Outdoor Activities Around the Bay

My lovelies, what are you doing over this long weekend? If you don't have plans yet, here are some fun outdoor options around the Bay Area for you to consider.

The Dish

Commonly known as “The Dish”, this trail loops around a giant radio telescope. The Dish, 150 feet in diameter, scans the sky for activity from other galaxies. Pretty cool, right? Besides the satellite dish being an awesome sight to be seen, the views from this 4 mile trail are stunning, as is the abundant wildlife all around you. Make sure to wear a hat and sunscreen – the sun always seems a bit hotter on The Dish! Also note that dogs are not allowed.

Directions from San Francisco: Take Interstate 280 South to the Page Mill Road exit. Turn left (North) onto Page Mill Road toward Palo Alto. Turn left at Junipero Serra Boulevard and then right onto Stanford Avenue, where you can park.

The Fire Trail

This trail in the Berkeley Hills makes you feel like you’re miles and miles away from civilization. The 7-mile loop is pretty hilly so bring water and wear very comfortable shoes. If you don't want to do the entire 7-mile loop, hike until you see a big wooden bench (it should take you about an hour), where you can sit and take in the awesome view. It’s a very peaceful setting, yet you will also definitely break a sweat. 

Directions from San Francisco: Take 80 East, exit at CA-13/Ashby Ave, turn left onto College Ave, right at Dwight Way, left at Prospect St, right at Bancroft, left onto Canyon Rd, then right on Centennial. Drive up past the Strawberry Canyon Pool until you see a gravel/dirt parking area to park. The entrance to the trail is on the left side.

The Yuba River

The Yuba River has hundreds of great spots where you can hike, swim, lay on a rock, and enjoy being in nature. My favorite spot to go to is at the old 49 Bridge in Grass Valley. You can find information about different spots to visit here.

Make sure you bring lots of water, a snack, towels, and sunscreen as it gets really hot up there and there aren’t any stores to buy food or water for miles. After a sun-soaked day at the river, make a stop at the quaint downtown of Nevada City for a refreshing ice cream at Treats and check out the cool stores for interesting presents and trinkets. 

Directions from San Francisco: It depends on which spot you choose to go to but take 80 East to 49 North then check the link above for specific locations. Enjoy! 

Have a wonderful weekend!