Christina's Favorite Places Outside SF Guidebook
Sightseeing
Up to 10,000 elephant seals head to shore between December and March. Self guided tours between 8:30am to 3:30pm. Come early. (pre-Covid, I would always see a line of cars.) Come early.
88 habitants recommandent
Ano Nuevo State Park
Up to 10,000 elephant seals head to shore between December and March. Self guided tours between 8:30am to 3:30pm. Come early. (pre-Covid, I would always see a line of cars.) Come early.
Head South on Highway 1 to the beaches in Aptos, CA. (Rio Del Mar State Beach) Oftentimes, the waves are serene here. Less crowds. Swimmers like to join the dolphins out here. (Warning: where there’s dolphins and seals, sometimes Great White Sharks may want to hunt nearby. Evidence in washed up half eaten whales. Just saying…)
17 habitants recommandent
Aptos
Head South on Highway 1 to the beaches in Aptos, CA. (Rio Del Mar State Beach) Oftentimes, the waves are serene here. Less crowds. Swimmers like to join the dolphins out here. (Warning: where there’s dolphins and seals, sometimes Great White Sharks may want to hunt nearby. Evidence in washed up half eaten whales. Just saying…)
October 15th & 16th, 2022 is the 50th Annual Pumpkin Festival. Fair and lots of activities to do in the area.
CA-1, Half Moon Bay, CA, États-Unis
October 15th & 16th, 2022 is the 50th Annual Pumpkin Festival. Fair and lots of activities to do in the area.
California beaches are beautiful but be extra wary from Santa Cruz, heading North to Southern Washington State of “Sneaker or Sleeper Waves” that can pull you away. These may happen during unusually warm days between Fall and Spring. Tips for staying safe at the beach:
Check the National Weather Service Bay Area’s website and social media for coastal hazard advisories and warnings. Arrive knowing the weather, tide and surf forecast.
Never turn your back on the ocean.
Examine wave activity for 20 minutes from higher ground.
Check for wet or dark sand before deciding where to sit.
Build a buffer between you and the surf. Stay further back than you think is necessary and expand the buffer if the beach is low or sloping.
Always have an exit plan. Are you able to get to higher ground easily? Or is it difficult to scramble up the rocks or dunes behind you? If waves do swamp the beach, you should be able to get to higher ground quickly — within 20 seconds — and take into account how able-bodied you are.
Use caution around logs near the water, which can float away or could roll on top of you.
Avoid walking or standing on rock jetties, as waves can knock you off, as well as caves and high-walled bluffs, as tides rise fast and can prevent escape.
Put children in a life vest and dogs on a leash, whenever they play close to the water.
Sources: Tuba Özkan-Haller and the National Weather Service
Cowell Ranch Beach Access
Cowell Ranch AccessCalifornia beaches are beautiful but be extra wary from Santa Cruz, heading North to Southern Washington State of “Sneaker or Sleeper Waves” that can pull you away. These may happen during unusually warm days between Fall and Spring. Tips for staying safe at the beach:
Check the National Weather Service Bay Area’s website and social media for coastal hazard advisories and warnings. Arrive knowing the weather, tide and surf forecast.
Never turn your back on the ocean.
Examine wave activity for 20 minutes from higher ground.
Check for wet or dark sand before deciding where to sit.
Build a buffer between you and the surf. Stay further back than you think is necessary and expand the buffer if the beach is low or sloping.
Always have an exit plan. Are you able to get to higher ground easily? Or is it difficult to scramble up the rocks or dunes behind you? If waves do swamp the beach, you should be able to get to higher ground quickly — within 20 seconds — and take into account how able-bodied you are.
Use caution around logs near the water, which can float away or could roll on top of you.
Avoid walking or standing on rock jetties, as waves can knock you off, as well as caves and high-walled bluffs, as tides rise fast and can prevent escape.
Put children in a life vest and dogs on a leash, whenever they play close to the water.
Sources: Tuba Özkan-Haller and the National Weather Service
Who remembers the Dynasty TV series from 1980’s. It was filmed here in Woodside, CA. Wear comfortable walking shoes and don’t forget your camera. Holiday light show in the early evening before closing. https://filoli.org/events/holidays/
141 habitants recommandent
Filoli Historic House & Garden
86 Cañada RdWho remembers the Dynasty TV series from 1980’s. It was filmed here in Woodside, CA. Wear comfortable walking shoes and don’t forget your camera. Holiday light show in the early evening before closing. https://filoli.org/events/holidays/
The rugged Northern Coast and its ancient coastal redwoods are absolutely awesome! But it’s a long drive! It’s best to schedule at least a couple of days away. Drive on the Avenue of Giants, between tall redwoods. Also drive through a living tree in Leggett, CA. Stop at the Victorian Village of Ferndale. The Skywalk amongst an ancient grove inside Eureka’s Sequoia Park Zoo is a must! Trinidad, further North is beautiful, quiet and quaint. (Beware of steep slopes at any beach edge. Never stand here with your back to the sea. Never let your kids sit and play at slopes like these. Sneaker waves are prominent in areas where there are steep slopes!)
Humboldt County
The rugged Northern Coast and its ancient coastal redwoods are absolutely awesome! But it’s a long drive! It’s best to schedule at least a couple of days away. Drive on the Avenue of Giants, between tall redwoods. Also drive through a living tree in Leggett, CA. Stop at the Victorian Village of Ferndale. The Skywalk amongst an ancient grove inside Eureka’s Sequoia Park Zoo is a must! Trinidad, further North is beautiful, quiet and quaint. (Beware of steep slopes at any beach edge. Never stand here with your back to the sea. Never let your kids sit and play at slopes like these. Sneaker waves are prominent in areas where there are steep slopes!)
We have an aquarium in Golden Gate Park but that doesn’t compare to Monterey Bay.
668 habitants recommandent
Monterey Bay Aquarium
886 Cannery RowWe have an aquarium in Golden Gate Park but that doesn’t compare to Monterey Bay.
Check the tide schedule before taking the hike to the waterfall. Check for beach closures due to elephant seals taking over to give birth (spotted early February).
273 habitants recommandent
Réserve nationale de Point Reyes
Check the tide schedule before taking the hike to the waterfall. Check for beach closures due to elephant seals taking over to give birth (spotted early February).
Time stops in this tiny dusty Western hamlet. You need a vehicle (car or motorcycle) to get here. Park at the end of town in the gravel lot next to railroad tracks. If you wear cowboy boots or at least good walking shoes, you would fit right in!) The town shops keeps odd hours. Best to research before heading out there. “Bull Valley” is a great restaurant! “Theatre of Dreams” is a wonderful little shop that changes with each season. “The Burlington Hotel” is the oldest/longest run hotel in all of California. Locals decorated and name each room after a former Lady of the Night (the hotel was once a brothel where the madame conducted her business from her claw foot iron tub. (If you are a ghost buster/or looking for ghosts, management will kick you to the street!) Don’t ask! They want their invisible guests undisturbed. Head to the cafe for great coffee, homemade baked goods and their local jar of honey. Locals, bikers, Burners, hang out at “The Warehouse”. It was a real warehouse at one time. It is interesting to walk through or grab a drink at the old saloon. Service is not perfect. You might want to offer to cook your own (just kidding!) Dinner and drinks across the street at “Bull Valley” is much better.
There’s a town wide yard sale one day in late May. Get there early to park at gravel lot near train tracks or park at edge of town and walk in.
9 habitants recommandent
Port Costa
Time stops in this tiny dusty Western hamlet. You need a vehicle (car or motorcycle) to get here. Park at the end of town in the gravel lot next to railroad tracks. If you wear cowboy boots or at least good walking shoes, you would fit right in!) The town shops keeps odd hours. Best to research before heading out there. “Bull Valley” is a great restaurant! “Theatre of Dreams” is a wonderful little shop that changes with each season. “The Burlington Hotel” is the oldest/longest run hotel in all of California. Locals decorated and name each room after a former Lady of the Night (the hotel was once a brothel where the madame conducted her business from her claw foot iron tub. (If you are a ghost buster/or looking for ghosts, management will kick you to the street!) Don’t ask! They want their invisible guests undisturbed. Head to the cafe for great coffee, homemade baked goods and their local jar of honey. Locals, bikers, Burners, hang out at “The Warehouse”. It was a real warehouse at one time. It is interesting to walk through or grab a drink at the old saloon. Service is not perfect. You might want to offer to cook your own (just kidding!) Dinner and drinks across the street at “Bull Valley” is much better.
There’s a town wide yard sale one day in late May. Get there early to park at gravel lot near train tracks or park at edge of town and walk in.
Steam punkers and families alike enjoy riding on this steam train in Tilden Park, Berkeley Hills. Fun! And the view is spectacular!
45 habitants recommandent
Chemins de fer de la vallée de Redwood (Tilden Steam Train)
2481 Grizzly Peak BlvdSteam punkers and families alike enjoy riding on this steam train in Tilden Park, Berkeley Hills. Fun! And the view is spectacular!
Beautiful walk through a tree tunnel. (Stay away from the cliff’s edge!)
Seal Cove Cypress Tree Tunnel
Bluff TrailBeautiful walk through a tree tunnel. (Stay away from the cliff’s edge!)
Yosemite is a National Wonder! If you are coming to California for the first time, you really shouldn’t miss it! It’s about a 4 hour drive. If you can afford it, stay in the park. There are good hotels just outside the park within a family’s budget (we do this). February is “Firefall” season when the sunset rays backlights the eastern edge of Horsetail Falls. You will be awestruck with every detail of Yosemite. (Check for road closures due to snow in Winter and smoke due to people being careless and causing forest fires in the Summer!)
257 habitants recommandent
Yosemite Valley
Yosemite is a National Wonder! If you are coming to California for the first time, you really shouldn’t miss it! It’s about a 4 hour drive. If you can afford it, stay in the park. There are good hotels just outside the park within a family’s budget (we do this). February is “Firefall” season when the sunset rays backlights the eastern edge of Horsetail Falls. You will be awestruck with every detail of Yosemite. (Check for road closures due to snow in Winter and smoke due to people being careless and causing forest fires in the Summer!)
Food scene
They lost their lease. Get over here before November 27th. If you missed Burning Man, have no fear! There’s a hidden trek to a secluded marina hidden on the Eastern side of Richmond, CA. The drive wraps around a secluded road. You will drive through a deserted ghost town before arriving at the gravel pit parking area. Wear good walking shoes! Go early. Order great ribs and more and roam around. The view is spectacular!
Check out sfgate for more info.
8 habitants recommandent
Black Star Pirate BBQ
78 Railroad AvenueThey lost their lease. Get over here before November 27th. If you missed Burning Man, have no fear! There’s a hidden trek to a secluded marina hidden on the Eastern side of Richmond, CA. The drive wraps around a secluded road. You will drive through a deserted ghost town before arriving at the gravel pit parking area. Wear good walking shoes! Go early. Order great ribs and more and roam around. The view is spectacular!
Check out sfgate for more info.
Another one of my favorite places is the Swanton Berry Farm in Davenport, along the Pacific Coast on Highway 1. This is an active working farm. There is a U-Pick area, where you can pick your own berries. But my absolute favorite is stopping at the Farmstand. It is quite unique. You pick what you want. You pay via a honor system; use the calculator and make change from the til box on your own. It’s all about trust. Plus it’s bad karma to cheat a hard-working farmer. https://www.swantonberryfarm.com/home/farmstand
35 habitants recommandent
Swanton Berry Farm
25 Swanton RdAnother one of my favorite places is the Swanton Berry Farm in Davenport, along the Pacific Coast on Highway 1. This is an active working farm. There is a U-Pick area, where you can pick your own berries. But my absolute favorite is stopping at the Farmstand. It is quite unique. You pick what you want. You pay via a honor system; use the calculator and make change from the til box on your own. It’s all about trust. Plus it’s bad karma to cheat a hard-working farmer. https://www.swantonberryfarm.com/home/farmstand
Get off BART at Fruitvale and walk over to new Wahpepah’s Kitchen. It’s indigenous culinary delight at its finest from Chef Crystal Wahpepah
Wahpepah’s Kitchen
3301 East 12th StreetGet off BART at Fruitvale and walk over to new Wahpepah’s Kitchen. It’s indigenous culinary delight at its finest from Chef Crystal Wahpepah
Recreation
Mike's Paddle
1124 Ballena BlvdCome to Alameda. It’s an island city in the Bay. The weather is warmer and paddle boarding is a lot easier/safer in these placid waters. They have everything for you to wear. Put on sunscreen and bring a cheap baseball cap (in case you lose it in the water - which rarely happens. It’s so much fun!! Even if you can’t swim.
https://www.mikespaddle.com/
12 habitants recommandent
Mike's Paddle
1124 Ballena BlvdCome to Alameda. It’s an island city in the Bay. The weather is warmer and paddle boarding is a lot easier/safer in these placid waters. They have everything for you to wear. Put on sunscreen and bring a cheap baseball cap (in case you lose it in the water - which rarely happens. It’s so much fun!! Even if you can’t swim.
https://www.mikespaddle.com/
Theatre
Limited performances. January 2022:
Hot off her Netflix Series Pretend It’s a City and national tour, social commentator and culture icon FRAN LEBOWITZ returns to Berkeley Rep for six performances only Jan 21-26. Limited Tix Remain ➡️ https://bit.ly/FranLebowitzBRT
Berkeley Repertory Theatre
2025 Addison StMusic
Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society
311 Mirada RdMusic on the beach. Check out bachddsoc for more information.
Outdoor concerts July through September at Stanford. Check out there website: https://live.stanford.edu/venues/frost-amphitheater
Frost Amphitheater
351 Lasuen StreetOutdoor concerts July through September at Stanford. Check out there website: https://live.stanford.edu/venues/frost-amphitheater
Conseils sur la ville
Ne manquez pas
Port Costa
Article was written before Covid. Research before heading out there. https://marinmagazine.com/travel/local-getaways/a-weekend-getaway-to-port-costa/
Réservez avant de partir
Whale tours in Monterey, CA
Whale sightings are between November to March with a peak in the Summer months of July/August. There are a few whale tour boats operators in Monterey. Check them out!
Ne manquez pas
Take the ferry to Alameda
Bike around Alameda Point (home of the USS Hornet and other decommissioned aircraft carriers). You can tour the USS Hornet Museum. Take Lyft/Uber) to Webster Street or Park Street for dining and shopping. Walk down or drive slowly down Christmas Tree Lane, (Thompson Ave), an annual (rain or shine) family delight since 1938. My favorite is the “Nightmare before Christmas” light show every 20 minutes.
Voyage avec des enfants
Charles Schultz Museum in Santa Rosa
It’s a drive! But kids love it! (Check WAZE App). https://schulzmuseum.org/
Coutumes et culture
Costume Balls
If you time it right, there are PEERS (Period Events & Entertainment ReCreation Society) Costume Balls throughout the year inside the large Elks Lodge*, Santa Clara Ave in “Mayfair USA”, I mean, Alameda, CA (a quaint island city, across the Bay). *Once a year there is an end of Summer 1900’s Edwardian Outdoor Picnic at Lincoln Park, in Alameda. The next event will be a 1940’s Film Noir Dance in February. For more info: https://peersdance.org/noir.html