By Annie Crawford
Instead of hanging with Karl the Fog and binge watching Game of Thrones, I suggest San Franciscans join the rest of us in the East Bay for some warmer weather. Pack a cooler full of delicious snacks, dig out the sunscreen, and bring your Vitamin-D-deficient behinds to the sun.
Here are 11 East Bay sun spots to dethaw your freezing ass as winterspring descends. Fellow East Bay folks, feel free to add to this list.
1. Crown Memorial State Beach
Crown Memorial State Beach, a.k.a. Alameda Beach, has sand and gorgeous views of the city and the bay. And…it’s warm. I know. If you have been beaten into submission by Ocean Beach (Yay, it’s almost 62°!), prepare yourself for great tidings. Bring a blanket, a swimsuit, a picnic and your best beach attitude. Rent some SUP or kiteboards on-site if you’re feeling frisky.
2. Beach Party at Lake Temescal
This sandy beach is totally walkable from Rockridge BART. Lake Temescal is actually a reservoir that was created in the late 1800s and now sits in the center of this small recreation area. There’s bird watching, fishing, swimming, picnic tables and a kiddos’ playground on the south end. The north end features a sand-packed mini beach that’s pretty damn sweet. Word on the street is the boho artsy crowd would camp on the shores back in the day. So, bring your sketchbook.
3. Telegraph Beer Garden
Perhaps you’re not the outdoorsy type. You might like the concept of sunbathing, but you’d prefer to avoid interacting with nature. Best bet? BART over to Oakland and hit up the Telegraph Beer Garden for adult bevs, good eats and vibrant murals.
4. Lake Chabot
Lake Chabot is a great spot for a day of sun and sand. The 315-acre lake ain’t for swimmin’, but boats, canoe rentals, sandy beaches, hiking trails and picnic sites abound. Bring your doggy too.
5. Lost and Found Brewery
Perhaps you want your outdoor seating with a side of reclaimed wood. The spacious patio at Lost and Found Brewery is good for scenester sun soaking, succulents and a sculpture or two along with craft beer and fancy (pub) food.
6. Oakland Museum
The rooftop gardens of the OMCA are a secret city sun spot. While not the best place for your Speedos, it’s definitely the source for top-notch sun exposure, sweet views and artistic inspiration.The gardens are open free to visitors and during museum hours. Bring a cool beverage and soak up the culture along with your shiny new suntan.
7. Point Isabel
You’re seeking sun, but your dog is pissed you’re considering abandoning her in the apartment. Never fear—bring the little buddy along to Point Isabel in Richmond. The park offers 23 acres of human and doggie playland, a food-concession stand and dog-grooming services. Bonus points for the marvelous views of Marin and the Golden Gate Bridge.
8. Lake Anza in Tilden Park
Yet another beachy getaway in the middle of a city, Lake Anza in Tilden Park is perfect for your sun-worshipping ways. Grab a festival tapestry, your sunhat and socks for your sandals (gotcha), and head over to Berkeley. You can lounge anywhere around the lake or pay a small fee to use the sandy beach area that comes complete with a lifeguard and restrooms.
9. Lake Merritt
Of course Lake Merritt. We wouldn’t forget this one. On Saturday mornings, get ye to Grand Avenue at Lake Park Avenue for the Oakland Farmers’ Market (9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.). Grab produce, kombucha or ready-made meals, then hit the lawn near the Lake Merritt pergola for some grade-A people watching and Vitamin D absorption. Bring a blanket to lie on, and steer clear of goose poop.
10. Ferry to Jack London Square
What better way to maximize your exposure to those golden rays than to get sun in transit to the sun? It’s almost too clever. You may have to wear a parka after you leave San Francisco’s Ferry Building, but halfway across the bay, you’ll be stripping down to summer clothes and slathering on sunscreen. Stroll the strip at Jack London Square, take in some Oakland history, enjoy a beverage at the miniature Heinhold’s First and Last Chance Saloon, then take your sunburned ass home by water.
