Angel Topper

The Christmas light atop Angel Island's Mount Livermore has long been a cheerful twinkle visible from many cities throughout the Bay Area. 2008's fire on the island disrupted the 50-year tradition, but this year things are back on track—and back to bright, starting tonight! Get into the holiday spirit by hiking the 2-mile (one-way) trail from Ayala Cove up to the light. The trail is gradually graded and provides plenty of Bay-mazing scenery, including a rare five-bridge view. At the peak—788 feet—grab a picnic table near the festive mountain topper and stay awhile. Bright on!

During winter weekends there are four round-trip ferries from Tiburon to Angel Island (complete schedule). A round-trip ticket is $13.50. Take the Sunset Trail to the top of Mount Livermore. (Find the Sunset Trail behind the picnic tables and up the fire road from Ayala Cove.) From the top, return to Ayala Cove via the North Ridge Trail to the Perimeter Road. No dogs.