FRIDAY FIVE
The bad news: it’s still August in San Francisco. The good news: there are only two more weeks until it’s officially San Francisco summer. Still, two weeks after a long, cold and foggy season can feel like an eternity. It got old in June when you were scrolling through an Instagram feed of summer everything while you were stuck in your apartment with the heat on. But hey, sunshine and higher temps are really just a car ride away.
1. Russian River
Who doesn’t love a good Saturday float? And no, we’re not talking about a root-beer float. We’re talking about a real-life lazy river adventure in Healdsburg, California. OK, so there might be fire evacuations expected to take place this weekend, but usually the Russian River is a fabulous place at which to escape the fog. Start at Steelhead Beach and end at Mother’s Beach (which will take around three hours). Go with a big group of friends.
TBI tip: Don’t forget a floating cooler. It’s imperative. Starting at 10:00–10:30 a.m. is ideal. And if you can bring a speaker to play tunes, that’s fun too.
2. Cull Canyon
Maybe floating on a river isn’t your thing, but hanging out in a lagoon is? Plan a weekend day-trip to Cull Canyon in Castro Valley, California. It’s a beach, but the water is warm, and it’s not too far from the East Bay. This place is known to get crowded on weekends, so plan accordingly. There’s a small entry fee ($3.50), and some people on Yelp recommend you that you BYOS (bring your own shade).
TBI tip: Benches by the water are first come, first serve. So get there early.
3 . An Afternoon at Warehouse Cafe
Perhaps you’re not the swimming type. If that’s the case, an afternoon in a dimly lit bar (with an outdoor patio) not in San Francisco is for you. People in the Bay Area rave about this watering hole. Located in Port Costa, the cafe includes taxidermy decor and beer served in Mason jars, and blues bands play on Sundays on the Carquinez Strait.
TBI tip: If you order a cocktail, it will be a double unless you note otherwise.
4. Stinson Beach
Stinson Beach might be a little touristy in the summer, but damn is it pretty. If you’re looking to spend a weekend day in a small California beach town, choose this adventure. You can spend the day at the beach or peruse the shops in downtown Stinson Beach. If you opt for the beach, don’t expect to go in the water. This is still Northern California, after all.
TBI tip: Take your time to get there, and take in the scenery on Highway 1.
5. Half Moon Bay
A seriously picturesque coastal town that never gets old, Half Moon Bay is about a 45-minute drive south. We suggest walking along the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail, which will eventually take you to Miramar Beach Restaurant—a great place for watching the sunset. If you have time, stop by the Point Montara Lighthouse. And if you want to make it a two-day affair, stay at the Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel for the night (you can get a private room for cheap, and the view is so worth it).
TBI tip: Pay a visit to Half Moon Bay’s Main Street and do the antique-ing thing.
Hey! The Bold Italic recently launched a podcast, This Is Your Life in Silicon Valley. Check out the full season or listen to the episode below featuring Aarti Shahani, technology reporter at NPR. More coming soon, so stay tuned!
