Altogether now: When the lights go down in the city, and the moon shines on the bay, I want to be there in my kayak, oh oh oh oh, paddling away. Create your own soundtrack on a night journey in the Oakland Estuary. California Canoe and Kayak offers a full-moon kayak trip starting at Jack London Square. They'll get everyone outfitted with warm gear, and go over the basics. Then follow the path of tiny lights coming from the paddling entourage as you glide over glassy waters. The combination of moonlight and industrial light provide more than enough illumination as you pass by large barges, weathered tug boats, and the USS Potomac, a retired Navy vessel that was formerly FDR's yacht. The cranes at the Port of Oakland (rumored to have inspired George Lucas' AT-AT walkers in The Empire Strikes Back) spill silvery shadows on the water. Paddle for 45 minutes until reaching the grand view of the evening: San Francisco twinkling in the distance as moon rays bounce off the gentle waves. Sit and bob for a while, take a quick picture, and catch a tailwind back.
California Canoe and Kayak, 409 Water St., Jack London Square, Oakland; 510-893-7833. The full-moon kayak trip is $49. The next trips are Aug. 21 and Sept. 24.