Work/Life/ Explore
By Jason Walsh North Bay bucket list
T he beauty of living in the North Bay is the vast variety of activities available for residents of all ages—from hikes and bikes across the many trails and byways to outings on the bay, foodie destinations, wine-tasting experiences and great live entertainment. With the number of residents age 60 and over expected to reach 35% by 2030, many of the best ventures in the North Bay cater to seniors. Here are 6 outings that everyone living in the North Bay should experience at least once. Walk the Golden Gate Bridge Locals can live their entire lives near the famous International Orange-colored structure without ever actually crossing the 2-mile span on foot (by car a thousand times is another thing). But why leave such great views to the tourists? Start at the Visitor Plaza on the south end and be sure to bundle up—it’s windy even on sunny days. Info about parking and free walking tours at goldengate.org/ bridge/visiting-the-bridge. Hot Air Ballooning Napa Valley boasts multiple ballooning companies eager to float passengers above rolling hills, sweeping vistas and miles of vineyards. Be ready for an early rise—launch is typically just after dawn when the temperatures are cool and the winds calm. Weather can occasionally cancel a booked flight. Napa Valley Aloft Balloon Rides, Napa Valley Balloons and Balloons Above the Valley are three companies highlighted at visitnapavalley.com . Dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant Restaurant ranking is highly subjective, but a nod from the Michelin guide is a barometer a lot of people, even within the industry, use to gauge the finest in local eats. Prices are more of a splurge at Michelin restaurants, but typically for good reason. The most recent guide awarded stars to SingleThread in Healdsburg (which earned a whopping three stars!), plus a single star to Napa County restaurants Auberge du Soleil, Auro, Cyrus, Kenzo and Press. Michelin favorite the French Laundry in Yountville also has three stars. Several more restaurants in Marin, Sonoma and Napa received Bib Gourmand mentions for high-quality at a somewhat lower price. A complete list is at guide. michelin.com/us/en . Safari on the Santa Rosa Serengeti It’s hard to believe but barely a stone’s throw away from traffic- congested Highway 101 is a sweeping preserve populated by caracal, bongo, cheetah, giraffe, buffalo, rhino and more. Safari West’s 400-acre wilderness is populated by more than 1,000
animals. Visitors can go on a daytime safari excursion or glamp it up with a traditional “braai” at the Savannah Café followed by an overnight stay in a luxury tent. For those who’d like a closer look, the Behind the Scenes Experiences provide a glimpse into the world of wildlife care and conservation, bringing guests as close as possible to some of the fantastic creatures of the preserve. Escape to Alcatraz The world’s most famous former prison is only a ferry ride away. The one-time home to such infamous figures as Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly and Bumpy Johnson is filled with history and fans of classic movies like Birdman of Alcatraz, Escape from Alcatraz and Point Blank can get a closeup view of “the rock,” as they’ve seen on the big screen. We recommend one of the self-guided audio tours for the full experience. Visti alcatrazcitycruises.com. Muir Woods Popular with out-of-towners, the majesty of the old-growth redwood forest is truly a sight to behold. The main trail is also a pretty easy hike for all levels. Parking can be tight (you have to reserve in advance), but the Muir Woods Shuttle has proven a convenient way to access the national park quickly and stress- free. Visit gomuirwoods.com.
February 2025
NorthBaybiz 17
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