Day trip destinations in the Bay Area

[ToolChix]

With gas at record highs, long road trips are likely out this summer, so we are looking to go on a few one or two day trips and explore the (larger) bay area

Do you have any recommendations? Any tips including favorite places to stay or eat are appreciated :-)

[poet]

Wine tasting in Napa is always a good idea for day excursions. Wine, food and good company!! Let me know if you think this is a good idea, and I'll go. Donna

[Bigg]

I like to take myself to the Salvation Army distribution center in Laytonville. It's one of the biggest and cheapest thrift stores ever. The selection is (usually) excellant and the prices are the cheapest of any thrift store I know of. I usually make a stop at one of the wonderful wineries on my way. Then I jog over to Healdsburg's central square to the bakery there... yum... wonderful pastries... and an altogether pleasant day of shopping and relaxing.

Another great day trip is to Calistoga... the day spas there are wonderful. Most have an affordable 'day use' rate. I haven't been there in a while, but the day use fee used to be something like $10. for acess to showers/locker room/ several pools/ picnic tables and BBQ's. You bring your own towels, no service is provided. Drinks and food can be purchased on site or in town.

[Onyx]

I love heading to the beach... Half Moon Bay is a favorite. Make sure you check out the Flying Fish Grill for their fish tacos! They have a very cool Main Street too...

Cetrella's for a nice dinner and/or tapas. Also the Moss Beach Distillery's deck on a nice day is really nice. Let us know if you go.

Anyone else have a favorite day trip?

[LavenderEvents]

Any where with dykes and dogs is good for Mollie (my faithful dog) and I

[Mickey]

Anything involving climbing makes my day. Mt. Diablo has a nice climb. There is a good climb 5 blocks from my house in the Castro, Beaver St. Wall. I have a good time at the climbing gyms too.

The adyke brunches etc. are fun for me too and I usually will try to work a trip around them when possible. For example this Sunday when I go to the brunch at La Pena in Berkeley, I will follow it up with climbing at Berkeley Iron works and then scoot over to Berkeley Bowl for some great produce. All this will be finished off by a trek up to San Rafael to visit my mother in her nursing home.

When I have more time, I like to get up to Yosemite and Tahoe.

Hiking is great too. Any day with hiking in it has to be a good day. An ex from a while back used to take me hiking in the peninsula in amongst redwood trees. Anyone know where that might have been?

And dancing. Love dancing.

Michelle

[poet]

I love dancing, too. There's a nice club in downtown San Jose. And there's a nice hiking trail at Hellyer Park. It runs along Coyote Creek.

[ToolChix]

Favorites:

- Carmel, south of Monterey with an absolutely awesome doggie friendly beach, plus its own guide/map with doggie friendly restaurants (one even has a doggie menu, names escapes me)

- Mountain Winery in Saratoga, off of Route 9 South, just south of Saratoga, has amazing views of Silicon Valley, great grassy area for picnics and a great list of outdoors concerts scheduled all summer

[SpecialK]

Hello! Here are a few ideas I want to share with you....should you decide to head towards the coast...Hwy. 1 is a favorite of mine. If you are from Santa Cruz then you probably know all of the things I listed below:

-If you are seeking some time near the beach, there is a place called "The Grove" down in Santa Cruz. I believe that it is private property/women only lodging (cabins/hot-tubs, mini-farm). Here's the link: http://www.geocities.com/~grove_women/

While you're in Santa Cruz...every Sunday morning is "Women Only" morning at the Kiva Day Spa...from 9am-1pm (I believe). If you've never been...it's a treat...a great place to unwind...a semi-Japanese garden setting (keywords: Tropical floral scenery, Buddha statues, banana trees), hosting onsite massage (reservations required/extra charge), hot tubs, cold plunge, sauna, open air showers, a clothing optional facility.

My favorite restaurants in Santa Cruz:
-Gabriella's Cafe-Located in dwntn. Santa Cruz...a gem of a place, cozy, creative menu, evokes the spirit of the Slow Food movement (high quality local produce & meat products)
-Theo's: Modern Californian, upscale appointments
-Chaminade: Sunday brunch is tops
-Brazil Cafe'- A little spot of heaven...good vibes...try a hearty bowl of Feijoada (the national dish of Brazil...a slow simmering black bean stew)
-Vasili's: Bring an appetite for some wonderful Greek food. Try the Saganaki (a dish of cheese flambe' ...with Ouzo)

-Going up the coast from Santa Cruz (heading North on Hwy. 1) is a very cool lighthouse called "Pigeon Point". I do believe that it is also a hostel. I'm uncertain about the reservation policy so you might have to do some research. The lighthouse is a unique experience in itself.

-Getting back on Hwy 1 (heading North), stop along the various beaches & coves.Then, as you head towards Pescadero...you must stop at "Duarte's Tavern" for lunch. This gem of a place has been family owned & operated for a long time. Try their famous soups or a big ol' slice of their homemade pies.

-Finally, (heading North again on Hwy. 1) stop in to the San Gregorio General Store. It's a wonderful place to hang out. It's a favorite....a little bit of everything and the only game in that little town: A general store, a cafe, a bar, a bookstore, a live music venue and a gift shop. In the winter, the pot belly stove is going and it's really cozy in there...I played a few shows there and the folks are really nice.

Enjoy! Have a safe trip!