Photo courtesy of Lima.
You’ve seen the lines already. With shelter-in-place mandates starting to ease and restaurants slowly reopening at the same time that summer has hit, be prepared to wait for a table. Everybody wants that coveted two-top to social distance outdoors while being served their favorite meal and drink.
Usually when someone tells you to “take it outside,” it’s not a good thing. But right now, the sudden uptick in restaurants taking their seating outside has been a sight for sore eyes.
Editor's note: Due to COVID-19, please note that some trails, restaurants, and theaters are closed or have limited operating hours.
Tucked between the East Bay hills and Mount Diablo are two cities that have created vibrant, walkable downtowns and kept their family-friendly, rustic charm. But don’t take our word for it.
At 3,849 feet, Mount Diablo is the tallest mountain in the East Bay. The summit is high enough to receive snow in the winter months, and on a very clear day you can see almost 200 miles, including the Sierra Nevadas.
On the way to the top, you’ll encounter several different habitats including beautiful rolling hills, rocks, oak trees, chaparral, sagebrush, and grasses, not to mention incredible views.
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.
Photo courtesy of The Greek Theatre. Every genre has a home in the Bay Area, which is a major stop for internationally touring acts—and BART helps make the process of witnessing a live show an easier part of your routine. No parking required. It’s one thing to don headphones on public transit zoning out to your latest favorite band; it’s a whole other thing to head out on a train to see that same band performing steps away from you. Refined jazz, indie rock, world music, or dance pop? Foreign or local ensemble?
If you're lucky, you'll spot Snoopy along the Bay Trail in Berkeley. Photo courtesy of Tom Holub.
Editor's Note: Please wear a mask and keep a physical distance of at least six feet while riding the trains or at an in-person event. Before you travel on BART, use our Trip Planner to get estimated arrival and departure times. Learn what to expect when you return to BART here.