The San Francisco East Bay has an abundance of paved trails, all excellent for stroller walks, runs and bike rides with the kids. Here are ten of my favorites! Nimitz Way, Inspiration Point, Tilden Regional Park: This was a favorite of ours during our stroller-walking days. The trail over rolling hills begins at the InspirationContinue reading “San Francisco East Bay: 10 Great Paved Trails for Stroller Walks, Runs and Kid Bike Rides”
Category Archives: Travel
Hike / Trail Run: Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park
In the coming months, I’m going to be trying out trail runs throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Most of these trails will be great for both hikers and trail runners. My personal form of trail running is a combination of both (I prefer to hike the hills and run the flats, rollers and downhillContinue reading “Hike / Trail Run: Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park”
Animal Fun! Sulphur Creek Nature Center, Hayward
I’ve been wanting to write about the Sulphur Creek Nature Center for a long time now. When my son was two and three, we visited the center regularly for their awesome toddler wildlife classes (for 1-3 year-olds). I found it was the best place in the San Francisco East Bay to give my son hands-onContinue reading “Animal Fun! Sulphur Creek Nature Center, Hayward”
Hike: Mono Pass, Yosemite
This is another hike within Yosemite National Park that we enjoy. Due to the distance (7.5 miles out-and-back), this is the first time we’ve tried it with our son. We were afraid it might be a bit long for him, but, since the elevation gain on this hike is relatively mild, we decided to giveContinue reading “Hike: Mono Pass, Yosemite”
Yosemite: The Views from Tioga Road
Want to see the beauty of the Yosemite high country, but aren’t much of a hiker? A drive along Tioga Road will provide an abundance of opportunities to see the beauty of Yosemite. Photos taken July 11th, 2013
Floral Friday: Wildflowers, Yosemite
The wildflowers were gorgeous Wednesday on the trail from Tioga Road to Mono Pass in Yosemite. I’ll write more about the hike itself in a day or two… it was amazing! Photos taken July 10th, 2013
Summer Fun: Swimming!
Visiting the Grandparents Photos taken July 7th, 2013
Camping: Ben Ries Campground, Butano State Park
I’m frequently asked what my favorite campground is near the Bay Area. My answer is always, “the one at Butano State Park, just outside of Pescadero, in the Santa Cruz Mountains” We’ve been camping at Ben Ries Campground in the park every summer for several years now, and it’s become a family tradition. The smallContinue reading “Camping: Ben Ries Campground, Butano State Park”
Organic Olallieberry U-Pick: Swanton Berry Farm, Pescadero
In addition to offering an organic strawberry u-pick, Swanton Berry Farms also grows fields of olallieberries and blackberries. During our visit to the Pescadero area last week, we incorporated a bit of organic olallieberry picking. Curious what an olallieberry is? It’s kind of like a cross between a blackberry and a raspberry, but not quiteContinue reading “Organic Olallieberry U-Pick: Swanton Berry Farm, Pescadero”
Organic Strawberry U-Pick: Swanton Berry Farm, Davenport
Gotta love freshly picked organic strawberries!! And it’s all the more fun when we pick the berries ourselves. Strawberry picking at Swanton Berry Farm has become a beloved June tradition for us. Interested in going? The actual picking season (and location) varies slightly each year, so check the Swanton Berry Farm website for current details…Continue reading “Organic Strawberry U-Pick: Swanton Berry Farm, Davenport”
Hummingbird: Harley Farms Goat Dairy
The garden here is gorgeous! Harley Farms Goat Dairy Photos taken June 28th, 2013 *** Like hummingbirds? You may enjoy this post: Hummingbird!
Goats! Harley Farms, Pescadero
I have a weakness for goat cheese, so as soon as I heard about Harley Farms Goat Dairy in Pescadero (and their award-winning goat cheese), I added the farm to our “must-visit” list. After our visit this past week, I’m glad we did… and we’ll definitely be going back! During this trip, we simply walkedContinue reading “Goats! Harley Farms, Pescadero”
Camping: Juniper Campground, Mount Diablo State Park
Mount Diablo is the perfect place for those of you in the Bay Area who want a quick mountain escape, but who aren’t up for the three-four hours it takes to get to the Sierra Nevada’s. At 3000 feet elevation, the views from Juniper Campground are stunning. Of course, this is also a great campgroundContinue reading “Camping: Juniper Campground, Mount Diablo State Park”
Rock City: Mount Diablo State Park
Love this place!! Great for both kids and adults… huge sandstone rock formations to climb, small caves to explore, gorgeous views, fun hiking trails… what’s not to like?? You’ll find Rock City in Mount Diablo State Park, on South Gate Road, near the Live Oak Campground. For more information about Mount Diablo, visit the website…Continue reading “Rock City: Mount Diablo State Park”
This Beautiful World Through His Eyes
I often wonder what he’s thinking… *** WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge: The World Through Your Eyes *** You may also enjoy: The Calming Effect of Nature on Children
Summer Solstice: Sunset from Mount Diablo
A beautiful welcome to Summer! Photos taken June 21st, 2013 Juniper Campground, Mount Diablo State Park
Yoda Statue: Lucasfilm Headquarters, San Francisco
For my young Padawan, we made the pilgrimage to the Lucasfilm Headquarters in the Presidio to see the life-sized Yoda statue…. Photos taken June 20th, 2013 *** Interested in going? You’ll find the Yoda fountain in front of the Lucasfilm Headquarters, located in the Presidio, at 1 Letterman Drive, San Francisco. There is a securityContinue reading “Yoda Statue: Lucasfilm Headquarters, San Francisco”
Silent Saturday: Golden Gate Bridge, from Crissy Field
Photos taken June 20th, 2013 Crissy Field, San Francisco
Our Favorite Camping Treat: Nutella S’mores!
It’s always frustrated me a bit that when making s’mores while out camping, the chocolate just doesn’t melt. I know how to roast a perfect marshmallow, melted completely in the middle, wonderfully gooey and creamy, with a nice, light brown shell. But the chocolate has always been an issue. Now, don’t get me wrong. ChocolateContinue reading “Our Favorite Camping Treat: Nutella S’mores!”
Climbing Wall: Val Vista Park, Pleasanton
Kids love to climb! The climbing wall at Val Vista Park in Pleasanton is one of the best free outdoor structures in the region. For others in the San Francisco East Bay, along the 680 corridor… Outdoor Climbing Walls.