Love Where You Live: 10 Amazing Ways to Experience the Best of the Bay

With the 3-day weekend approaching, maybe you have some free time to enjoy some treasures in the Bay Area! With all of the hustle and bustle that comes with living in the Bay, sometimes we forget to take a moment to enjoy everything it has to offer. Why not take some time to be a tourist in your own city? It could be fun!

Here are 10 fun ways to experience the best of the Bay:

1. HAVE A PICNIC AT STOW LAKE 
Romantics looking for a quiet escape, look no further than the serene Stow Lake. Found in the heart of Golden Gate Park, this Bay Area attraction is the perfect escape paired with a fun activity! Choose between the electric or pedal boat on the calm waters and enjoy the landscape.
 
2. VISIT THE BAY BRIDGE AT NIGHT
Does a dazzling light display from the amazing San Francisco waterfront sound like an incredible experience? Ranked among the largest light installations in the world, the Bay Lights put on a mesmerizing show every night starting at sunset and through the morning.
 
3. DINE AT TOP OF THE MARK
If you love a breathtaking rooftop venue, than this Bay Area attraction is for you. Among the classiest of its kind is Top of the Mark, perched atop the InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco. With its 360-degree panoramas, you will be able to truly take in the city.
 
4. CLIMB THE MORAGA STAIRS AT GRANDVIEW PARK
Discover a secret passage to a scenic hill in the Sunset District—the Moraga Stairs are a beauty to behold. Their vistas spread over the neat layout of San Francisco’s west-central neighborhood, with the waters of the bay sparkling in the distance.
 
5. VISIT OAKLAND’S FRUITVALE NEIGHBORHOOD
Formerly called Brays, Fruitvale is known to be the home of the city’s largest Hispanic community. To experience the cultural festivals and delectable dishes, Fruitvale is a must visit in the East Bay. A trip to the main strip will offer an array of colorful, vibrant buildings. You can tour the Peralta Hacienda, go mural hunting in Rue de Merde, or look at exhibits in the Institute of Mosaic Art. For foodies, the best activity to do is to go taco-hopping! International Road is rich with taco food trucks and you will have access to all the tacos you want. Make sure to also visit the Goodwill parking lot and 22nd Street for more taco options!

6. HIKE MOUNT TAMALPAIS

Located in Marin County, Mt. Tam is a great place for those looking to hike around the Bay Area. You can also cycle, horseback ride, or even hang-glid here! Mt. Tam is renowned for its incredible views, redwood trees, gorgeous sceneries.

7. SAN JOSE JAZZ FESTIVAL

Enjoy live music with San Jose Jazz’s annual Winter Fest concert series. This year they have invited some of war-torn Ukraine’s top musicians to participate. The concert series will be held Feb. 16^th through March 3^rd at various San Jose and Santa Clara University venues. Tickets range from free-$45; donations to Ukrainian humanitarian efforts are encouraged and facilitated on their website at www.sanjosejazz.org where you will also find more information!

8. Try Acclaimed New Restaurant, Vida, in Mountain View

Vida is a stunning new Spanish restaurant in downtown Mountain View. The focus of the restaurant is tapas/small plates and craft cocktails, but also has an offering of large plates including 3 types of paella! This indoor-outdoor restaurant has delicious offerings and a very aesthetically pleasing design. For more details, click hereà www.vidatapasmv.com

9. Dine at Casa Nostra in Ben Lomond

Enjoy a fabulous dinner in the redwoods at this cozy Italian restaurant and Taproom. Not far from Big Basin Redwoods State Park, the oldest state park in California, which offers trails, waterfalls, and plenty of spectacular nature to enjoy just outside the Bay’s urban jungle. After a day at the beach in Santa Cruz or post Big Basin hike, nothing is better than a big bowl of pasta! The Ravioli Del Bosco is a must try with the limoncello semi freddo for dessert…

https://ristorantecasanostra.com/index.html

10. Staycation at Cavallo Point

This historic boutique hotel is located at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge and offers a picturesque and peaceful experience. Enjoy spectacular views, partake in cooking classes, and indulge in self-care at their spa with one of their fantastic body treatments and a soak in the pool. Sometimes we don’t have to travel far to enjoy a vacation, consider the prospect of a staycation instead…