By Mahala Herron, @MahalaHerron We’re in the heat of the summer and there’s still a lot of fun to be had. While the sun is out, here are some outdoor activities for you and your family to enjoy. From hiking to yoga, take Caltrain to your recreational activities so you can avoid the hassle of driving and parking and still make some memories this summer. Take a Walk through Golden Gate Park Golden Gate Park has many attractions, from the de Young Museum to the California Academy of Sciences, and Stow Lake to the National AIDS Memorial Grove. Take a walk through the Golden Gate Park to learn history and witness the sites. Take SamTrans Route 398 and then Muni 5R to the park, or Caltrain to Millbrae Station and then take BART to Civic Center and Muni 5.
Rent a Bike in the City What better way to see San Francisco than a bike ride through the City. Infamous for its hills, your calves will thank you later. Biking also serves as a convenient way to bike downtown and avoid traffic. Take Caltrain to San Francisco Station and rent one of the bikes parked right outside the station. In addition to the bikes at Caltrain, there are bicycle rental stations all over San Francisco for everyone’s convenience. Hiking in Stulsaft Park This 42-acre park in Redwood City features hiking trails, a playground, summer water features, a picnic area, abundant grassy fields, an off-leash dog area for your favorite friend, and most importantly, restrooms. Take Caltrain to the Redwood City Station and then transfer to SamTrans Route 274. Trail Running in Redwood City The Trailstompers Guide to SF Bay Area Trail Running has great trails for a nice jog. From redwood forests to open grasslands, they cover every trail worth taking throughout the Peninsula, including the Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve in Redwood City. Famous for their magnificent displays of wildflowers in the spring, the park’s 467 acres of woodlands and grasslands make for a wonderful trail running and sightseeing experience. There are no pets allowed in the preserve. Take Caltrain to the Redwood City Station then take the SamTrans Route 295 and walk approximately 5 minutes to the park. Santa Clara Rose Garden Explore the Santa Clara Municipal Rose Garden with more than 3,500 plantings and varieties featured. Visitors can enjoy colorful blooms throughout the April to November season, the sweet fragrance of the flowers, or their reflection in the pool of the structural entrance. Experience the two-tiered water fountain, miniature rose beds and arbor donated through the years. Take Caltrain to the Santa Clara Station and then VTA Bus 22 to the garden.
San Jose Neighbor Nights San Jose Neighbor Nights are being held at 11 local community centers all throughout San Jose. Every second Friday, kids and adults alike can enjoy music, games, movies, dances, sports, and more. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and ends at 8:30 p.m. Take Caltrain to the San Jose Diridon Station and then take the VTA to any of the 11 San Jose Community Centers. Explore Santana Row Beyond the shopping and great eats, Santana Row has a plethora of events for you and your family to enjoy. On the row, Lulu-lemon hosts a free summer yoga series. The next class is this Saturday, Aug. 11, registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. Santana Row also hosts a weekly Farmers Market every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and a Cars and Croissants event Aug., from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. There are many more events to suit your liking, so don’t miss out. Take Caltrain to San Jose Diridon Station and then take VTA 23 or 323.
###
Mahala Herron is one of the San Mateo County Transit District’s summer interns. She studies at UCLA and is from Oakland. She is interning in the District’s communications department.