This park consists of 16 Victorian houses concentrated in downtown Oakland. Each of the homes, which are sometimes open for tours, dates back to between 1870 and 1910 (the latter are technically Edwardian, but the designs are still charming). Some areas of the Victorian park are also available for weddings, meetings, and private parties. Take in five different styles of architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens. In addition to a lovely walk along a scenic street, you will be enjoying a glimpse of what Oakland looked like in the old days. The park is free and open to the public.
This beautiful mansion built in 1899 is an outstanding example of the neo-classical revival style significant enough to have been designated as a National Historic Site by the United States Department of the Interior. The 37-room estate features a Tiffany-style dome, ten fireplaces and lovely parquet floors in its 16,224 square-feet. During the winter holiday season, the house features magnificent decorations and hosts a number of special festive events.
University of California Botanical Garden is located within the campus of University of California Berkeley. Open to the public since 1890, this is no less than an outdoor living museum that boasts over 12,000 species of flora and fauna. The garden can be rented for private events, wedding receptions, twilight tours, summer walks and concerts.
This East Bay woodland canyon offers great panoramic views of the Bay Area. The 205-acre park sits next to UC Berkeley and has trails accessible from the city. There are no facilities such as picnic tables, just wilderness to enjoy. Several trails are available for hiking, from easy, family-friendly walks to challenging, steep climbs, there's something for everyone. The Stonewall-Panoramic Trail is one of the most popular trails here. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape into nature, a place to explore and hike, or simply a spot to soak in some of the Bay Area's most iconic views, Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve is the place to be.
Welcome to one of the largest collections of Jewish and Jewish-American art, artifacts, books and archives in California. Find an amazing wealth of information, history and little known facts here, making it a perfect place for both adults and children, Jewish and non-Jewish alike. Some of the permanent collections include painting and sculpture from the 18th Century to the present, rare works by Marc Chagall and Chana Orloff, an extensive film and photography exhibit and an incredible library and archive collection that specializes in Jewish history in the Western States since the mid 19th Century.
Located in Walnut Creek, this museum is a multi-purpose facility that cares for injured and endangered animals from all over the state of California. It operates the largest veterinary rehabilitation hospital in the United States, treating over 6000 wild animals annually. In addition, they have educational tours for children, and a learning theater.
This adobe structure was built in 1849 and is part of the John Muir National Historic Site. Although John Muir never lived here, he did spend a lot of time here when his daughter and her husband and children occupied the dwelling. The original owner, Don Vincente Martinez, son of the commandante of the Presidio of San Francisco, built the house but only lived there for four years. After visiting the historic adobe home, visit Muir's 17-room mansion and take a walk on the John Muir trail that runs through a majestic oak forest.
Gospel Flat Farm is located about 30 miles (48.28 kilometers) north of San Francisco. Offering a great insight into organic farming, the farm is a wonderful mix of numerous activities, educational elements, outdoor fun and of course organic produce shopping! The vast organic farm is covered with lush green vegetable fields, and if you're lucky you'll also be able to spot sunflowers in full bloom. On offer are farm-fresh veggies such as zucchini, pumpkins, carrots, pickled vegetables and lots more that are vibrant and incredible to taste. But meat-lovers needn't frown, since they also sell a fine quality of pork from their farm-raise pigs as well as dungeness crabs that they breed just a couple of miles from Gospel Flat Farm. They also have an in-house field baker who bakes a storm of awesome-smelling bread loaves on a wood-fired oven, that are a work of art in themselves. Apart from all the food fun, Gospel Flat Farm also hosts a fun range of activities, workshops and programs throughout the year. Group tours are available along with lunch options; check the website for more details.
Built in 1909, the Thorsen House is located in the Southside neighborhood in Berkeley. It is also known as The William R. Thorsen House and this mansion was incorporated in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1978. The house is currently owned by the Sigma Phi Society, who conduct tours of the house a regular basis with special focus on the architectural aspect. One of the salient features of the house is that it is the last of houses designed by eminent architecture firm Greene & Greene, and its deeply gorgeous interiors are awe-inspiring. Visitors who wish to gain entry simply need to knock on the door.
Spearheaded by Building REsources, the Reclaimed Room is an exhibition space with a difference. In keeping with Building REsources' dedication to the use of environmentally-conscious building materials, the art gallery showcases environmental media, arts and crafts, as well as educational projects and other programming. The Reclaimed Room is located just off the Islais Creek Channel, where few would expect to find art of any kind, bringing to life this oft neglected corner of the San Francisco Bay. For a preview of all that the gallery has to offer, visit the Reclaimed Room blog for photographs, videos and details regarding the fabulous artwork on display.
Mercury 20, founded in 2006, is a gallery located in Uptown Oakland's vibrant Arts District. This gallery was established and is still run and supported by various East Bay artists, giving them a space to exhibit their works. Exhibits are on a monthly rotation, each of which opens on the first Friday of the month during Oakland's Art Murmur.
This garden terrace is one of San Francisco's "secret" POPO's, or privately owned public outdoor spaces. Upon entering the building to access the terrace the guard will ask your business, but will quickly let you through if you tell him you are going to the terrace. Tables, chairs and lots of flowers and plants cover the terrace, making it a very pleasant place to take a break from the city or enjoy your lunch.