Paddle it, hike around it, or just picnic on its shore. Get reacquainted with your local lake or explore a neighboring city's flagship oasis at any of these urban water worlds.
To truly be San Franciscan, go where so many others have gone before: Golden Gate Park's Stow Lake. A staple for tourists and locals, paddling or pedaling your way around this pea-green man-made lake is a perfect way to catch its kitschy drift. The $19-per-hour rental fee is clearly modern fare, even if the Stow Lake Boathouse sells pink popcorn and the boats are purely old-school. Bring a picnic, take your time, and count the number of camouflaged turtles while making a big loop around the 400-foot-tall center island, Strawberry Hill. Rowboats are best for those who like moving faster and have a dog in tow (or who prefer to read love sonnets to their betrothed). Or opt for a spin on the classic—if slightly antiquated—pedal boats. Cruise by the Chinese Pavilion and Huntington Falls, and scan treetops for great blue herons and their chicks. Ahhh San Francisco days. Stow away the memories.
The boathouse at Stow Lake is open year-round from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Winter rates for the pedal boats are $19 per hour and $14 per hour for rowboats. Rowboats are dog-friendly!
Yes, it's popular, but Vasona Lake County Park in Los Gatos still has plenty of room for walk-ins; and it won't be standing room only. With 45 acres of well maintained lawn there's picnic space aplenty, and plenty of room to roam—and play Frisbee, or soccer, or catch, or go for a spin. The Los Gatos Creek Trail is an 8-mile car-free recreation path running right through the park, and is best explored on two wheels. Or simply go for a stroll. The cul-de-sac past the boat harbor makes a nice quiet amble along the shoreline. Kids will dig the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad at neighboring Oak Meadow Park. Parents will dig the $2 ticket price. And who says $1 can't buy anything? It'll get you a tall cup of popcorn! Whether you choose to explore by bike, by foot, or by railroad, Vasona Lake's got space for you.
Vasona Lake County Park is open year-round from 8 a.m. to sunset. There is a $6 parking fee. To reach the park: From southbound Hwy. 17 in Los Gatos, exit Lark Ave. and travel east. Turn right on Los Gatos Blvd. and right again on Blossom Hill Rd. The entrance will be on your right. Dog-friendly!
Got plans this Saturday? Oakland's Lake Merritt has the whole package for a weekend of rejuvenation. Start with a walk on the 3.1-mile trail around the lake, where cherry blossoms are making their spring debut and the scent of lilacs comes from a small volunteer-farmed garden. Rather get out on the water? Stop in to the Lake Merritt Boating Center, which rents everything from pedal boats to canoes, and even sailboats for those with experience. Afterwards, refuel with a visit to the stellar Grand Lake Farmers Market at Splash Pad Park, down the street from the lake. Its live entertainment and down-to-earth scene is filled more with locals than tourists, and features 44 regional farmers, 30 specialty food purveyors, neighborhood artisans, and great places to grab some grub. The fish tacos at La Cascada are a treat, and so is the sweet potato pie from Charlie Frank's pies. Whole in one!
BONUS: Lake Merritt's newly renovated Lake Chalet is worth a stop. Grab a drink at the bar overlooking the lake and watch the sailboats drift by.
The Grand Lake Farmers Market happens on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Splash Pad Park on the corner of Grand Ave. and Lake Park Ave. Directions: From eastbound I-580 in Oakland, take the Grand Ave. exit. Turn right onto Grand Ave. or take the second right onto Lakeshore Ave. Dogs aren't allowed inside the farmers market, but they are okay on the trail around the lake.
When was the last time you felt that loving feeling? Bring it back at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where both new exhibits and long-held favorites give you and your loved ones that old-fashioned warm & fuzzy feeling. Meet the latest addition to the sea otter clan, a playful pup named Kit. And don't forget those quirky seahorses! The Potbelly, the Ribbon Pipe Fish, and our personal favorite, the brilliantly disguised Leafy Sea Dragon. Wander in amazement through the towering Kelp Forest, spying wolf-eels, leopard sharks, and sea stars. Get your hands wet touching a slippery bat ray, be transfixed by radiant jellies, and stop in to say hello to the always-dapper penguins. New to the scene this season: Hot Pink Flamingos! These flamboyant feathered entertainers are among the stars in the story of the ever-changing climate and its affect on our oceans. With so many enchanting characters, the Aquarium will steal your heart, if only for a weekend.
TIP: Get express entry: Visit montereybayaquarium.org/love to plan your trip and purchase ticket in advance. Spread the love!