Celebrate Bay Day throughout October

Photo courtesy of Save the Bay.

Bay Day is an official month-long holiday that celebrates San Francisco Bay, its people and wildlife. Save The Bay is celebrating its 5th Annual Bay Day, presented by IBM and in partnership with San Francisco Bay Trail and AllTrails. While we can’t bring our communities together this year, we can connect everyone with the beauty and diversity that exists throughout the Bay Area. 

Explore new parts of the Bay during October. Photo courtesy of Save the Bay.

Bay Day Trail Challenge

From October 1-31, take the Bay Day Trail Challenge and pledge to walk, run, bike, wheel, or paddle 25 miles along the Bay Trail OR choose five adventures to connect and engage with the Bay, your way. There are more than 350 miles of open space and trails to explore and there’s an adventure for everyone. Complete the challenge and you’ll be entered to win the grand prize – a brand-new kayak and a lifetime membership to AllTrails Pro. Register now on the Bay Day website.

Not familiar with the Bay Trail? We highlight some of our favorite sections in the features below.

Bay Trail, Alameda

A project conceived in 1986 by State Senator Bill Lockyer, the Bay Trail is a vision for a connected set of pathways and roads ringing the Bay, providing access to shorelines and waterside parks for walkers and cyclists. Over 350 miles have been created so far, and most of it is BARTable by bike. One of the more accessible segments is along the shoreline of Alameda. Take BART to Fruitvale to start the ride.

San Leandro Marina

The whole family can enjoy this easy out-and-back bike trip to San Leandro's Marina Park. From there, if your legs are feeling good, head south through the mudflats and salt marshes all the way to the San Mateo Bridge in Hayward. Ride BART to San Leandro to begin the ride.

Berryessa Ridge Trail

The newest section of the Bay Area Ridge Trail links San José with local parks, creeks, wilderness and the Bay. From the Berryessa/North San José BART Station, you’ll be able to hike or ride a bike to the Penitencia Creek County Park and Gardens, Silicon Valley Wildlife Center, Alum Rock Park and historic Mineral Hot Springs, and sweeping views of Sierra Vista Point. Take BART to Berryessa/North San José to begin your adventure.

Bay Trail, Berkeley to Richmond

A project partnership between the Bay Trail and East Bay Regional Park District has now closed an important gap in the Bay Trail with a pathway around Golden Gate Fields. You can now ride all the way from Emeryville to Richmond along the beautiful bayfront, mostly on dedicated pathways with little cross-traffic. Ride BART to Ashby to start the ride.

Richmond Bridge and the Iron Triangle

After 20 years of work by advocates, in 2019 Caltrans opened a lane on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge for bikes and pedestrians; more than 1,000 people crossed the span at the huge opening party. Cyclists now have a 24/7 route to get to Marin County from Contra Costa and the rest of the East Bay. Take BART to Richmond to begin the ride.

#RecreateResponsibly

BART and Save The Bay urge everyone to #RecreateResponsibly. Before you head out on your Bay Trail Challenge, grab your mask, water, snacks, and maintain respectful distances while out exploring the trails. Don’t forget to tag us on your adventure with @SFBARTable #SFBARTable #SFBayDay #BayTrailChallenge @savesfbay.