The San Francisco Bay Area comprises beach, rugged shoreline, metropolis and remote terrain. This combination provides for a wide range of outdoor activities. For the adventurer willing to seek out the freebies, there's plenty to do on a limited budget.
Walk the Golden Gate Bridge
The 1.7-mile-long bridge is open to pedestrians and cyclists during daylight hours. Get access to the bridge sidewalks by starting at Crissy Field, part of the Golden Gate National Park. There is limited, free street parking on Mason Street adjacent to Crissy Field. The park is also accessible by public transportation. From Crissy Field, follow the trail to the short staircase to the east, or Bay-facing, sidewalk; continue on the path, under the bridge to the west, or Pacific-facing, sidewalk.
Go for a Sail
The Cal Sailing Club in Berkeley holds an open house, one Sunday a month, at which visitor's get the opportunity to learn how to sail on the San Francisco Bay. Open house is hosted March through November. Availability is on a first come, first served basis. Sign up in front of the clubhouse between 1 and 4 p.m.
Hike the Marin Headlands
At the first vista point, you're looking down at the Golden Gate Bridge, swirling hawks and turkey vultures and sailboats cutting the waves. The view is spectacular. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco and take the Alexander exit, turn left at Bunker Road. Follow Bunker Road and enjoy the vista points on the way to the visitor's center. Access hiking trails from road side parking near the Rodeo Lagoon and Rodeo Beach at the end of Bunker Road; less than a mile from the visitor's center.
Visit with Astronomers
Located on the summit of Mt. Hamilton east of San Jose, Lick Observatory offers visitors a 15-minute guided tour that includes taking a look at the Great Lick Refractor in the 36-inch telescope dome and a view of the Shane Dome, a 120-inch Reflector used to observe activity outside the solar system. The observatory is about an hour outside of San Jose. Tours begin outside the gift shop every half hour.
Stroll the Garden
The Japanese Friendship Garden, a gift from sister city Okayama, is actually part of the 156-acre Kelley Park in San Jose. The British Broadcasting Company (BBC) calls the Japanese Friendship Garden, "the most hidden gem of the park." Replete with koi ponds, a tea house and hidden benches, the park was designed for strolling and contemplation. Spring brings copious blooms that scent the air while the trees and ponds provide respite from blazing summer heat.
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