By Juliana Medan

Summer is here, and what better way to celebrate than watching the sunset with family and friends? Visit one of these stunning lookout points and take advantage of all the amazing views our Bay has to offer. You and your Instagram will both appreciate your visit to theses photogenic sunset spots.

1. Peak of Mount Tamalpais – Marin

In the heart of Marin County, Mount Tamalpais has some of the most gorgeous views our Bay has to offer. Its highest point, East Peak, sits above the clouds, ensuring that the view of the sunset is clear even on foggy days. From the East Peak of Mount Tam you can see the Farallon Islands that sit 25 miles out at sea, the Marin County hills, the East Bay, Mount Diablo and of course, San Francisco Bay. On rare occasions, you might even be able see the snow-covered Sierra Nevada.

2. Mount Hamilton Lick Observatory – Santa Clara

Mount Hamilton sits as a gem of the South Bay. At 4,209 feet, it is the highest point in all of the Bay Area. While it is fairly simple to get to the peak of the mountain via a long curving road, you should allow an hour to drive from San Jose to the Lick Observatory at the very top. The journey, however, is well worth it. Witness captivating views of the rolling South Bay hills and explore the Lick Observatory building and all its history. The Observatory is another great place to see the stars after your sunset viewing is over.

3. Mount Davidson – San Francisco

At 927 feet, Mount Davidson is the tallest natural point in San Francisco. It is not only a great option for hiking on a cool day, but for watching the sunset in the evening. Sit perched on one of the many viewpoints and look over stunning, expansive views of the city. Mount Davidson Park itself is open until 10pm, so you can enjoy the view well after the sun sets.

4. Twin Peaks – San Francisco

The top of Twin Peaks in San Francisco is arguably the best place to catch a full 360 degree view of San Francisco, in addition to a prime view of the Bay. The two hills sit in the very center of the city and remain the second highest natural summit in San Francisco. Like other viewpoint options, this spot is open well past sunset, until midnight. Catch a clear glimpse of the city lights once the sun finishes setting. Twin Peaks is easily accessible by car or bus.

5. Bernal Heights – San Francisco

Bernal Heights in San Francisco may be a residential neighborhood, but it offers a wonderful sunset spot with a surprise. At one of its stunning lookout points, a tree swing sits at optimal sunset-viewing position. Take turns with loved ones swinging over the city, and watch the sunset over our Bay. Bernal Heights holds some of the most breathtakingly clear views of San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, downtown San Francisco, the East Bay hills, and San Bruno Mountain.

6. Berkeley Bay View Point – Berkeley

The Berkeley Bay Viewpoint is part of the larger Tilden Regional Park, one of Berkeley’s most scenic areas. It is popular with bikers, hikers, and swimmers, but also offers an incredible place to take advantage of the beauty of a summer night. The Berkeley Bay View Point sits next to the Lawrence Hall of Science and is easily accessible by all modes of transportation. On colder nights, watch the sunset from the warmth of your car and behold a magnificent view of the East Bay and San Francisco.

From any of these viewpoints, you are sure to enjoy the beauty and diversity of our Bay. As the sun dips below the horizon and the city lights begin to twinkle, take in the wonders of the Bay Area and marvel at just how lucky we are to live here.

 

If you’re ready to see the Bay from a new perspective, regardless of whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, we’ve got five hikes you won’t want to miss. Our Bay-Saving team has curated a list that will take you to dazzling vistas, fields of flowers and trails lined with treetop canopies and wildlife. Get out for a hike and share your images with us @savesfbay.

	Mount Tamalpais is in the heart of Marin County, and its trails are endless. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider the 15.4-mile hike from Stinson Beach to the 2,571-foot peak. On a clear day, you can see the Farallon Islands, Marin County hills, San Francisco Bay, East Bay and Mount Diablo.
	Lands End is one of the great coastal trails along the northwestern corner of San Francisco. This 3.5-mile loop has magnificent views across 30 miles of coastline where you’ll see green hills, wildflowers, shipwrecks, Sutro Bath ruins and the Golden Gate Bridge.
	Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve offers breathtaking views from the East to the West. Nestled in the Berkeley hills, you can stroll through towering trees and native flora and fauna along the Strawberry Canyon Fire Trail. Consider a picnic dinner and enjoy the sunset.
	Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge spans 30,000 acres and is an oasis for millions of migratory birds and endangered species. Hit the visitor’s center and choose your trail, whether you want to stroll through a butterfly garden, walk the boardwalk over the marsh, or hike and bike along the levee, there’s something for everyone.
	Mountain View Cemetery may not be at the top of your list, but it’s a beautiful garden cemetery in the foothills of Oakland with expansive views and serene spaces with fountains and lush landscapes. Designed by Frederick Olmsted, it is the resting place of many famous personalities including Julia Morgan, Samuel Merritt, Lydia Flood Jackson, Anthony Chabot and Kate Carew.

Have you been meaning to mix up your holiday shopping with some holiday giving?

A donation to Save The Bay could help us create habitat, prevent pollution, or connect students to wetlands they might not otherwise have the chance to explore.

Plus, we’re happy to share: checks and credit cards aren’t the only ways to support our work!

Ways You Can Protect the Heart of our Home:

• Vehicle Donation Program – Yes, cars can help our cause! Save The Bay’s vehicle and boat donation program provides crucial support to our programs. Making the donation is easy – visit www.savesfbay.org/vehicle-donations to turn your unwanted vehicle into a charitable contribution.
• Donating your IRA Assets – Use your traditional IRA to make your charitable gift. The IRA Charitable Rollover allows people age 70 ½+ to make charitable gifts up to $100,000/year directly to Save The Bay without incurring federal income tax on the withdrawal. Contact Katie Reitter at KReitter@saveSFbay.org or 510-463-6837 to get the process started.
• Planned Giving – When you include Save The Bay in your will, trust, or beneficiary listings, you help ensure that future generations will enjoy a healthy, vibrant Bay. Your estate gift will have a lasting impact on the Bay, allowing diverse communities around the region to experience its beauty. Let us know that you have included Save The Bay in your estate plans and we’ll send you a beautiful framed Bay photo as a special thanks! Contact Katie Reitter at KReitter@saveSFbay.org or 510-463-6837.
• Stock Donations – Did you know that Save The Bay accepts stock gifts? By making a gift of stock held longer than one year, you avoid paying capital gains tax altogether. Visit www.savesfbay.org/stock for account information.
• Workplace Giving & Matching Gifts – Your employer may offer valuable ways for you to support Save The Bay’s programs. Visit www.savesfbay.org/employer-matched-gifts to learn if payroll deduction contributions and matching gifts are possibilities at your organization.
• AmazonSmile – Give back while you shop this holiday season! Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases to Save The Bay whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.  Simply visit www.smile.amazon.com and select Save The Bay as your charity of choice.
• Make a Tribute Gift – You can even celebrate a loved one while championing our programs. Give to Save The Bay in honor of a friend’s birthday, wedding or other special event. You can also give the gift of membership! Visit www.savesfbay.org/tribute to make your tribute gift today.
• Become a Bay Sustainer – Of course, traditional donations are always welcome! Bay Sustainers are a special group of Save The Bay members who make regular monthly gifts. Sign up to be a Bay Sustainer and we will send you a limited edition Save The Bay t-shirt: www.savesfbay.org/baysustainer
• Volunteer – 44,000 pounds of weeds can’t remove themselves! Our dedicated volunteers were behind that breathtaking stat and many more this year. Save The Bay is profoundly grateful to have the support of thousands of people who show up rain or shine to pitch in at our restoration events. Their hard work helps us create habitat, protect wildlife, and improve water quality across San Francisco Bay. Check out our calendar to get involved: https://www.savesfbay.org/volunteer/calendar 

All of these options help Save The Bay protect the heart of our home for future generations.

For more information on the numerous ways to give please, contact Jackie Richardson at Jackie@saveSFbay.org or at 510-463-6835.

San Francisco Bay is home to more than 7 million people and is the largest, most valuable estuary on the West Coast. Facebook’s headquarters is located right on the Bay’s beautiful shoreline, and the company has shown its commitment to protecting local habitat and ecosystems —from the innovative 9-acre green roof at its Menlo Park campus to its broader efforts in the Bay Area.

By sponsoring Bay Day 2017, Facebook is helping people all around the Bay celebrate its iconic role in our community, and inspiring us all to better protect this shared natural wonder. Bay Day is San Francisco Bay’s new regional Earth Day. This Bay Day – Saturday, October 7th – is an opportunity to inspire positive environmental actions by connecting communities with immersive, Bay-themed educational and recreational activities.

This is not the first time Facebook and Save The Bay have partnered to protect the Bay. This June, 350 enthusiastic Facebook volunteers came out for a massive Intern Service Day at Bair Island, bringing their incredible work ethic to our three-acre Inner Bair Island restoration site. Facebook’s volunteers completed 100 days of restoration work in just one day.

At Save The Bay, Facebook’s platforms are vital to everything we do, from spreading the word about the Bay-spanning events this Bay Day to engaging citizens with our vision of a clean and healthy Bay.

This Saturday, October 7th, Facebook’s sponsorship is supporting volunteer restoration events in Redwood City and Palo Alto, and a total of 70 community events around the Bay. And for people and families who can’t make it to one of these public celebrations – Facebook helped us launch My Bay Day Adventure Guide, an interactive, online guide to experience Bay Day from your mobile device. I love how the My Bay Day experience helps people to discover the Bay in a new way, through each of our senses, and hope you and your family enjoy it too.

Save The Bay is proud of our partnership with Facebook, and we are grateful for all the company does to protect San Francisco Bay and the communities that call the area home.  Together, we can ensure a healthy and resilient Bay for generations to come.

Distressing images of birds trapped in plastic debris and trash fouling beaches have sadly become common news stories. Events like International Coastal Clean Up Day (Saturday, September 16) and National Estuaries Week (September 16-23), bring much-needed attention to the cleanliness of our Bay, coastline, and waterways. But, often overlooked and not often discussed, is where the vast majority of this trash begins its journey to the Bay. When we look for answers we need to look further inland to one of the greatest sources of Bay trash… our city streets.

Trash is a daily and persistent threat to the health of our communities and neighborhoods. Illegal dumping creates chronic blight in many of our region’s neighborhoods, and city departments are struggling to respond in a timely manner. Homeless encampments lack access to trash bins, resulting in unsanitary and often dangerous living conditions. Trash is deliberately thrown on the ground and accidentally blows out of cars, garbage trucks, and trash bins.

The sources of trash are numerous, but the Bay is often the ultimate destination. Our streets are connected to the Bay through our storm drain system. In most places in the Bay Area, the grates you see next to the curb allow water and pollution to flow freely through a system of pipes that empty into creeks, rivers, and the Bay. Since stormwater does not flow to a treatment plant, all of the trash flowing through this system ultimately ends up in the environment.

Save The Bay has been working for almost a decade to keep trash out of the Bay, including advocating for regulations that require zero trash in city storm drains by 2022. Since most trash starts in our cities, our city leaders and local agencies must play a role in the solution.

The road to zero trash in the Bay is a tough one, but we are already seeing the positive impacts of our advocacy. In July, Save The Bay partnered with Oakland Community Organizations to advocate for additional funding in the city budget to prevent and respond to illegal dumping, a chronic problem that primarily impacts some of Oakland’s most underserved areas. Following pressure from Save The Bay, local and regional organizations, and the community, the city council adopted a budget that not only includes an additional $150,000 to address illegal dumping but also $1.6 million to place port-a-potties and clean trash from homeless encampments. The city also committed to installing trash screens in storm drains as a part of transportation projects.

This victory is only the beginning for our Zero Trash campaign. Like Oakland, cities and counties throughout the Bay Area need to secure additional funding to keep trash out of our neighborhoods and the Bay. Save The Bay is committed to advocating throughout the region to make the 2022 zero trash requirement a reality, and we hope you’ll join us by making a personal promise to reduce your trash footprint:

Four Simple Ways Your Can Reduce Your Trash Footprint!

• Reduce. Avoid single disposable items like take-out cutlery and food containers.
• Reuse: Carry a reusable shopping bag and coffee mug (and get a discount!).
• Recycle: Recycle everything you can and dispose of your trash properly (remember to tie down bin lids to stop animals getting in!)
• Restore: Help cleanup our Bay shoreline! Join our MLK Coastal Clean Up event on September 16 or our Palo Alto Baylands Clean Up on September 23.

 Thanks for all you do to help keep our Bay, coastline, and waterways, clean and healthy for all life. Stay tuned for opportunities to advocate for zero trash in your city.

Bay Area residents have united in recent decades to protect the natural places we love and embrace the human diversity that makes our region vibrant. Save The Bay’s achievements prove the power of many different voices joining in common cause. Now acts of hatred and rallies for intolerance show that unity is needed more than ever.

Not long ago, we drove wildlife to extinction by damming rivers, cutting down forests, tearing down hillsides for minerals, and almost filling in San Francisco Bay.

Yet we united to save majestic redwoods, scenic shorelines, eagles, elephant seals, and sea otters. Just last year more than 70 percent of Bay Area voters chose to tax ourselves to restore more of San Francisco Bay. Natural open space has made us healthier and richer, and our healthier Bay is central to our quality of life and economy.

Not long ago, we exterminated native tribes, locked neighbors in internment camps, redlined neighborhoods, and outlawed interracial marriages. Yet we grew to embrace people from many cultures and beliefs to build a region of innovation, creativity, and collaboration that others seek to emulate. Less than a decade after San Francisco declared couples of any gender may marry, it’s now legal throughout the U.S. Our tolerance makes us stronger, and there is beauty in our variety.

We still face big hurdles to create an equitable and just society in the Bay Area. We can tackle climate change, pollution, growing inequality and continuing discrimination if we continue to stand united, embracing our diversity. Hate and violence won’t take us to that better place.

Let the Bay Area and all of California be a model to the rest of the nation. Let’s show that together we can overcome the tough challenges before us by putting care, kindness, and love first. When we do that, we can build a healthier Bay and Bay Area for all the people and wildlife that call this place home.

The Bay Area is full of stunning views, amazing nature, vibrant cities, diverse communities, and a beautiful Bay that connects us all. We love this place, and it wouldn’t be the same without San Francisco Bay. That’s why we’re inviting you to celebrate the second annual Bay Day on Saturday, October 7. 

Last year, thousands of people took part in over 50 events across 39 cities, and 7 counties declared Bay Day as an official annual celebration. This year’s Bay Day is set to be bigger and better!

So, stay tuned for more information about outdoor and on-water activities, hands-on programs from our partners, and free and discounted events happening around the Bay on Oct 7! In the meantime, don’t forget to add Bay Day to your calendar.

We hope you’ll join us in marking this one-of-a-kind regional holiday this fall.

 

The City of San Francisco is not only home to some of the world’s finest and diverse cuisine, spectacular views of San Francisco Bay are also visible throughout the city. Here are a few of our favorite bayside spots to grab a drink and a bite to eat in the City by the Bay.

1. The Ramp 

   
   Originally a Mission Bay bait shop in the 50’s, The Ramp now provides a variety of eats and drinks. On warmer weekend days, they fire up the outdoor grill and get people dancing with live Salsa or Brazilian music. So grab some Huevos Rancheros and mull over their drink menu. They have 14 beers on tap and a variety of fruit-filled cocktails. I’d recommend trying the Mango Margarita or Jalapeno Grapefruit Martini.  Woody Allen also filmed a scene from Blue Jasmine at this location.

2. Waterfront Restaurant 

   
   Are you looking for something fancier and a bit upscale? Since 1969, the Waterfront Restaurant serves the tastiest locally sourced farm-to-table produce and sustainable seafood in the area. Some local favorites include Handmade Seafood Linguini Lobster and a Dungeness Crab Sandwich. Wash it all down with a Ginger Collins or Pomegranate Margarita. Its waterfront location along the Embarcadero offers beautiful views of the Bay, making this the perfect place for an enchanting night out with friends and loved ones.

3. Greens Restaurant 

   
   Owned and operated by the San Francisco Zen Center since 1979, Greens Restaurant is considered one of San Francisco’s finest vegetarian restaurants. Its flavor-packed menu will surely tantalize your taste buds. Enjoy some our favorites like the Farm Fresh Asparagus appetizer or the Wild Mushrooms Sheppard’s Pie. You can complement those dishes with a nice glass of pinot noir or a cup of organic loose leaf tea while gazing at the Golden Gate Bridge.

4. Ferry Building 

   
   Nestled alongside the shores of San Francisco, the Ferry Building is home to a vibrant artisan food community and features a variety of Bay Area shops, regional microbreweries and wineries, and local eateries.  The palpable buzz in the building and its structure harkens back to a different age and captures that once port city feel, making it a unique place to visit. While you’re there, try the modern Vietnamese food at the Slanted Door, seafood at the Hog Island Oyster Company, or grab a delicious burger at the American Eatery. Additionally, on Saturdays, the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture (CUESA) hosts a weekly farmers market in the plaza.

Pictures often remind us that there’s really no place like San Francisco Bay. At Save The Bay, we love to see and share all of your Bay photos on our Instagram. Whether you’re taking a photo from your kayak, or just walking along a stretch of the 500-mile San Francisco Bay Trail, our picturesque region is ripe for exploration and will surely make your Instagram look 💯 ! Here are our favorite spots around the Bay to take photos.

 

Fort Baker, Sausalito

SF’s cloud game is on point! #goldengatebridge #sausalito #sfbay #MyBayPhoto Credit: @davidyuweb

A post shared by Save The Bay (@savesfbay) on Feb 15, 2017 at 11:45am PST

 

Middle Harbor Shoreline Park, Oakland

Simply stunning. #sfbay #oakland #eastbay #sunset #MyBayPhoto Credit: @speck5150

A post shared by David Wilde (@davidwilde7433) on Feb 14, 2017 at 6:36pm PST

 

Angel Island State Park, Tiburon

Dreaming of sunnier days, warm weather, and an island getaway. #MyBayPhoto Credit: @mariahhark

A post shared by Save The Bay (@savesfbay) on Feb 9, 2017 at 1:30pm PST

 

César Chávez Park, Berkeley

César Chavéz Park offers a picturesque escape for any photographer or sightseer who strolls along its scenic walking trail. All paths lead to #berkeley #SFBay. #MyBayPhoto Credit: @loephatt

A post shared by Save The Bay (@savesfbay) on Feb 16, 2017 at 12:14pm PST

 

Alviso Marina State Park, San Jose

The vibrant colors in this awe-inspiring shot of #Alviso Marina could pass for an opulent painting, but instead gives us another reason to marvel at the unrivaled beauty of #SFBay really creates some wonderful colors. #MyBayPhoto Credit: @tkottary

A post shared by Save The Bay (@savesfbay) on Feb 16, 2017 at 5:56pm PST

 

Shoreline Park & Lake, Mountain View

Not far from #Googleplex, Mt. View’s Shoreline Park is a prime spot for bird-watching, biking, watersports, and watching the sunset. #SFBay #MyBayPhoto Credit: @designerperson

A post shared by Save The Bay (@savesfbay) on Feb 14, 2017 at 5:03pm PST

 

Port of Richmond, Richmond 

The rich history of the Port of Richmond makes this particular spot even more majestic, especially at sunset. #MyBayPhoto Credit: @Norcalseadog

A post shared by Save The Bay (@savesfbay) on Feb 15, 2017 at 3:43pm PST

 

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, San Francisco

This historic park located in #FishermansWharf can feel like a blast from the past. It serves as a great place to snap some nostalgic shots of historic vessels and fleets. #SFBay #MyBayPhoto Credit: @jchouanard

A post shared by Save The Bay (@savesfbay) on Feb 15, 2017 at 9:11am PST

 

 

China Camp State Park, San Rafael

The panoramic views at #ChinaCamp are unmatched, offering spectacular views of this historic shrimp-fishing village nestled along San Pablo Bay. #sanrafael #SFBay #MyBayPhoto Credit: @ipeggybutler

A post shared by Save The Bay (@savesfbay) on Feb 14, 2017 at 4:22pm PST

 

McLaughlin Eastshore State Park, East Bay

McLaughlin Eastshore State Park was named in in honor of Save The Bay co-founder Sylvia McLaughlin, the marshes at McLaughlin Eastshore State Park give way to an ethereal backdrop at sunset. .#oakland #emeryville #berkeley #albany #richmond #eastbay #MyBayPhoto Credit: @sakicake

A post shared by Save The Bay (@savesfbay) on Feb 16, 2017 at 4:15pm PST

 

Adobe Creek Loop Trail, Palo Alto

The Bay’s zen-like atmosphere offers a nice balance between untamed wildlife and peaceful nature. #MyBayPhoto Credit: @rayrenati

A post shared by Save The Bay (@savesfbay) on Feb 15, 2017 at 1:35pm PST

 

Coyote Point Recreation Area, San Mateo

The mixture of rocky and sandy beach at #CoyotePoint gives great visuals at this serene and enchanting locale. #SanMateo #SFBay #MyBayPhoto Credit: @earthwright

A post shared by Save The Bay (@savesfbay) on Feb 15, 2017 at 2:10pm PST

 

Benicia Waterfront, Benicia

The bare bones of this old pier at #BeniciaWaterfront are just a few of the many picture-worthy and mysterious remnants of this former ferry and shipyard site. #Benicia #MyBayPhoto Credit: @rayvolushun

A post shared by Save The Bay (@savesfbay) on Feb 14, 2017 at 4:29pm PST

 

Albany Bulb, Albany

Affectionately known as “The Bulb,” this estuarial habitat is home to various birds, reptiles, and mammals, offering a plethora of interesting photo options including local sculpture and graffiti art. Imagine having an infinity pool all to yourself. Ahhh! #Albany #MyBayPhoto Credit: @butterbetty

A post shared by Save The Bay (@savesfbay) on Feb 16, 2017 at 2:15pm PST

 

Point Isabel Dog Park, Richmond

 

Wally is just one of many dogs, who enjoy the vibrant and picture-perfect settings at #PointIsabelDogPark. #Richmond #SFBay #MyBayPhoto Credit: @bluerabbit77

A post shared by Save The Bay (@savesfbay) on Feb 15, 2017 at 12:14pm PST

 

San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Vallejo

 

This tidal estuary is home to the Bay’s endemic and endangered Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse and Ridgway’s Rail. #SanPabloBay #MyBayPhoto Credit: @justinnambiar

A post shared by Save The Bay (@savesfbay) on Feb 15, 2017 at 6:01pm PST

 

Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, Richmond

 

Views of Mt. Tamalpais, the Marin shoreline, and San Pablo Bay can be seen from #PointPinole giving visitors a pristine place to enjoy #Richmond #SFBay. #MyBayPhoto Credit: @ptw5867

A post shared by Save The Bay (@savesfbay) on Feb 15, 2017 at 2:47pm PST

 

Hamilton Field, Novato

This decommissioned army airfield is now home to approximately 2,600 acres of tidal and seasonal #wetlands and amazing views. #MyBayPhoto Credit: @nesbodey

A post shared by Save The Bay (@savesfbay) on Feb 15, 2017 at 10:27am PST

 

South Beach, San Francisco

San Francisco’s #SouthBeach gives a whole new meaning to setting sail on #SFBay. ‘Tis the season to get nautical on the Bay. #MyBayPhoto Credit: @nauticalsff

A post shared by Save The Bay (@savesfbay) on Feb 16, 2017 at 10:38am PST

 

Berkeley Marina overpass, Berkeley

The #BerkeleyMarina is an absolutely breathtaking place to enjoy spectacular views of #SFBay in every direction. #MyBayPhoto Credit: @visionsofjomamah

A post shared by Save The Bay (@savesfbay) on Feb 15, 2017 at 4:40pm PST

I love being home for the holidays. Being back in the Bay means walking my favorite trails, shopping downtown and catching up with old friends. I have many traditions around the holidays with my family and friends. My favorite tradition is meeting up with my friends from high school at our favorite café to grab some warm drinks and walk along Ocean Beach. Spending time with family and friends is a huge part of the holiday season. This year we hope you include the Bay in some of your holiday traditions. These are some of our favorite ways to celebrate the holidays on the Bay in style.

1. Spend time outside. Celebrate the winter solstice on Wednesday, Dec. 21 by stretching your legs and spending time outdoors. Enjoy a Bay view from the nearly 350 miles of the San Francisco Bay Trail or challenge your friends to hike to the top of Mission Peak in Fremont. Your legs will be burning but you’ll have a beautiful view of the Bay to enjoy while you catch your breath.
2. See the Bay Lights. Everyone loves to admire the neighborhood Christmas lights, but this year take it a step further and enjoy the beautiful Bay Lights on the Bay Bridge. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and stroll along the Embarcadero to enjoy the amazing view of the lights over the Bay.
3. River Otter Snow Day. We may not get snow days in the Bay Area but the river otters at the Aquarium by the Bay in San Francisco are getting a fresh snow day every Wednesday this month. Both kids and adults love to watch the cute otters as they slip and slide around in the snow. See the otters play in fresh snow every Wednesday from Dec. 7 to Dec. 28.
4. Lighted Boat Parade. The lighted boat parade is an annual tradition put on by the Fisherman’s Warf Community Benefit District and the St. Francis Yacht Club. It started in 1994 and is the oldest and largest lighted holiday boat parade on San Francisco Bay. The best viewing spots are at Aquatic Park, Pier 39, Marina Green and Crissy Field in San Francisco. The parade takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 16.
5. Water sleigh ride on Lake Merritt. Enjoy a festive light-filled cruise around Lake Merritt in Oakland, complete with caroling and hot cider. Water sleigh rides will start at 6 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from Friday, Dec. 2 to Friday, Dec 23. Rides are $6 per person.

I hope you all get a chance to enjoy the Bay this holiday season and remember to take public transportation or carpool in an effort to help reduce the amount of pollution that flows into our Bay. Happy Holidays!