#offmetro

The offMetro Guide to Giving Back to the Environment

For more articles like this, please visit offMetro.com. As we trudge through the aftermath of a tumultuous election season, we could all use a pick-me-up as we head into the holidays. We have just the idea and it is not a tall glass of whiskey. Now is the time to think positively and get active locally. Below are a handful of New York environmental organizations we love that can use your support.…

By Kaitlin Roberts

Can’t leave Fido at home? No judgement here. (Photo: Nate Bolt/Flickr)

You were not going to be one of those pet owners, but this little lump of fur is so cute. It started simply with organic rawhide chews, and there was the cable-knit sweater for all those windy late-night walks… Now, to avoid separation anxiety, you’ve moved on to pet-friendly getaways.

But with all the allergies people have added to their resumes these days, is there really an affordable place to which you can escape without feeling like you’re rooming in aisle three of Petco? Fear not, my friend. Pet-friendly travel travel does not have to be full of cat hair, squeaky toys, or the cast of Best in Show. These seven retreats will have you wondering why you didn’t let your four-legged friend run your life sooner.

Play Fetch in Sausalito

Pooch Play: This pretty hamlet across the bay from San Francisco has a little bit of everything. Start the day off taking in spectacular city views while exploring the Marin Headlands trails. Then trek down to Rodeo Beach, where you can take a coastal hike or throw a frisbee down the sandy stretch.

Doggie Bags: Fred’s Place (1917 Bridgeway Boulevard) is renowned as “best breakfast in town,” and Fish (350 Harbor Drive), Poggio (777 Bridgeway Boulevard), and Kitti’s Place (3001 Bridgeway Boulevard) all offer delicious food and dog-friendly environments. “Wine down” with a tasting at Wellington’s (300 Turney Street), Sausalito’s waterfront spot for wine, beer, cheese, and gourmet chocolate.

(No) Kennel Club: It’s good to be a dog at Cavallo Point (601 Murray Circle), where your best friend will be treated to super absorbent towels, plush bedding, and organic treats.

Bark Up Trees in Mammoth Lakes

Pooch Play: Rover can romp where he will (often off-leash) in Mammoth’s forests, which boast the only stretch of the John Muir Trail where dogs are allowed. (Come summer, dogs also ride free on public transit!)

Doggie Bags: Sip margaritas on the pet-friendly patio at Roberto’s Cafe (271 Old Mammoth Road), then head over to Tailwaggers Bakery (437 Old Mammoth Road) for a better-than-kibble treat.

(No) Kennel Club: There are at least 20 dog-friendly hotels in Mammoth—and a website devoted to them.

There are few things more adorable than a doggie surf competition. (Photo: CashKate/Flickr)

Hang 20 in Huntington Beach

Pooch Play: Pups can Surf USA in Huntington Beach, which lays claim to a mile-long stretch of sand that is one of the best dog beaches around. And we’re not kidding about the dog surfing. Surf City Surf Dog is an annual surf competition, replete with fashion show and yappy hour. In order to prep the pooch, the festival offers private doggie surf lessons July through September.

Doggie Bags: Park Bench Cafe (17732 Goldenwest Sttreet) has been offering doggie menus since 1993. The canine cuisine includes boneless chicken strips, bacon bits, and lean ground turkey.

(No) Kennel Club: The breezy Shorebreak Hotel offers discounted dog sitting, pet beds, and even a Dog Is Good Pet Package, which includes a credit for a doggie/human dinner date, plus a gift set with toys, waste bags, and bowls.

Have a Doggone Day(s) in Healdsburg

Pooch Play: With the motto, “bark less, wag more,” it’s no wonder Mutt Lynch Winery (602 Limerick Lane) has received statewide and international awards for being the most dog-friendly winery. Proprietors Brenda and Chris (and their dog Patch) will let you sniff around the grounds, and then throw a few treats your dog’s way while you chat and taste.

Plus, when you buy wine, a portion of the proceeds goes to animal rescue organizations. Watch out for special events like “Yappy Hour” and Dog-A-Palooza.

Doggie Bags: Soak up the vino (and some sun) at one of Healdsburg’s many restaurants with pup-friendly patios. Barndiva (231 Center Street) serves up local eats in a stunning outdoor space, and Willi’s Seafood & Raw Bar (403 Healdsburg Avenue) is located next to a schmancy pet outfitters store (Fideaux, 43 North Street).

(No) Kennel Club: High-energy pups will love the rural walks at Bella Villa Messina (316 Burgundy Road), situated a bit outside downtown Healdsburg. 

If you don’t believe that Carmel is “America’s Most Dog-Friendly Small City,” look no further than the Cypress Inn. (Photo: Cypress Inn/Facebook)

Lap Up Luxury in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Pooch Play: Dubbed ”America’s Most Dog-Friendly Small City” by Dog Fancy Magazine, Carmel-by-the-Sea certainly lives up to its name. Here, shop owners leave out treats and water for four-legged visitors, art galleries hang paintings at dog’s-eye level, and hitching posts and doggie-bag stations line the streets. Carmel Beach is one of California’s few leash-free beaches, where lucky dogs run the beach (literally).

Then there’s Fountain of Woof and the “town dog,” Pal,the only village resident to be buried in the one-mile city limits (and whose portrait has hung in City Hall since he died 80 years ago).

Doggie Bags: The Dog Pound at Forge in the Forest (Junipero Street and 5th Avenue) is an enclosed patio with its own entrance. On the “Canine Cuisine” menu? An 8-ounce New York steak.

(No) Kennel Club: Pack some stylish doggie duds, because at the Cypress Inn, owned by animal lover Doris Day, dogs are invited to afternoon tea and “mutt-tinis” are available at yappy hour.

Dog beaches abound in San Diego. (Photo: Damian Gadal/Flickr)

Go to the Dogs in San Diego

Pooch Play: San Diego roffers no shortage shortage of places to run and frolic, from myriad dog beaches to parks aplenty—or you can pamper your pooch at pet spas, dog washes, and more.

Doggie Bags: Experience a local brunch favorite at the all-outdoor Stratford Court Cafe, or take in some ocean views and fine food at Pacifica Del Mar & Pacifica Breeze Cafe.

(No) Kennel Club: Loews Coronado pampers pets with gourmet room service menus, walking routes, treats, and more.

More from offMetro:

The Six Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Southern California

Orange County for Kids

Endless Summer in Huntington Beach

By Andrea McKenzie

Scrumptious jerk chicken while giraffes roam in the background? Talk about an unforgettable meal. (Photo: Savannah Grill) 

From Alice Waters’ Berkeley food revolution in the 1970s to Jessica Largey (of Los Gatos), James Beard’s Rising Star Chef of 2015, the Bay Area has long been a frontrunner all things epicurean. It’s also a haven for all manner of eccentricities. When you combine those two things, you get all manner of delicious—and unique—eateries. Here are five unique Bay Area dining experiences.

Savannah Grill 3115 Porter Creek Road Santa Rosa

What happens when you mix all-American barbecue with The Lion King and a dash of “Crocodile Hunter?” You get Savannah Grill, the restaurant located in Safari West Wildlife Preserve. Also known as “the Sonoma Serengeti,” Santa Rosa’s Safari West brings the African Safari to wine country, getting guests up close and personal with cheetahs, gazelles, wildebeests, and more.

But you don’t have to go on the full safari for a taste of the Serengeti. Savannah Grill serves up a buffet-style barbecue, with classic dishes such as jerk chicken, pulled pork, homestyle mac-and-cheese, and fresh salads—all in an open-air spot over overlooking the giraffes, lemurs, and other beasts playing on the Safari grounds. (Reservations are required.)

Are you hungry yet?! Homeroom makes you want to eat mac-and-cheese every night. (Photo: Homeroom/Facebook)

Homeroom 400 4th Street Oakland

A love of mac-and-cheese knows no age limit. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Oakland, this cozy restaurant specializes in gourmet macaroni and cheese dishes that can satisfy any wild craving. From the spicy Jalapeno Popper Mac to the sophisticated Mac the Goat (with fresh goat cheese), Homeroom has it all—including a vegan mac option and a plethora of toppings such as potato chips and “soyrizo” (a soy based chorizo).

What’s more, the restaurant combines classic comfort food with fine dining elements such as beer and wine pairings. The result feels stylish yet also fun and inviting (and affordable).

Casablanca Moroccan Restaurant 7557 Haverford Ave Sacramento

Who says good food has to be enjoyed at the table? Guests dining at this Sacramento diamond in the rough enjoy their meals while sitting on the floor, just as they would in Morocco. The seven-course meal features traditional Moroccan foods such as Harrira Soup, B’stilla, and Baklava, and the decadent meal is accompanied by live belly dancing entertainment on the weekends.

Opaque 1500 Sutter Street San Francisco

Nothing engages your sense of taste more than eliminating your sense of sight. San Francisco’s Opaque is a “Dining in the Dark” establishment modeled after similar restaurants throughout Europe. Before entering the dark room, guests pick out their menu selections in the lit foyer, and are then led into the dining area. Then, they enjoy a three-course meal completely in the dark. The menu, international with a French focus, features such options as tuna tartare, roasted chicken breast, and bittersweet chocolate cake.

In addition to heightening your ability to taste the exquisite meal in front of you, dining in the dark allows a unique opportunity to put yourself in the position of the visually impaired, and to interact with people with ocular disabilities—the entire waitstaff at the restaurant is legally blind.

You may not know what Chef Justin Cogley will cook for you at Aubergine, but you can be sure it will dazzle. (Photo: Aubergine/Facebook)

Aubergine Monte Verde Street & 7th Avenue Carmel-by-the-Sea

If you are willing to pay the piper (meals at this luxurious spot run $150 per person), you’ll be rewarded with a dazzling taste testing experience courtesy of three-time James Beard Award-winning Chef Justin Cogley. Located in scenic Carmel-by-the-Sea, Aubergine offers diners a spectacular eight-course Tasting Menu. Each course changes every single day, and Chef Cogley’s menu provides only the name of main ingredient for each course, leaving the other ingredients and dish preparation shrouded in mystery.

With just a twelve-table house, this restaurant offers an delightful, intimate setting for fine cuisine. It also hosts regular special events, including cooking classes with the chef.

More from offMetro:

Gourmet Getaway: Food, Beer, and Wine in San Luis Obispo County

Good Neighbors: Wise Sons Deli Picks 6 Favorite Restaurants Near SF

10 Best Pop-Up Restaurants in the Bay Area

By Kaitlyn Ellison

With its craggy cliffs and wild waters, Big Sur is one of the prettiest places in California -- if not on earth. (Photo: Sérgio Luiz Araújo Silva/Flickr)

Big Sur is not something a lot of people do car-free. It takes an adventurer to respond to the challenge of taking a carless trip down the infamously winding two-lane road called the Pacific Coast Highway. But, if you do have that wild free spirit in you, it’s much more doable than you might ever expect.

Our two favorite options are by bike or bus. Biking is a spectacular choice if you’re experienced in the sport. The terrain is tough and the road narrow (and situated next to plunging cliffs), but avid (experienced) cyclists are sure to have an unforgettable ride.

For first-time Big Sur bikers, we recommend joining a guided bike tour like California Bicycle Tour, which offers customization options for making your way down the coast.

For the less experienced riders, the key to car-free Big Sur is the Monterey-Salinas Transit System—the 22 bus to be specific. It’s a seasonal ride starting in Monterey, winding through Carmel all the way to Big Sur, and then back up again. The first couple of bus stops are in Monterey and Carmel—the best places to board the bus.

The Pacific Coast Highway is s famous drive, but biking it makes for an even more memorable adventure. (Photo: faungg's photos/Flickr)

Where the Land Meets the Sea

There’s a reason Big Sur is coined “the greatest meeting of land and sea in the world,” and you can see it for yourself by diving right into the coastline with the ragged beauty of Point Lobos State Park’s headlands. Take advantage of this curious coastland by hiking, picnicking, or diving, where you can catch the underwater jungles of Northern California’s seaweed habitats. 

“Descend a Dusty Gravel Ridge Beneath the Bixby Canyon Bridge”

Take a hint from Death Cab for Cutie and make a stop at what’s properly called the Bixby Creek Bridge, a famous and historic overpass that was the very first of its kind in Big Sur and which connects the area to the cities up North. If you’re doing the trip by bus, the driver will make an unofficial stop here, as long as you ask nicely.

Built in 1932, the Bixby Creek Bridge is a man-made wonder among Big Sur’s stunning nature. (Photo:  docentjoyce/Flickr)

Cool Your Jets

Big Sur River Inn is a hotel and restaurant famed for letting its patrons plop their wooden chairs down directly in the river’s shallows. If you want to do Big Sur but you’re not really in the mood for the do-it-yourself experience of camping, then this is your spot: Eat, drink, lounge in the river, and relax.

If you’re up for a camping adventure, Andrew Molara State Park is accessible by the 22 bus and has 24 hot spots for tents along the main trailhead. Plus, you can take off right into the wilderness: One of Big Sur’s less well-groomed parks, Molara offers more than 20 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, with options to surf and fish. The campgrounds are first come, first served, so we recommend getting an early start and calling the park before bringing all your gear.

Deck With a View

Nepenthe Restaurant is one of the best places to stop for a bite along the PCH. Offering slightly overpriced but hearty fare (try the Ambrosiaburger) the place is more known for its view of Big Sur’s coastline, which always seems to be breathtaking from the mistiest mornings to the clearest nights.

Catch some Culture

Big Sur has long been home to famous writers and artists looking to get away from it all, including novelist Henry Miller, whose namesake memorial library provides one of the most engaging cultural outlets that Big Sur has to offer. A library and non-profit arts organization, the Henry Miller Memorial Library is a wonderful place to enjoy art shows, theater, lectures, and book signings.

Big Sur River Inn offers a unique lodging and dining experience. (Photo: Big Sur River Inn)

Just up the road from the library is the Big Sur Spirit Garden. Consider it the library’s more eclectic relative. Although the location also offers live shows in world music, performance, and other arts, we say go here to check out the “Spirit Nests,” large sculptural nests created by the center’s founder Jason Fenn to provide comfort and shelter for passersby. (These spots are located further south than the 22 Bus will go, so consider it a bike-only option.)

More from offMetro:

Things to Do in Pescadero

Orange County for Kids

By Rebecca Podesta

Make sure you’re ready for some serious tasting: Hog’s Apothecary has 33 beers on tap! (Photo: The Hog’s Apothecary/Facebook) 

The tradition of brewing began soon after the introduction of grain farming, as our ambitious ancestors quickly came to recognize what we now know for certain—that beer is comfort, beer is community, and (perhaps most importantly) beer is delicious. We’ve undoubtedly journeyed far from the original brew houses, with an increasingly intrepid collection of brewers and breweries, yet the original inspiration remains unscathed.

And Berkeley and Oakland, the two best-known cites of California’s East Bay, has embraced the craft brew era with arms wide open. The East Bay has bars and beer gardens popping up all over, while local microbreweries are working hard to keep your glass from running dry. Here are some of the best spots to get your beer on.

Get sippin’ in Oakland

The Hog’s Apothecary | 375 40th St.

With 33 rotating beers on tap, four wines, and even one stag root beer, the Hog’s Apothecary holds strong to their belief in locally sourced brew, with the entirety of their gawk-worthy draft list coming straight out of California. Don’t be duped by the impressive beer selection—the bar’s restaurant brings some honest competition with a hearty menu of artisanal sausages and lard-fried chips that caters to even the grizzliest beer drinker.

A choir performing outside of Linden Street Brewery. (Photo: George Kelly/Flickr)

Linden Street Brewery | 95 Linden St.,

Head over to the port of Oakland, for a behind the scenes look at how this brewery’s small batch of lagers goes from grain to glass. After the tour, cozy up to the bar, or lounge out on the patio to sample the final product. Whether you go straight for the suds in The Beer Shed, or pair your brew with James Syhaout (of Hawker Fare)’s global fusion menu at The Dock, the experience is certain to be sublime. 

Beer Revolution | 464 3rd St.

With 50 taps of hand-selected brews rotating daily (and sometimes hourly), it’s hart to keep up with the Beer Revolution madness—but fortunately the staff knows just about everything there is to know about what’s in your mug. The bar doubles as a bottle store selling hard-to-find favorites holds weekly and monthly events.

The Trappist | 460 8th St.

Red brick walls, vintage décor, an ever-rotating selection of European style beer. . .we dare you to dream up a better taproom. To top it off, there’s a menu full of creative entrées like “Green Eggs & Eggs,” plus charcuterie & cheese boards. Pay a visit to its little brother, Trappist Provisions, (6309 College Ave.) and take your pick of over 160 bottled beers to sip on there or stash for later.

Botzeit brings it with German ales and eats, plus a waterfront location. (Photo: Brotzeit Lokal)

Brotzeit Lokal | 1000 Embarcadero

Brotzeit Lokal offers up brews with a view in its Oakland waterfront location. As the name hints, this is the place to go for all things German, including homemade sauerkraut, pickles and mustards, bretzels, späetzle and all sorts of other tasty things you probably can’t pronounce. Brunch is served on the weekends until 3pm, and Brotzeit gives a whole new meaning to your average morning meal, thanks to an extensive list of handcrafted sausages.

Fill your glass in Berkeley

Triple Rock Brewery & Alehouse | 1920 Shattuck Ave.

An alehouse you can rely on, Triple Rock is one of America’s oldest brewpubs. In the business since 1985, it offers timeless classics alongside a rotating selection of specialty and seasonal brews. The menu offers guilty pleasures like cheese fries, chili cheese fries and garlic fries, plus plenty of vegan and vegetarian options like Seitan Philly Cheesesteak and Chili to balance things out.

Jupiter | 2182 Shattuck Avenue

A cozy outdoor patio, complete with dangling vines and a wood-burning fire pit, makes Jupiter’s the perfect spot for an after-hours brew. Pair Jupiter’s galactic beer option with an out-of-this-world brick oven pizza for the complete experience.

Cold beers and a whimsical courtyard make Jupiter out of this world. (Photo: Jupiter Beer/Facebook) 

Eureka! Burger | 2068 Center St.

With 30 craft beers on tap, Eureka! boasts one of Berkeley’s largest draft beer selections. It also has a full menu of gourmet burgers, like the towering Jalapeno Egg Burger, complete with bacon and a sunny side up egg. Stop in for ‘Hoppy Hour’: Nightly specials include live music on Thursdays and a chance to steal-the-glass every Wednesday with the purchase of that week’s featured beer.

Berkeley Freehouse | 2700 Bancroft Way

The massive outdoor patio at the Freehouse has heaps of group seating and fire pits to give it that neighborhood joint feel—plus an extensive beer menu to boot. Four plush couches, a fireplace and a menu full of comfort foods like Chicken Pot Pie and Beef Stew disguise the Freehouse as your own living room.

More from offMetro:

Food, Beer, and Wine in San Luis Obispo County

Picnics, Wine, and Outdoor Art at Cornerstone Sonoma

By Thomas Martin

A beautiful sunset view at Pismo Beach. (Photo: Matthias Rhomberg/Flickr)

With a few rough edges and a lot of homespun charm, Pismo is the quintessential beach town. It’s laid-back and unassuming, much like the people who call it home. There’s certainly something about the combination of 310 sunny days year, etched mountains, moody beaches, and a cornucopia of fresh, local foods that makes stress a foreign concept. Here are some great things to do in Pismo Beach.

What to do

Wave riding. Central Coast Kayaks (1879 Shell Beach Road) offers kayak and Standup Paddleboard rentals, but we opted for a tour of the coast’s hidden caves and coves. After an initial period of gentle paddling— during which we watched sea lions sunbathing on tiny ocean islands—we learned the art of working with the waves to maneuver through the narrow gaps between stacks and arches and make up the rocky coastline.

Take a tour of the hidden caves and coves along Avila Beach. (Photo: Bill Ward/Flickr)

Set sail. For those who prefer a little less manual labor in their ocean explorations, Avila Beach Boat Charter offers a Seaweed Express shoreline tour, which departs from nearby Port San Luis.  The small size of the speedboat allows access to many of the hidden caves and coves along the coastline. Directions: Take the Avila Beach Trolley.

Apples and grapes. There are several wineries located in nearby Avila Beach and Avila Canyon. Taste and tour one a bike ride along the Bob Jones Trail.

Kelsey Vineyard (1947 See Canyon Road) is nestled in the woods of See Canyon, and easily reachable by bike. The Kelsey family has owned the winery and tasting room since 1999, sourcing many of their grapes from their vineyard 30 miles north in the small town of Creston. With names like “Red Delicious” and “Golden Delicious,” the wines celebrate the fertile area.

Get brunch at the charming Mon Ami Cafe. (Photo: Britt Reints/Flickr)

After a tasting at Kelsey ($5), cruise over to Creekside Farm Orchard (1691 See Canyon Road) to sample some of the apples that make up the wines, and sip on some fresh cider.

Those who prefer not to ride can still get their fill at the cluster of wineries located in Avila Beach, all accessible by the Avila Beach Trolley, which runs throughout the spring and summer.  For general information about wineries in the area, visit the Avila Wine Trail website.

Where to eat

Breakfast of champions. The adorable Mon Ami (230 Pomeroy Ave.) cafe whips up its delicious crepes right in the dining room.  We opted for a savory (with bacon, eggs and mushrooms) and a sweet (with a symphony of fresh berries).

Sea(food) and sun. Marisol (2757 Shell Beach Road) is an ideal spot for no-fuss lunch and dinner, offering a wide selection of simple meat and seafood dishes like Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps and Sushi Fried Rice.  There’s an outside patio with ocean views, or you can even eat your supper by the poolside.

Just one of the many selections you can choose from at Ventana Grill. (Photo: Ventana Grill)

Windows on the water. With its spectacular coastal views and delicious “coastal fusion” cuisine, Ventana Grill (2575 Price St.) is a great venue for fine dining. The restaurant is situated on a bluff and juts out over the cliff edge, and its spectacular ocean and sunset views pair perfectly with fresh catches and Mexican spice.

Where to stay

Rooms with views. Although they are a bit removed from the center of town, the oceanfront hotels along Shell Beach Road are tough to beat. Cliffs Resort (2757 Shell Beach Road, from $195 per night) is large and well-landscaped, with a swimming pool, hot tub and spacious rooms, many with ocean views. Apparently there is also a secret beach (so secret, in fact, that we weren’t able to find it!). Bike rentals are available (it’s about a 20-minute cycle into the city center), and Bus 21 stops at the nearby Spyglass Inn, and runs into town.

Pier pressure. Set one block from the Pismo Beach Pier, the Pismo Beach Hotel (230 Pomeroy Ave., from $99) is a casual spot offering easy access to the beach and all town activity. Perks include continental breakfast, gas-burning stoves, and a lovely Spanish-style courtyard, with an array of rooms, ocean-view suites, and apartment suites with full kitchens.

The newly remodeled Pismo Beach Hotel was the setting of the 1937 Clark Gable film Strange Cargo. (Photo: Pismo Beach Hotel)

Getting around

By bus. A variety of buses run throughout the area, and between March and October, the free Avila Beach Trolley shuttles passengers from the center of Pismo Beach to Avila Beach, stopping at the oceanfront hotels on Shell Beach Road along the way. Visit San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority for schedules and information.

By bike. Wheel Fun Rentals (100 Stimson Ave) offers bike rentals ($8 per hour, $25 a day), as well as surreys ($20 per hour), choppers ($10 per hour) and fun cycles ($10 per hour). There are four locations: at the Sandcastle Inn, next to the parking lot by the pier (guided tours available), at SeaCrest Oceanfront Hotel (bikes only), and at Cliffs Resort (bikes only).

More from offMetro:

The Best Beaches Near San Francisco

The Six Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Southern California

By Jessica Festa

Take a walk in the flower fields of Carlsbad. (Photo: kellinahandbasket/Flickr)

Despite having “bad” in its name, Carlsbad, California offers many good-for-you experiences. Here are some suggestions to help you have a healthy and happy vacation that’s good for you, the community and the environment.

1. Eco-Chic West Inn & Suites West Inn & Suites is a charming boutique hotel, offering an onsite shuttle that will take you anywhere within five miles (including Carlsbad Village, The Flower Fields, Legoland, and the lagoons). In addition to various eco-friendly practices, the hotel takes part in a local WorkAbility program, hiring autistic individuals to help them enhance work skills. It also owns a three-acre farm, which guests can tour get a true sense of farm-to-table.

Indulge yourself with a sustainable and scrumptious meal at the Bistro West. (Photo: Bistro West)

2. Rarefied cocktails at West Steak and Seafood West Inn and Suites has two onsite restaurants, both of which source ingredients from the property-owned farm. Head to West Steak and Seafood for cocktails mixed with a stem-to-stem philosophy: The “Chameleon Martinis” feature fresh garden herbs as well as ice cubes infused with spirits and fresh fruit, so that as you stir, the drinks’ flavors and colors transform. 

3. Local Love at Village Faire Village Faire, located in the center of the Carlsbad Village, is filled with palm trees and local restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries, so you can savor Carlsbad culture and help local business owners. 

Naked Cafe, focuses on flavor, nutrition, and fresh ingredients—plus local artwork on the walls. Almost everything is made in-house, and each menu item is broken down by protein, fiber, carbs, fat, and calories. 

Paddleboard yoga is a perfect way to start the day. (Photo: Carlsbad’s Floating Yogis/Facebook)

4. Practice Morning Yoga While Paddleboarding For those who have never done Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Yoga, Carlsbad’s Floating Yogis can introduce you to this unique sport. While immersed in nature, increase your physical and mental stamina as you stretch and bend your body into yoga poises—atop a paddle board. The calm morning waters and singing birds will relax you while the balancing movements work your core.

5. Get an All-Natural Spa Treatment at Ocean Crest Spa Located in the Hilton Oceanfront Resort & Spa, Ocean Crest Spa offers only the highest quality products, many of which feature locally sourced ingredients from California and the ocean. Relax with the “Motion in the Ocean” treatment (110 minutes for $250), a reenergizing journey that incorporates healing gestures, a soft body brushing, and undaria scrub. After a hot shower and a hair mask, the treatment finishes with a Lomi Lomi massage, with long strokes and cradling motions to make you feel as though you are rocking in the ocean.

Get your beach gear ready! (Photo: David Baxendale/Flickr)

6. Break a Sweat on the Beach Along Carlsbad Boulevard, the beach—and scores of people running, cycling, skateboarding, and rollerblading on the paths—will beckon. Lush gardens of purple lavender add to the ambience for an inspiring workout.

7. Go For a Hike Carlsbad is home to an array of hiking areas, most notably around Batiquitos Lagoon. There is an array of hiking trails circling the lagoon, and visitors can see unique flora, plus about 185 bird species. Make sure to hike to the top of the hill for aerial views of the lagoon and surrounding wetlands.

One of the few tidal wetlands left on the Southern California coast. (Photo: Joe Wolf)

8. Bike the San Diego Coastal Rail Trail The paved San Diego Coastal Rail Trail runs along Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner and Metrolink/COASTER Corridor for 33 miles through the coastal communities of Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas and Solana Beach in San Diego. Cyclists, hikers and runners enjoy the art and garden offerings on the trail as well as the local attractions in each city. Rent a road bike from Synaptic Cycles and get it delivered right to your door.

9. Indulge Locally Located in Carlsbad Village is the Chocolate Bar, an artisanal chocolate and wine shop committed to sustainable indulgence. About 1/3 of the chocolates are made on premises, with the others being sourced from small California chocolatiers. Additionally, many of the wines come from local wine regions.

10. Go on an Adventurous Beer Tour Scavengers Beer Adventures offers tours that show you Carlsbad’s best craft beer experiences. While this may not sound healthy, beer in moderation actually has natural antioxidants and vitamins, especially dark beers. Additionally, some of the company’s tours also allow for wildlife spotting and scenic beach views so you can learn about the local ecosystem.

More from offMetro:

Gourmet Getaway: Food, Beer, and Wine in San Luis Obispo County

A Hidden Hike in Marin County: Loma Alta Open Space Preserve

Just Say OM: 7 Yoga Retreats Near San Francisco

By Suzanne Russo

A view of the bay area mountains from Brisbane. (Photo: Franco Folini/Flickr)

The San Francisco Bay Area is home to many peaks, and the possibilities for enjoying all these “pies in the sky” are endless, from taking in their vastness to taking to their trails. Hiking, running, or meandering along creeks and gullies can easily fill a peaceful afternoon, and pedaling up and down hills offers an intense adrenaline rush.

But exploring the mountains of the Bay Area involves a car, at least get to the trailhead, right? Not necessarily. Here’s how to visit Bay Area mountains on bike and public transit.

Immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery around Mt. Hamilton. (Photo: Don DeBold/Flickr)

South Bay: Mt. Hamilton Sneaky Mt. Hamilton hides from view in the Diablo mountain range. The highest peak overlooking the Silicon Valley, it’s home to Lick Observatory, the world’s first permanently occupied mountain-top observatory (which offers excellent star-gazing programs).

It’s an 18-mile bike ride with a two-step climb from San Jose’s Caltrain station to Mt. Hamilton’s summit. The first climbs up from the flatlands to Joseph Grant County Park, a vast expanse of grasslands and wildflowers, and then there’s a second climb to the top of Mt. Hamilton

Directions: Take Caltrain to San Jose and ride from there. For those wanting to visit without a bike, carpooling is the best bet (try Zimride to find folks going your way).

Enjoy a beautiful sunset at the top of Mt. Tamalpais. (Photo: Eric Pheterson/Flickr)

North Bay: Mt. Tamalpais From anywhere north of Oakland to anywhere south of Novato, one can catch a glimpse of this beloved Bay Area fixture. Biking to the top of Mt. Tam is easy (logistically—though not so easy on the muscles) to do from anywhere in the Bay Area, thanks to the Golden Gate Bridge and the ferries to Sausalito .

There are also many ways to hike Tam, including the famed Dipsea Trail, along which you can peek into the exclusive Tourist Club (open to the public on select weekends), or enjoy Sunday breakfast at the historic West Point Inn.

Directions: Take Golden Gate Transit Bus 92 toward Manzanita, then transfer in Marin City to Marin Transit bus 61 toward Brighton Avenue. Get off at Panoramic Highway and Pan Toll Road. (Visit marintransit.org for scheduling.) You can also take the Marin Stage Coach from many convenient places on the east side of Marin to more western and northern trails.

View from Summit Trail on Mt. Diablo. (Photo: susby/Flickr)

Mt. Diablo | 96 Mitchell Canyon Road | East Bay As the Pittsburg/Bay Point BART train nears Walnut Creek, majestic Mt. Diablo comes into view. It’s not the tallest of mountains, but you can witness none of the most expansive views in the world from its summit.

There are several transit-friendly ways of getting closer to the Mt. Diablo’s peak. One is to bike the Iron Horse Trail from the Pleasant Hill BART. (Note, however, that while it may be just 16.4 miles, 3,849 feet is a hefty climb.)

The Donner Creek Trail makes a wonderful adventure in winter or spring, when Donner Canyon Falls gush down the mountainside. The views of the north side of the mountain are stunning, the shade along the creek refreshing, and the waterfalls awesome to watch.

Directions: Take BART to Concord and catch the County Connection 10 bus to Clayton Road & Mitchell Canyon Road (the journey takes about an hour and a half). Or take BART to Walnut Creek or Pleasant Hill and bike from there (about a 2.5-hour ride).

More from offMetro:

10 Best San Francisco Bay Area Bike Rental Shops

The Best Big Sur Activities By Bus and Bike