Scootcar – For those of you who have not yet heard or have seen a scootcar, it is much like a golf car and a scooter combined. It is a great way to get around the city and seeing a variety of the city’s landmarks, such as Fort Point, the Presidio, Golden Gate Park, and more. The location of the scootcar rental is at 431 Beach St., in the middle of Fisherman’s Wharf. Their hours of operation are from 9 a.m. – dark. For more information on the scoot car visit: http://www.funtechscootcar.com
Twin Peaks – If you are looking for one of the finest views in town then look no further than Twin Peaks. From the hilltop is a brilliant 360 degree view of the entire bay.
Stern Grove Festival – The music festival is celebrating its 67th season this year and will be held every Sunday starting June 13 and will go on for the rest of the summer until August 15. The performances for each week vary from week to week and range from jazz to ballet. Each concert begins promptly at 2 p.m. Seating is on a fist come, first serve basis. For more information about the festival and who will be performing at the festival this year visit the festival’s official website: http://www.sterngrove.org.
Arboretum – For the botanist or garden lover, the arboretum hosts a variety of rare and unique plants Situated in Golden Gate Park the arboretum has a wide selection of plants from all over the globe. Approximately 7,000 species of plants. You will lose track of time as you wander around gazing at the multitude of flora. Admission is open to the public for free and open every day.
Japanese Tea Garden – The garden, which is the oldest garden of its kind in California, has been a part of the city’s landscape since 1894. It features among it a tea house, a Drum Bridge, and a pagoda. Located in Golden Gate Park just east of Stow Lake, admission is $3.50 and is open daily from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Paddleboats – The paddle boats are available for rent on Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park on the northwestern side of the lake. Along with paddle boats people are also able to rent row boats. For more information call: (415)-752-0347.
Presidio’s Baker Beach – This mile long beach boasts breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Although, swimming is not allowed due to the rip currents and undertow from the large waves. There are picnic tables and restrooms available for the public.
GoKart Racer – You can race up to 11 other people in this indoor race track to speeds up to 35 mph! You can choose between 3 tracks to race on. Use of driving suit, helmet, neck support and gloves come at no extra cost. Prices for each racing session vary, so for more information about the gokart racer visit their website at: http://www.gokartracer.com
Baseball – Whether it’s the Giants or the A’s that you’re rooting for, summer is a great time to see a baseball game. Even if you’re not that much of a baseball fan going to a game can be a good way to sit back and relax. Or at least check out the baseball players themselves or their fans. For more information on either baseball teams or ticket prices visit: http://www.mlb.com
Indoor Rock-climbing – This is for the more adventurous type to do. Touchstone Climbing Centers, with six locations in the bay area, offer people a fun, safe setting to enjoy climbing for anyone of any level of experience. The price for a day pass vary between each location and at what time you go, but they usually range anywhere from $18 to$10. If you are interested got to Touchstone Climbing Centers website at: http://www.touchstoneclimbing.com
Volunteer – Make the most of your time this summer by donating it to doing something worthwhile and fulfilling for the whole community to enjoy. For instance, volunteer for the Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association and help protect and contribute to the betterment of the marine environment in the bay area. If you want to learn more about volunteering for Farallones visit them at their website: http://www.farallones.org
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk – The rides at this amusement park may not be as fancy as the kind of rides that one would find at a Paramount’s Great America or a Six Flags Marine World but that is part of this parks appeal. The kind of rides that you do find in Santa Cruz are the smaller less intimidating rides and the atmosphere is more of like being in a carnival or fair. Plus, it’s by the beach! Summer concerts are held at the boardwalk. Admission is free. More information is available at the park’s website: http://www.beachboardwalk.com.
Monterey Bay Aquarium – Monterey, located near Santa Cruz, is an aquarium so you can guess what they have there for you to see. It is a self guided tour around the vicinity and an average visit to the aquarium can range anywhere between 2 to 3 hours to the whole day. The aquarium is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The regular ticket price per adult is $19.95 but student discounts are available for $15.95. If you have anymore questions about the aquarium go to their website at: http://www.mbayaq.org.
Hearst Castle – The castle, which was built by William Randolph Hearst in the 1940’s, contains 165 rooms, 127 acres of garden, pools, etc. Guided tours are held daily from 8:20 a.m. to sunset. The price for the tour vary but somewhere between $24 and $20. If you would like more information about the castle or for tour information go to the website at:
Muir Woods – For the outdoors person or if you just want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city go to the woods and be one with nature. Muir Woods is a preservation of the San Francisco Bay Area’s last coastal redwood forest. Open year round from 8 a.m. to sunset. Admission is $3 per person. For more information about Muir Woods visit: http://www.nps.gov
