Are you interested in touring some of San Francisco’s landmarks by bicycle but weary about the idea because of the City’s steep hills? We have the solution – a flat ride from South of Market (SoMa) to the Mission District. This is a great ride for all skill types and has some must-see stops along the way. Want to take a ride in the East Bay? Check out our ride around Lake Merritt. Don’t have a bike? No problem!
Photo courtesy of Eastwind Books' Facebook pageEastwind Books of Berkeley is located just a short walk from the Downtown Berkeley BART Station. Established in 1982, Eastwind offers a specialized selection of books in Asian and Asian-American literature and poetry, history, culture, martial arts, cookbooks, unique art supplies, textbooks for members of the community and for Cal students too. Many books for sale are bilingual so learning new languages is possible thanks to this unique, small (yet diverse) independent bookstore.
You will find local Alley Cat Bookstore not far from the 24th Street BART Station in the heart of San Francisco’s Mission District. Walk through the rainbow bright streamers (door is always open) and stay awhile. Find a chair and get lost in the pages of a book amidst an old-world setting.There’s something for everyone at Alley Cat Bookstore, which features tall, sweeping ladders (ask first) throughout the store to reach floor to ceiling half-new, half-used books, many in English and Spanish.
Photo courtesy of YelpEscape the hustle and bustle of downtown San Francisco at Alexander Book Company, just a half block from the Montgomery Street BART Station. Once inside this three-story book haven (accessible elevator available for patrons) you will find everything from top selling New York Times blockbusters to unique choices in the foreign literature, California historical, essays and music sections. Don’t forget to look for the Indies Introduce Debut Authors titles as you walk throughout the store.
East Bay Booksellers, located on colorful College Avenue, is a true local hangout with a personal touch for reaching the community. Be sure to look at the events calendar located at the window on your way inside. Plan your own visit accordingly to see many local, self-published and established authors who shine at readings and book signings.East Bay Booksellers carries 98 percent new and 2 percent used books in a warm setting, complete with cozy leather chairs to sink into and a fireplace to warm your feet.
Books on B, located in downtown Hayward, is where the locals gather in the community to read, converse and learn about what’s happening in Hayward. Renee Rettig, a local longtime bookseller (former bookseller at The Book Shop, which closed after being in business for more than 50 years), wants this independent bookstore to shine like bookstores used to be in smaller towns.
Photo courtesy of bart.gov Plan a school field trip with BART. If you're a teacher planning a classroom outing, BART is an inexpensive way to take your group on a field trip.
Get on your riding leathers and check out a motorcycle museum, then strap on your boots for a hike up to a spectacular vista point before jumping back in time to the pioneer days of the 1800s on this
Mix together two neighborhood tours, add in a stop at a building full of architectural surprises, top off with a stroll through a food and art corridor, and you've got a recipe for urban adventure on this BARTable walk in Oakland.Walk Time: 2 hours | Distance: 4 miles | Terrain: Level sidewalks (with one hill)
Playt serves Southern comfort food, cocktails and plenty of Southern hospitality.