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03.26.09

Bite-Sized Fun

If you know where to look, small towns offer an enticing combo of outdoor fun and original eats. Make a day-trip this spring to these three Bay Area charmers.  

bike alameda

Sweet Roll Alameda

Island life blends with tree-lined streets and old Victorian homes in the East Bay's Alameda, where the slower pace befits a late-morning roll on a cruiser bike. Bring your own wheels or rent a cruiser from Alameda Bicycle (starting at $25 a day). For a light-powered pedal, head for Shoreline Park on Bay Farm Island. The paved and wide multi-use trail winds along the gently lapping bay. Background decor includes downtown San Francisco and the Bay Bridge. It's just 30 minutes to the Ferry Harbor Terminal, where you can flip it and roll back into town, or explore the residential lagoons. Alameda's Park Street brims with local coffee shops and quaint restaurants. Ole's Waffle Shop (1507 Park St.) is old-school, reasonably priced, and a delicious option for refueling after some smooth cruising. What to eat? Waffles, of course—topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Wheel good!

Alameda Bicycle, 1522 Park St., Alameda; 510-522-0700. Open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pick up a complimentary bicycle map of Alameda and Bay Farm Island at Alameda Bicycle; it includes detailed directions to Bay Farm Island and its lagoons. To get to Bay Farm Island from the bike shop, we recommend taking Webb Ave. one block to Everett and going right. Go two blocks to Central Ave., turn left and follow Central all the way to Fernside Blvd. Go right and take Fernside (cross to the left side of the road in front of the middle school) to the Bay Farm Island Bike Bridge, then follow the map.

Activity
Bike
Region
East Bay
Capitola Surfing

Capitola Break

When you think of a classic, small surfer town, Capitola marks the spot. Easter egg-colored cottages, beach-front eateries, and guys in hoodies strumming guitars are all part of what make this vintage beachtown so California. The best way to experience Capitola? Take part in the town's pastime and ride the waves, brah! South of the pier, there's a beginner- and longboard-friendly break. Rent a board and wetsuit on 41st Ave. from hometown legend O'Neill Surf Shop. Then splash around in the surf. Afterward, warm body and soul at the Paradise Beach Grille, which dishes out some of the best food in town, along with live music on weekend afternoons. Try their signature Beach Blanket Breadalon, an oozing sourdough and cheese extravaganza that will fill your tank.

O'Neill Surf Shop; 1115 41st Ave., Capitola; 831-475-4151. Soft-top surfboards rent for $20 and wetsuits are $10; both for 24 hours (open 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekends). Capitola is best surfed at mid-tide. Call O'Neill for a surf report. It's a 5-minute drive to downtown Capitola from O'Neill. Paradise Beach Grille, 215 Esplande, Capitola; 831-476-4900.

Activity
Water
Region
Points Beyond
Hike Tiburon

Get Your Tiburon!

Ever wondered what the views are like from the hilltop estates in Tiburon? See for yourself by wandering along the 1-mile Tiburon Ridge Trail in Old St. Hilary's Open Space (map). This little-used rolling grassland offers million-dollar (make that multi-million-dollar) views of San Francisco Bay, the downtown skyline, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Go in the next few weeks when the wildflowers, including California Golden Poppies, stipple the hills. Back in town, Guaymas Mexican restaurant serves up a festive atmosphere with only-in-Tiburon views of Angel Island and San Francisco. The food is legit and the tequila list is long. The restaurant's large outdoor dining area is a good alternative to the Sam's scene. Ole'!

To access the Tiburon Ridge Trail: From Tiburon Blvd. make a left on Lyford Dr. and take it all the way to the end. Guaymas, 5 Main St., Tiburon; 415-435-6300.

Activity
Hike, Relax
Region
North Bay

Sexy Savvy Travelers Unite!

Hey there, stylish flyer, low fare flights are looking really good.

Heading to San Diego for some fun in the sun? Charging to Vegas for a quick party? Or just looking for a little springtime in Seattle? Did you know you can fly to all of these places for as low as $59? And Boston, NYC, or Washington, DC start at only $129? Get on board Virgin America and save big on your next flight.

Virgin America has always believed that low airfares shouldn't equal poor quality and service. Their state-of-the-art planes are designed with sleek mood lighting, power outlets, and touch-screen Red entertainment systems at every leather seat. Wi-Fi is now available on nearly half of their fleet, and will expand to fleet-wide by the end of June.

Get on board Virgin America for as little as $59 and experience a tech-centric, leisure-ready flight that makes domestic airline travel feel like it's supposed to—just heavenly.

Great escapes await. Are you on board?

Fly Virgin America non-stop from SFO to any of these destinations:

San Diego from $59*
Las Vegas from $59*
Orange County from $59*
Los Angeles from $59*
Seattle from $59*
New York (JFK) from $129*
Boston from $129*
Washington, DC (Dulles) from $129*

* Restrictions, taxes, and fees apply.

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