Bike an Island

April biking is brilliant on Angel Island. The ferry schedule has expanded, but the summer crowds haven't arrived yet—and the weather's usually calm, warm, and fog-free. So hop on the ferry, then ditch the Disneyland-style tram tour in favor of exploring the island on your own. Bring your two-wheeler or rent one at Ayala Cove ($10/hour or $35/day). For an easy and impressively scenic tour, pedal the mostly paved Perimeter Road (some patches are a bit gravelly). The five-mile route roams past historic old military buildings and sweet-scented eucalyptus forests. Some of the best viewpoints are on the southern end of the road by Battery Ledyard. From there you can score a double-bridge view of the Golden Gate and the Bay Bridge in full form. Pack a good lunch, stake out a bench, and indulge in some heavenly lounge time. More information.

Ferry from San Francisco: $14.50.

Ferry from Tiburon: $11.25 with the bike, $10.25 without.

Bring a windbreaker for the ferry ride over and a bike lock for the island if you anticipate exploring on foot.