages- www.crystalcovebeachcottages.org
Did you Know?
Did you know Oakland was named one of the top 10 greenest cities in America?
Did you know Oakland is the only California city that has three professional sports teams - men's baseball, football and basketball? They include: The Oakland A's, The Oakland Raiders, and The Golden State Warriors.
Did you know Redwood Regional Park in Oakland has 1,836 acres?
Did you know Lake Merritt is the largest fresh-and-salt water lake within an urban area in the United States?
Did you know it's 2,127 miles from Zachery's Chicago Pizza on College Ave. to Chicago, Ill?
Did you know Fenton's Creamery has 43 flavors of ice cream and 10 toppings to choose from? |
