Friday Five
We at The Bold Italic have already talked about how a peak pandemic activity is a picnic with a view, which is easy to achieve in the Bay Area. Not long ago we outlined some of the best spots to throw out a blanket and eat your take-out. This week, we turn our attention to the car picnic, a more comfortable, temperature-controlled version of such an outing. Plus, in a car, you have the ability to stay in your own quarantined bubble without worrying someone will come too close.
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There are plenty of places to park and take in a view around the Bay — here are a few suggestions.
1. Langdon Court Overlook
Note:
In non-pandemic times, Langdon Court Overlook can be easily cast aside as a parking lot, because it is just a parking lot. But it’s a parking lot with a seriously great view of Golden Gate Bridge. Located right off Lincoln Boulevard, right in front of the historic Battery Godfrey, this free lot has no time limit and is usually empty during the day. It’s the perfect spot for you and your social bubble to enjoy a unique view of the bridge in the distance.
Langdon Court, San Francisco, CA 94129
2. Alameda Shipyard
Looking for a more rustic and gritty vibe? The old shipyard in Alameda might be your style. What used to be one of the country’s busiest shipyards in the early 1900s (and a naval base) is now a perfect place to car picnic with San Francisco city and Bay views. Yes, this is the same spot where the infamous Alameda Flea Market takes place, but it’s currently not happening because of Covid-19. If you’re looking for a more grab-n-go picnic experience, you can get take-out at In-N-Out in Alameda, and then enjoy a to-go beer from Almanac Beer Co., all while enjoying the backdrop of the Bay in an abandoned shipyard. (Obviously, don’t drink and drive.)
3800 Main Street, Alameda, CA 94501
3. Hawk Hill Overlook
For nature lovers and occasional birders, Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands offers picnickers beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, Golden Gate Bridge, and sometimes, circling hawks. Located at the top of Conzelman Road, parking at this viewpoint is usually easy and you don’t need to work much to find the view. If you’re just looking to park and eat, you won’t be disappointed, but you can also opt for a one-mile hike up to the top of Hawk Hill if you need to build up your appetite.
Conzelman Road, Sausalito, CA 94965
4. Grizzly Peak
If you’re looking for another option in the East Bay, Grizzly Peak in Tilden Regional Park is a good spot. Located right on Grizzly Peak Boulevard, this lookout point is a pretty well-known spot where people park and enjoy the all-in-one view. Here, you can see parts of Berkeley, San Francisco, the Bay, and the Peninsula. Bonus: You can easily grab bites from downtown Berkeley if this is more of a sporadic picnic situation.
4348 Grizzly Peak Boulevard, Berkeley, CA 94705
5. Briones Overlook
Contra Costa County doesn’t get nearly as much love as it deserves. Located in Orinda, Briones Overlook is a little slice of nature heaven will have you forgetting you’re just miles from busy cities in no time. This park is full of rolling, grassy hills, wildflowers, canyons, and gorgeous outlooks. If you’re hoping to enjoy some of that from your car, we suggest parking at the Briones Overlook staging area, which is usually a parking spot for a couple of trails. But the truth is, you don’t actually have to leave your car to enjoy nature — especially when there’s good food to keep you busy.
Bear Creek Road, Orinda, CA 94563
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