Los Gatos CA
If you want culture in Silicon Valley, this is your best bet. Historic architecture, an All-American Main Street, cute boutiques, and a wide variety of restaurants, Los Gatos feels like a 21st century version of a Norman Rockwell painting. Easy to get to because of its proximity to Highway 17.
21000 Big Basin Way
Saratoga CA
P: 408.741.4994
Tucked away in the foothills of the Santa Cruz mountains just outside of Saratoga, Hakone is one of the few truly authentic Japanese gardens in America. With four unique gardens created to offer beauty in all seasons, twisting gravel paths, waterfalls, koi pond, a bamboo park and a replica of a 19th century Kyoto tea merchant’s home, it makes a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of Silicon Valley.
Shadow Cliffs Regional Water Park
Activity/Event/Show Reviewed: Water Park
Address: 2500 Stanely Blvd.
City: Pleasanton
Phone: 925.829.6230
From Website: A haven for swimming and fishing can be found at Shadow Cliffs, only a mile from downtown Pleasanton on Stanley Boulevard.
Shadow Cliffs, formerly a gravel quarry, was donated to the Park District by Kaiser Industries, and its assessed value of $250,000 was used to obtain a matching grant for development of the park from the U.S. Bureau of Outdoor Recreation.
With this start, the Park District has developed a 296-acre park including an 80-acre lake and a four-flume waterslide, with ample parking and picnic grounds. There are facilities for the disabled.
The swimming beach has a bathhouse and refreshment stand, open on weekends in spring and fall, and daily during summer months.
Lifeguards are on duty only during the summer months, but swimming is allowed throughout the year in the designated area, at the swimmer’s own risk.
http://www.ebparks.org/parks/shadow.htm
www.bestofbayarea.com
Web Directory – Events Calendar – Newsletter
Gibson Road
Z: 94129
While Ocean Beach attracts the tourists, locals know that this beach is more wind-protected and has a stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge. You may see a sizable collection of nudists, so this may be a “family beware” beach. Drive through the majestic Presidio to get here and descend the stairs just off Lincoln Boulevard.
Skyline Boulevard at Highway 35
San Francisco CA
P: 415.239.2366
Looking for a cliffside view of a wind-swept coast? Go south on the Great Highway to Fort Funston at the south end of San Francisco where you’ll be treated to hang-gliders that fly precariously close to the cliffs, horseback riders galloping along the surf, and virtually every breed of dog and dog owner.
