Explore the Peninsula 2016-2017

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T H E P E N I N S U L A & H A L F M O O N B AY C O A S T

2016-2017 EDITION HOTEL COPY | PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE

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BURMESE CUISINE

PALO ALTO 445 Emerson St 650.323.6543 PALO ALTO (BURMA RUBY) 326 University Ave. 650.285.2770 SAN CARLOS 680 Laurel Ave. 650.592.1852 BELMONT 1000 6th Ave. 650.591.4156 BURLINGAME 1219 Burlingame Ave. 650.381.9756 SAN FRANCISCO 1608 Polk St. 415.610.4333

www.RangoonRuby.com

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HOTEL G U When yo ESTS! us, ask u visit COMPLIM for our Chef's A ENTARY ppetize r

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Inspi I nnsspi nspi sppiirred S Shhopp ppinng

Leading luxur y brands d .Y Your our ur favorite retailers. 120 fabulous fa stores and restaurants. staurants.

• • Nordstrom, H&M, Michael Kors, M A C, The Apple Store, Paul Martin’s Am merican Grill, Macy’s, W illiams-Sonoma a, bebe, LL’Occitane, Pandora, Kiehl’s Since 18 51, Sephora, Banana Republiic, The Cheesecake Factor y, Gymboree and more. e.

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Fogo de ChĂŁo | Sephora | Drybar | Madewell | Veggie Grill | H&M Kate Spade New York | LB Steak | Lululemon Athletica | Pizza Antica Tesla | Scotch & Soda | Splendid | Yard House | Warby Parker & more...

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THE FINEST STEAKS & SEAFOOD

THE SEA by a l e xa n d e r s steakhouse

CUPERTINO 19379 Stevens Creek Blvd 408.446.2222 SAN FRANCISCO 448 Brannan Street 415.495.1111

PALO ALTO 4269 El Camino Real 650.213.1111

MOUNTAIN VIEW 209 Castro Street 650.864.9999 CUPERTINO 19379 Stevens Creek Blvd Suite 100 408.886.3333

PASADENA 111 N. Los Robles Ave. 626.486.1111

M

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www.alexanderssteakhouse.com CUPERTINO • SAN FRANCISCO • PALO ALTO • MOUNTAIN VIEW • PASADENA • TAIPEI, TAIWAN • TOKYO. JAPAN

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S U P E R B V I E W S & CO N T E M P O R A RY P E R U V I A N C U I S I N E

Amazing Peruvian appetizers, dinners, steak and seafood...

Unique drinks and Happy Hour Wednesday-Friday 5-7pm and all evening on Tuesdays.

And the best ocean views on the coast! Enjoy our outdoor fireplaces and inventive interiors.

8 MILES NORTH OF HALF MOON BAY OPEN FOR DINNER TUES-SUN

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8 1 5 0 C A B R I L L O H W Y, M O N T A R A

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650.728.1600

W W W. L A C O S TA N E R A R E S TA U R A N T. C O M

L A CO S TA N E R A I S T H E P E R F E C T S E T T I N G F O R YO U R N E X T S P E C I A L E V E N T. I N Q U I R E TO DAY !

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le papillon D I N I N G & C AT E R I N G

410 SARATOGA AVENUE, SAN JOSE

408.296.3730

WWW.LEPAPILLON.COM

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Publishing, Inc. 617 Veterans Blvd., Suite 213 Redwood City, CA 94063 Tel (650) 366-6099 www.dineshopplay.com

CO-PUBLISHER Advertising & Editorial Douglas H. Latimer

CONTENTS EXPLORE THE PENINSULA & HALF MOON BAY COAST THE PENINSULA & ITS CITIES 10 The Peninsula: An Overview 22 Palo Alto 26 Menlo Park & Redwood City 28 San Carlos & San Mateo 30 Burlingame

TEE TIME 79 The Area’s Top Courses SPECTATOR SPORTS 82 Winning Ways of Bay Area Sports Teams CALENDAR 86 Year-Round Events, from Fairs to Festivals

SHOPPING 48 Area Shopping & Centers 50 Special Section: Burlingame 52 Shops & Boutiques

ON STAGE 88 A Seasonal Calendar of Performing Arts

AREA ATTRACTIONS 66 Family Fun to Art Museums WINE TASTING 72

Touring the Area’s Wineries

OUTDOOR EXPLORATIONS 74 Open Space Wonders 76 Parks & Preserves 77 Beaches & Ocean Pursuits

DAY TRIPS: NEARBY DESTINATIONS 90 San Francisco 92 San Jose 93 The South Coast, from Santa Cruz to Big Sur MAPS & INDEX 94 Area & City Maps 96 Advertiser Index

For updated and more comprehensive information on Silicon Valley, visit us on the web at www.dineshopplay.com.

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ExPLoRE THE PENINSuLA

Rita Vanderaa

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Sally Hatfield-Barney Shannon Rubin Lillian Scoyen

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Karen Gastaldo

COPY EDITOR

DINING 32 A Feast of Culinary Options

HALF MOON BAY COAST 58 Exploring the Pacific Side

CO-PUBLISHER Art Direction & Production

Joyce Thomas

DESIGN

Elaine Nusser, Design Source

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ken Castle Karen Gastaldo Marlene Goldman Kathy Chin Leong Marianne B. Madge

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Frank Balthis Jill Clardy Michael Halberstadt Susan Monroe Dave Porter Chris Schmauch Rita Vanderaa Jim Watkins © 2016 Explore Publishing, Inc.

Published annually. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of the publisher is forbidden.

IF YOU ARE A HOTEL GUEST, PLEASE LEAVE THIS COPY BEHIND FOR OTHER VISITORS TO ENJOY. If you would like your own copy, please order it from us for $12.50 per copy, postage paid, by mailing a check to our address above.

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LUXURIOUS CHURRASCO DINING IN THE SPIRIT OF BRAZIL

restaurant & lounge

529 ALMA STREET

D O W N TO W N PA L O A LTO

W W W. PA M PA S PA L O A LT O . C O M

650.327.1323

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THE SAN FRANCISCO

PENINSULA 10

ExplorE thE pEninsula

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What is it that makes the Peninsula—well, the Peninsula? That’s difficult to define, because the slender strip of real estate between San Francisco and the South Bay is a bastion of delights.

BY KATHY LEONG

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HE PENINSULA HAS ALWAYS ENJOYED AN IDEAL MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE BACKED BY GORGEOUS SCENERY FROM EAST TO WEST, but until fairly recently it was considered little more than a stretch of highway that people drove through en route to the City by the Bay for a day or evening of fun. not any more. thanks to the prosperity brought by the area’s high-tech industry over the past decades, the region—also referred to as the “Mid-peninsula”—now sizzles with hot destinations of every kind, from drool-worthy restaurants and posh boutiques to fascinating museums and top-notch performing arts. so, dear reader, after we share the many treasures right here in our own backyard, get out and enjoy!

A VIEW OF SAN FRANCISCO BAY FROM THE HILLS ABOVE STANFORD UNIVERSITY

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Connect with the coast. Taste and feel the sea breeze on the Half Moon Bay coast, where a necklace of beaches lines the Pacific Ocean’s scenic perimeter.

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UNES BEACH, VENICE BEACH, MIRAMAR BEACH, AND FRANCIS BEACH ARE HOME TO TIDE POOLS ALONG WITH SURFER DUDES AND “DUDETTES,” while cliff-backed

franK Balthis

beaches like Gray Whale Cove, Montara, and San Gregorio offer more stunning settings. Marvel at a lighthouse or two, as well. Select your favorite pumpkin at one of the many coastal patches in the autumn.

Sample local produce at roadside stands. Come for a seafood platter and stay for a cocktail in front of an open fire pit, as foghorns blow. Browse the medley of interesting stores and boutiques along Main Street in Half Moon Bay. And for the active and adventurous types, rent a bike, kayak, paddle board, or surf board at one of the local outfitters.

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ExplorE thE pEninsula & half Moon Bay Coast

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Stroll downtown delights. Want to catch a film?

Sample some ethnic cuisine? Wax philosophical over a cup of joe and dessert? Peninsula downtowns are chock full of character, each unique in its own right.

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AY OR NIGHT, IN PALO ALTO YOU’LL FIND STANFORD UNIVERSITY STUDENTS HUNKERED DOWN OVER THEIR BOOKS IN CAFÉS AND RESTAURANTS ALONG UNIVERSITY AVENUE. it’s a great spot for a date

TOP: MUSIC IN THE PLAZA IN REDWOOD CITY; ABOVE: PALO ALTO’S LIVELY UNIVERSITY AVENUE; FACING PAGE: MONTARA BEACH, NORTH OF HALF MOON BAY

night, where you can indulge in a meal at any price point you wish and then hit a current movie at the aquarius or watch a classic film from the ‘30s or ‘40s at the beautifully restored stanford theatre. redwood City has been enlivened by a widespread makeover that began in 2011. packed with restaurants over several blocks, its downtown also draws crowds for free movies and music in the plaza, concerts at the fox and Club fox, and blockbusters at the Century 20 movie theater, where D-Box seats simulate the motions that you see on the screen. and san Carlos is becoming a destination of its own for its burgeoning dining scene and wine bars, while san Mateo’s up-and-coming downtown also draws customers from all over the peninsula for its food of all varieties. Meanwhile, tony Burlingame is rife with chic boutiques, bustling restaurants, and upscale salons. slow down and you’ll also uncover such gems such as a tearoom, a European bakery, and an old-fashioned floral shop.

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Spa it up. Peninsula “pamper palaces” won’t disappoint the most traveled spa mavens.

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ONSIDER SENSE SPA AT THE SOPHISTICATED ROSEWOOD SAND HILL HOTEL (Menlo park;

rosewoodhotels.com), set amid 16 lush acres with gardens and mountain scenery. Both men’s and women’s locker rooms boast a relaxation sanctuary and outdoor courtyard with whirlpool. for an invigorating and thoroughly cleansing treatment, book an authentic Korean scrub at immersion spa (palo alto; immersionspa.com) and then relax afterward in its detoxifying jade room. or try a restorative treatment at the spa at four seasons hotel silicon Valley (East palo alto; fourseasons.com), which gives guests the opportunity to soak in a rooftop pool and hang out in private cabanas.

HALF MOON BAY GOLF LINKS

Dew sweep the greens. In golf vernacular, dew sweepers are the maniacs who rise at dawn to get their rounds in while the grass is still wet with dew.

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OR THE REST OF US, WHO PREFER TO SLEEP IN LONGER, HERE ARE SOME LINKS THAT WILL ACCOMMODATE. head to the 18-hole Crys-

tal springs Golf Course (Burlingame; playcrystalsprings.com) for sparkling panoramas of the Crystal springs reservoir, reminiscent of a scottish loch. Want ocean vistas? Drive to half Moon Bay Golf links (half Moon Bay; halfmoonbaygolf.com) where two courses will enchant you with jagged cliffs, emerald grasses, and aquamarine waters. if you can’t book tee times there, check out these other courses: poplar Creek Golf Course (san Mateo; poplarcreekgolf.com) and shoreline Golf links (Mountain View; shorelinelinks.com).

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ExplorE thE pEninsula & half Moon Bay Coast

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Taste the love. You can often sample before you buy at some of the many boutique food stores throughout the region.

LIVE OILS, PASTRIES, CANDIES, CHEESE, VINEGARS! Don’t forget the farmers markets held every day of the week in communities along the peninsula. the farmers here don’t mind slicing up samples of their bounty for you to try for free. and for a unique Bay area experience, sample creations by gourmet food vendors at an off the Grid (offthegridsf.com) event. an organized food truck movement, this recent mobile cultural phenomenon offers a variety of cuisines at different locations throughout the week, sometimes with entertainment as an added attraction. Evening options on the peninsula include Belmont and palo alto on Mondays; Burlingame on tuesdays; Menlo park on Wednesdays; and Mountain View (at the Computer history Museum) and san Carlos (at Devil’s Canyon Brewery) on fridays.

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MiChaEl halBErstaDt (BottoM lEft)

ORGANIC HEIRLOOM TOMATOES ARE A SUMMER FAVORITE AT FARMERS MARKETS

COASTAL ARTICHOKES AT A FARMERS MARKET

RICOTTA CHEESE FROM HARLEY GOAT FARM

OFFERINGS AT AN OFF THE GRID EVENT

DUNGENESS CRAB IS A PENINSULA DELICACY

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Explore and learn. Delve into the Peninsula’s museums and historic sites.

HARGE UP YOUR INNER PILOT AT THE HILLER AVIATION MUSEUM (san Carlos; hiller.org) and try out its realistic flight simulator. head to the san Mateo County history Museum (redwood City; historysmc.org), where you’ll find artifacts from the ohlone indians; whaling tools; an 1800’s stagecoach; exquisite ship models; and an exhibit documenting the rum-running days of prohibition. travel back in time to the luxuriantly lush days of England’s Downton abbey at the filoli estate and gardens (Woodside; filoli.org), a 36,000-square-foot country manor built in 1917 and surrounded by 16 acres of gorgeous gardens. Drop by stanford university to see world-class art at the Cantor arts Center (palo alto; museum.stanford.edu) and the adjacent anderson Collection, a contemporary art museum (anderson.stanford.edu). While there, take time out for a stroll through the largest outdoor rodin collection outside of france. Visit the hp Garage (palo alto; 8.hp.com)—officially named as “the birthplace of silicon Valley”— where, in 1938, Bill hewlett and Dave packard set up a research lab and manufacturing facility in pursuit of their dream of creating a company. located in a residential neighborhood at 367 addison avenue, it is not open to the public but you can take photos of the garage from outside. if it’s an in-depth look at the history of computing you want, then you will find the Computer history Museum (computerhistory.org) in COMPUTER HISTORY MUSEUM Mountain View fascinating.

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ExplorE thE pEninsula & half Moon Bay Coast

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Pay homage to the high-tech giants.

OOGLE SHOCKS the masses as its driverless cars maneuver

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through town with just a passenger grinning in the front seat. If you are near the campus in Mountain View, you can observe Google employees riding colorful Google bicycles. Entrance into the buildings is not allowed, but you can take snapshots from outside. You also can’t get into Facebook in Menlo Park, but that doesn't stop streams of visitors clicking away in front of its famous sign featuring a thumbs up along with the address: 1 Hacker Way. Visitors also head south to Apple headquarters in Cupertino to purchase logo T-shirts and other products at the company store.

THE GARDENS AT FILOLI ESTATE

ANDERSON COLLECTION AT STANFORD

ExPlorE THE PEnInsulA & HAlF Moon bAY CoAsT

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STANFORD SHOPPING CENTER

Mall me. Three vibrant shopping malls form a triple threat for window shopping and money dropping!

LITZY STANFORD SHOPPING CENTER (PALO ALTO; SIMON.COM) explodes with floral buds in pocket gardens all year long in a vast outdoor setting. live music wafts among the 140 brand name and specialty stores including tiffany’s, nordstrom, neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdales. a mile south on El Camino real, across from the stanford campus, charming town & Country Village (palo alto; tandcvillage.com) is a historic spanish hacienda-themed enclave of more than 60 trendy shops and restaurants. and if you or your teenager loVE indoor malls, hillsdale shopping Center (san Mateo; hillsdale.com) is the go-to venue, boasting favorites including name brand boutiques and jewelry stores, with forever 21 and Banana republic among its 120 retail and food vendors.

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ExplorE thE pEninsula & half Moon Bay Coast

JiM WatKins

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Tickle your ears. Whether it’s the restored historic Fox Theatre or the modern Bing Concert Hall at Stanford University, these venues attract renowned musicians and entertainers from around the world.

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N THE COAST, THE UNASSUMING BACH DANCING & DYNAMITE SOCIETY (El Granada;

bachddsoc.org) is a beloved jewel that has been in operation since 1964. it perpetually struts a calendar chock full of extraordinary jazz, classical, and world music talents. Concerts are held inside an atmospheric beach house fronting the ocean. if you don’t mind crowds, experience a concert at the shoreline amphitheatre (Mountain View; theshorelineamphitheatre.com) to groove to celebrity a-list musicians.

STANFORD’S BING CONCERT HALL

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VIEWS FROM A RIDGE TRAIL IN THE SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS

Sip, sip hooray! Napa’s not the only place to relax and imbibe award-winning pours. The ambience at Peninsula wineries and wine lounges makes jaws drop and palates smile.

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OGARTY WINERY’S CONTEMPORARY TASTING ROOM

(Woodside; fogartywinery.com), serving its prized Chardonnay and pinot noir, is perched on a hilltop with spectacular views. in the valley below, the Wine room (palo alto; thepawineroom.com) offers couches, intimate lighting, and cheese and nut platters in a cozy cottage, where you almost expect snow White to pop out and greet you. then there’s autoVino (Menlo park; auto-vino.com) where you can talk about wine vintages and engine valves in the same breath. the space is shared with a collection of fine sports cars. photo op with a ferrari, anyone? on the coast, combine wine tasting with bocce ball for some afternoon fun at la nebbia Winery (half Moon Bay; lanebbiawinery.com).

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ExplorE thE pEninsula & half Moon Bay Coast

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DaVE portEr

Hike them hills. If the hotel gym isn’t your cup of tea, the Peninsula more than delivers on countless miles of hiking trails on varying terrain, ranging from easy to difficult.

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FEW OF THE FAVORITES INCLUDE THE STANFORD DISH HIKE, a paved trail past a bizarre ridge-top radio telescope dish in palo alto, and the butt-blasting, uphill pG&E trail at rancho san antonio, los altos. Easier on the legs are the wildflower paths of Edgewood County park, redwood City, while non-hikers love the flat half Moon Bay Coastside trail that hugs the coastline for several miles. pick whatever topography suits you best (alltrails.com). you’ll feel a million miles away from civilization as you encounter wildlife, from rabbits, hawks, and deer to occasional coyotes and bobcats.

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PALO ALTO

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ExplorE thE pEninsula

IN A NUTSHELL: For palo alto, it’s mainly academic. that’s because it’s mostly about stanford university, which gives the town its distinctively erudite tone. not only that, but the university’s legendary engineering department is renowned for producing the students who went on to found hewlett packard, Varian associates, and litton industries, the seeds that grew and flowered into the high-tech boom known today as silicon Valley. stanford continues to be one of the nation’s greatest incubators of technology and social media, the place where Google and Yahoo! hatched ideas that changed the world. the campus is also alive with innovation in art, music, and sports. But there are many diversions outside of campus—university avenue, its side streets, and town & Country Village boast fine specialty stores and a multitude of restaurants of various cuisines and descriptions, while stanford shopping Center is a veritable mecca for shoppers. the contrast between traditional and new media—bookstores juxtaposed with computer stores—draws an eclectic crowd of students, professors, venture capitalists, and technology wonks. at nighttime, downtown livens up even further, with the added lure of bars and clubs.

IN THE PAST: incorporated in 1894, just three years after the founding of stanford university by industrialist and politician leland stanford, palo alto is the peninsula’s oldest city. literally translated, the name “palo alto” means “tall stick” in spanish, referring to an especially lofty redwood tree used as a landmark by early spanish explorers. Many of the buildings at stanford university are national historic sites, while other notable palo alto structures include the stanford theatre, a restored movie revival house, along with the venerable Varsity theater and the tiny garage widely considered to be “ground zero for silicon Valley,” the humble site where William hewlett and David packard began their transformational company.

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STANFORD UNIVERSITY’S GRACEFUL qUAD

Jill ClarDY (top); Chris sChMauCh

SIDEWALk DINING ON UNIVERSITY AVENUE

WHAT TO VISIT: historic buildings and outdoor art make the Stanford University campus a mustsee for visitors. Guided, one-hour walking tours to sites including the Memorial Church and Main Quad leave seven days a week, at 11am and 3:15pm, from the stanford Visitors Center. For a bird’s-eye view of the city, san Francisco Bay, and the campus, ride the elevator to the observation deck of stanford’s landmark Hoover Tower. and be sure to save enough time to take in the fascinating exhibits of art and artifacts from around the world at the Cantor Arts Center, modern and contemporary american art at the new Anderson Collection at Stanford University, and a stroll through the Rodin Sculpture Garden on site. those wanting to be outdoors should also pay a visit to the Baylands Nature Preserve, a 1,940acre tract of undisturbed marshland that includes 15 miles of trails and strategic overlooks for viewing san Francisco Bay’s migrating and resident birds, including egrets, herons, and the rare California clapper rail.

Stanford continues to be one of the nation’s greatest incubators of technology and social media, the place where Google and Yahoo! hatched ideas that changed the world.

DAVID PACkARD’S WONDERFUL TImE mAChINE... Classic films from Hollywood’s “Golden Era” have their perfect setting at Palo Alto’s Stanford Theatre. This 1920s movie palace, styled in neoclassical Persian and Moorish architecture, was restored to its former splendor in 1987 by ardent film enthusiast David Packard—heir to Hewlett-Packard’s billionaire co-founder—and predominantly showcases films from 1920 through 1965. A tiered balcony, decorative tapestries, chandeliers, and red mohair seats recreate its Roaring Twenties splendor, accompanied by live music from a Wurlitzer theater organ that rises majestically from below the stage during intermissions. Gone With the Wind, anyone?

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PALO ALTO TOWN & COUNTRY VILLAGE Palo Alto’s Town & Country Village is an alluring paradox—the area’s oldest shopping destination, yet arguably also its most recent. Opened more than six decades ago, Town & Country Village has now been transformed into a tony shopping destination with a multitude of trendy fashion, beauty and home retailers. While remaining true to the Old California architectural features that provided its original charm—graceful, tile-roofed, Spanish hacienda-style buildings; ceilings supported by massive wooden beams; stately oak trees; and wide covered walkways trimmed with flowers—its appeal has now been overlaid with a 21st-century cosmopolitan panache.

shoppers will find an eclectic mix of both national and international name brands in everything from apparel to home décor.

Boutiques such as Joie, 8telier, Margaret o’leary, intermix, and Jarbo offer top women’s fashion designs, while prana and athleta feature apparel for active lifestyles. patrick James is the destination for upscale designer men’s apparel.

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For the home, options range from fine bedding at scandia home and kitchen and tableware at sur la table to unique décor and accessories at st. Frank, hudson Grace, and Cisco home. You’ll also find footwear, eyewear, jewelry, toys, and books, and ExplorE thE pEninsula

food markets. Meanwhile, an elegant day spa and salon fits the bill for those in want of some pampering or a makeover.

But it’s not just shopping that’s the draw; dining choices are also a major attraction, whether for a coffee and pastry at a café, a tasty lunch or a leisurely dinner. and in true California style, chances are you can enjoy your meal alfresco, as most eateries offer outdoor seating. With cuisines from asian to american, popular choices include the casual counter service asian Box, Gott's roadside and pokéloVE, as well as acclaimed full-service restaurants like Calafia, owned by renowned Google chef, Charlie ayers; Mayfield Bakery and Cafe, featuring Michelin chef Mark sullivan; and howie's artisan pizza, owned by acclaimed chef, howie Bulka.

For more information, call 650-325-3266 or visit www.tandcvillage.com.

lisa DEnEFFE photoGraphY

located at the intersection of Embarcadero road and El Camino real, across from stanford university, town & Country Village offers a relaxed environment with over 65 diverse shops and restaurants, most with parking directly in front.

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something

different

at every door

It’s time to shop different. Stroll our flower-filled walkways and discover over 65 unique specialty stores, fine places to dine, and relaxing spots to recharge.

Pamper yourself daily with personalized services for the mind and body.

Town & Country Village. You never know what’s behind the next door.

Town & Country Village TANDCVILLAGE.COM

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EL CAMINO REAL & EMBARCADERO ROAD, PALO ALTO

ALLIED ARTS GUILD

MENLO PARK

IN A NUTSHELL: long before Facebook relocated here—providing a photo op for legions of devotees who make pilgrimages to pose in front of its iconic thumbs-up logo sign—Menlo park was already an incubator for technology companies financed by a hotbed of influential venture capitalists. perched in opulent offices near the summit of sand hill road, the VC mavens give crucial thumbs up or down to entrepreneurs pitching the merits of their hopeful startups. But there’s more to this town than just money. sandwiched between palo alto’s urban bustle and the mansions of atherton, Menlo park’s tree-shaded streets still embody a pleasant Mayberry-esque quality. santa Cruz avenue west of El Camino real offers prime strolling terrain past stores selling everything from upscale “gently worn” clothing to jewelry and chic new fashions. on El Camino, Kepler’s Books is a locally owned and treasured landmark that still thrives. Movie aficionados flock to the nearby Guild thekEPLER’S BOOkSTORE atre, one of the peninAT CAFE BORRONE sula’s oldest cinema houses, to catch hard-to-find foreign and independent films.

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IN THE PAST: the city was little more than a scattering of homes linked by dirt roads until 1917, when the army built an outpost named Camp Fremont to train troops for WW i. at its peak the camp swarmed with 27,000 infantry and cavalry soldiers but was dismantled in 1919, soon after the war ended. nonetheless, its brief existence left behind paved roads, utilities, and a hub of stores and restaurants that became downtown Menlo park. the oasis Beer Garden even occupies a building still standing from the Camp Fremont era.

WHAT TO VISIT: to be transported back to California’s early spanish days, visitors can spend an afternoon at the Allied Arts Guild. this beautifully renovated hacienda-style California complex houses a number of working artist studios and a lovely café set amid exquisite gardens.

ExplorE thE pEninsula

REDWOOD CITY

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IN A NUTSHELL: redwood City boasts a vibrant, compact downtown with more than 60 diverse restaurants, bars, and nightlife options. once just a pass-through town between palo alto and san Francisco, referred to good naturedly by its own residents as “Deadwood City,” the city is now one of the peninsula’s liveliest dining and entertainment centers following a makeover which began in the early 2000s with the opening of Cinemark’s huge 20-screen theater. the historic courthouse on Broadway was restored to its former glory, with Courthouse square being redesigned as a performance center and gathering place for locals. right across the street, the beautifully renovated art deco Fox theatre and adjacent Club Fox were reopened as venues for nationally and internation-

ALFRESCO DINING

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JoEl WaDE photoGraphY

REDWOOD CITY’S COURThOUSE SqUARE

ally known entertainers. as the downtown’s evening crowds grew ever larger, entrepreneurs took notice and launched new eateries that now rival those of neighboring cities and even san Francisco. a gaggle of entertainment awaits in Courthouse square: free concerts and outdoor movies in the summer, and a Magic lantern 3D show every tuesday night at 8:30. Crowds assemble in redwood City’s Courthouse square to experience this digital light show projected onto the face of the museum—a 15-minute display that flashes psychedelic patterns and animated images synchronized to heart-pounding techno-music. You can also take in a performance at the Fox theatre or the Club Fox, dine while enjoying live music, dance, or comedy at angelica’s Bistro a couple of blocks away, or catch a play at the intimate Dragon theater.

mAGIC LANTERN 3D LIGhT ShOW. Every Tuesday night, Redwood City uses the façade of the county history museum as the backdrop for a mesmerizing digital light show at Courthouse Square, in downtown Redwood City. The 15-minute kaleidoscope of lights, images, and sound is free. (redwoodcity.org)

IN THE PAST: redwood City has the only deep-water shipping port in the southern part of san Francisco Bay, dating back to the mid-1800s. the city was named for the huge quantities of lumber cut from neighboring redwood forests and shipped north to help build the city of san Francisco.

hISTORIC FOx ThEATRE

WHAT TO VISIT: the old county courthouse houses the San Mateo County History Museum, well worth visiting for a variety of intriguing exhibits documenting the county’s history from the ohlone indians and early whaling and lumbering years through prohibition’s rowdy rumrunners.

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DINING ALONG LAUREL STREET

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IN ThE PAST: san Carlos grew from a railroad depot built in the 1880s on property owned by nathaniel Brittan, a friend of stanford university’s founder, leland stanford. almost a century later the city became home to the now demised Circle star theater, once the Bay area’s foremost entertainment venue that drew giants of popular music and comedy from Frank sinatra and the Beach Boys to Bob hope.

WhAT TO VISIT: two museums create interesting portals to the past. the San Carlos Museum of History houses artifacts from early settlers, while the Hiller Aviation Museum, next to the san Carlos airport, celebrates manned flight from its beginnings to the present day.

ExplorE thE pEninsula

hILLER AVIATION mUSEUm

SAN MATEO

SAN CARLOS

IN A NUTShELL: this small city calls itself “the City of Good living,” thanks to its almost perfect climate of warm days and cool nights. But it might also be known as “the City of Good Eating and Drinking,” because of its ever-growing variety of cafes, bakeries, restaurants, wine bars, and lounges. Foodies are drawn from all over the peninsula for the lively dining scene and wide selection of cuisines—from new american, italian, French, and Mexican to Burmese and Chinese-indian. With throngs of people dining outdoors, shopping in boutiques, walking their dogs, or just out for evening fun, laurel street is a non-stop beehive of activity. on thursdays (4-8pm), from May through september, several blocks of this main drag are transformed into a farmers market, which offers fresh produce along with treats such as rotisserie chicken and fresh-popped caramel corn. in July and august, Burton park offers free Friday evening concerts, ranging from rock to jazz, at its new, permanent bandstand. and in october, the annual downtown art & Wine Faire keeps the spirit, or spirits, well nourished. no one goes hungry or thirsty in san Carlos.

IN A NUTShELL: the city’s vibrant downtown, centered between Baldwin avenue and Fourth avenue from south B street to El Camino real, still retains its small-town atmosphere of neighborhood shops and stores, boutiques, and salons. san Mateo’s main attraction, however, besides its upscale Draeger’s supermarket, is its vibrant dining scene. rand Mcnally recently named san Mateo “Best small town for Food” in its Best of the road competition. locals and visitors alike rave about the quality and

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in 1937 and in 1938. Despite campaigns to save it, Bay Meadows was torn down to be replaced by homes and a shopping center.

WhAT TO VISIT: Downtown’s tree-shaded Central Park is a great place to kick back. its manicured lawns attract sunbathers and frisbee players; couples stroll the fragrant rose gardens and arboretum; harried nine-to-fivers find tranquility at the Japanese Tea Garden; and children enjoy the Bianchi miniature train. the park’s bandstand is a popular summer focal point for picnics and dancing during an eight-week concert season, with shows each thursday starting at 6pm. East of highway 101, at Coyote point in a shore-front location on the bay, CuriOdyssey is a family attraction with interactive science exhibits and a zoo showcasing more than 50 native animal species. the water nearby usually hosts a colorful medley of wind and kite surfers zipping acrobatically back and forth at surprisingly high speeds. For a round of golf, hit the greens at Poplar Creek, also at Coyote point. the San Mateo Farmers Market, which runs year-round on saturdays (9am-1pm), holds forth at the College of san Mateo on a hill above the city.

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diversity of its ethnic cuisine, with offerings running the gamut from fast-food simplicity to world-class preparations, and from indian and Japanese to italian and Brazilian.

IN ThE PAST: From 1934 until its closing in 2008, Bay Meadows race track was san Mateo’s signature icon. the longest continually operating thoroughbred horse racing course in California introduced innovations including pari-mutuel wagering, the Daily Double, and the photo-finish camera. legendary racehorse seabiscuit won the Bay Meadows handicap twice, POPLAR CREEk GOLF COURSE

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IN A NUTSHELL: located just minutes from san Francisco international airport, this charming community known as the “City of trees” is a traveler’s favorite stop. two distinct shopping and dining areas adjoin Burlingame’s neighborhoods, which span a century of design with a medley of historic California bungalows, English tudors, tileroofed Mediterraneans, and a few postVictorian mansions. Burlingame avenue and its cross streets beckon with a blend of national name retailers, along with a wide-ranging mix of upscale one-of-a-kind boutiques and specialty stores. sprinkled among the shops are a multitude of restaurants, coffee houses, and some of the area’s best bakeries. about a mile north, across from the major hotels lining the bay side of highway 101, Broadway avenue offers an appealing potpourri of individually owned stores and popular dining spots in a friendly, laid-back, hometown atmosphere.

IN THE PAST: Founded in 1893 and incorporated in 1908, the city originally grew up

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KOHL MANSION

THE TRAIN DEPOT

SUSAN MONROE (TOP)

BURLINGAME

BURLINGAME AVENUE

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BURLINGAmE AVENUE (LEFT & RIGhT)

BROADWAY, BURLINGAmE (LEFT & RIGhT)

SUSAN MONROE (TOP)

around the opulent Burlingame Country Club, a playground for san Francisco’s nabobs. ironically, when Burlingame’s boundaries were later redrawn, the club mysteriously migrated to mega-affluent hillsborough, the city next door. the historic Burlingame train depot, a striking Mission-style structure built in 1894 to greet san Francisco’s elite in grand style on their weekend jaunts to the club, is still in use at the foot of Burlingame avenue. Check out the station’s roof, made from 300-year-old tiles that once graced an original 1700s spanish mission. one of the city’s majestic estates, Kohl Mansion, was used in the 1996 Disney movie Flubber, starring robin Williams.

WHAT TO VISIT: For something very different, check out the Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia (214 California avenue)—a vortex of pez history and lore. in addition to what may well be the world’s biggest collection of pez dispensers and memorabilia, including a gigantic dispenser standing 7 feet high, other attractions include the Classic toy and Banned toy museums. the latter includes such unfortunate playthings for kids as an “atomic Energy laboratory” kit that turned out to be dangerously radioactive. those in search of exercise can stretch their legs and enjoy scenic views of san Francisco Bay on the two-mile waterfront trail east of highway 101. there’s also a Farmers Market, sun, 9am-1:30pm, and thurs, 3-7pm, May through november, and the annual Burlingame on the Avenue in august—an art and wine festival with artists, handcrafted items, food, drink, and live music.

Burlingame Avenue and its cross streets beckon with a blend of national name retailers, along with a wideranging mix of upscale one-of-a-kind boutiques and specialty stores.

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ALANA’S CAFÉ

AmericAn BurlingAme; redwood city

Co-proprietors Teresa Lindhartsen and Francesca Tashjian invite you to enjoy great “comfort food” cooked with gourmet quality using the freshest seasonal produce.

Breakfast items include wonderful egg scrambles, Swedish oatmeal pancakes and fruit scones. For lunch, try their delicious sandwiches, impressive salads, unbeatable soups and other daily specialties for all ages and appetites. Burlingame locals have enjoyed Alana’s cozy, neighborhood atmosphere since 1993. Breakfast served all day: Mon-Fri, 7-3; Sat, 8-3; Sun, 8-2. Lunch daily from 11. Redwood City is in a quaint, historic Victorian house with a charming, turn-of-the-century garden setting. Four rooms offer cozy seating, while the garden patio offers pleasant outdoor dining. Available for private parties in the evenings; catering also offered. Breakfast: Mon-Fri, 72; Sat-Sun, 8-2. Lunch daily from 11.

[Burlingame: 1408 Burlingame Ave.; 650348-0417. Redwood City: 1020 Main St.; 650-366-1498. alanascafe.com]

ALEXANDER’S PATISSERIE

PAtisserie mountAin View; cuPertino

DINING GUIDE With restaurant choices covering the full gamut of cuisines and styles, the Peninsula is a foodie’s paradise. Nearby land and sea produce abundant year-round harvests, each season offering its own temptations and inspiring chefs to use their creativity, as reflected on their menus. Savor the freshness and diversity; the dining scene is anything but dull.

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This traditional European patisserie and bakery offers an exquisite selection of savory and sweet treats along with gourmet sandwiches. Presiding over the kitchen is executive pastry chef Dries Delanghe, a Belgian native whose career ranges from the 5-star Hotel Les Sangliers de Ardennes to the 3-Michelin-starred Joël Robuchon in Las Vegas. Each indulgence is made inhouse with top-quality ingredients as well as seasonal highlights. Stumptown coffee and espresso drinks are also available.

Mon-Fri, 8am-10pm; Sat, 8am-11pm; Sun, 8am-8pm. [Mountain View: 209 Castro St.; 650-864-9999. Cupertino: 19379 Stevens Creek Blvd #100; 408-886-3333. alexanderspatisserie.com]

ALEXANDER’S STEAKHOUSE steAkhouse cuPertino

Melding innovation and tradition, this refined steakhouse is the premier dining destination in the heart of the Silicon Valley, offering its own dry-aging room and an award-winning wine selection. In addition to American beef, Alexander’s serves Japanese Imported Wagyu beef of the A5 grade, infusing these mainstays with creative Japanese techniques and influences.

This remains the place to close deals, celebrate milestones or simply enjoy an unforgettable dining experience. Lunch: Tues-Sat, 11:30-2. Dinner: Mon-Thurs, 5:30-9:30; Fri, 5:30-10:30; Sat, 5-10:30; Sun, 5-9.

[19379 Stevens Creek Blvd.; 408-4462222. alexanderssteakhouse.com]

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ALL SPICE

new AmericAn sAn mAteo

Husband-and-wife team Sachin Chopra and Shoshana Wolff have turned a 1906 Victorian house into a pioneering dining destination that showcases evocative new American Cuisine with Indian, Japanese, norwegian, and Mediterranean influences.

Dinner nightly. [1602 S. El Camino Real; 650-627-4303]

H O S P I T A L I T Y W I T H A H E R I T AG E A R E PU TAT I O N FO RG E D BY F I R E

AROY THAI BISTRO

thAi PAlo Alto, downtown

A spin-off from perennially award-winning Thaiphoon, this newest addition to Palo Alto’s Thai dining scene is earning rave reviews for its savory food and pleasant ambience. The extensive menu includes highlights such as stir-fried mango chicken, pad thai noodles, yellow curry chicken and roasted duck curry. The beautiful, warm interior is enhanced by handcrafted Thai décor, while sidewalk seating is also offered. For a thirst quencher, the pomegranate lemonade is a winner. Full bar; catering and take-out are available. Lunch: 11-3:30 daily. Dinner: Sun-Thurs, 5-9:30; Fri-Sat, 510. [320 University Ave.; 650-485-2636. aroypaloalto.com]

ARYA

PersiAn, mediterrAneAn redwood city, downtown

A predominantly Persian menu features dishes such as borani bademjoon, chicken koobideh, and pomegranate pistachio meatballs, but don’t be surprised to find Italian favorites, too. Lunch and dinner daily. outdoor seating available. [885 Middlefield Rd.; 650-367-4939]

BAUMÉ

contemPorAry French PAlo Alto

SA N M AT EO | SA N F R A NCISCO ESPETUS.COM

Combining classic traditions with experimental techniques, chef Bruno Chemel’s seasonal prix fixe offerings are savored in an intimate, chic dining room. Dining by reservation only. Lunch: Thurs-Sat. Dinner: Wed-Sat. [201 S. California Ave.; 650328-8899]

BIRD DOG

new AmericAn PAlo Alto, downtown

Elevated cuisine in this stylish, minimalist bistro reflects a contemporary approach to a spectrum of global flavors, with an emphasis on northern California and Japanese. Located downtown. Dinner nightly. [420 Ramona St.; 650-656-8180]

For more dining listings, reviews, and links to restaurant websites, visit

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ALEXANDER’S PATISSERIE

ALANA’S

AROY

COCONUTS CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT

CELIA’S

CALAFIA CAFE cAliForniA PAlo Alto

Run by Charlie Ayers, “the chef who fed Google,” this bustling spot serves organic, seasonal California cuisine. outdoor seating available. Lunch: Mon-Fri. Brunch: Sat-Sun. Dinner nightly. [Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real; 650-322-9200]

CAMERON’S

AmericAn; British PuB hAlF moon BAy

With its authentic English pub atmosphere, warm hospitality and roaring fireplace, Cameron’s serves up an old-fashioned, British-styled good time. order a pint and

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ALEXANDER’S STEAKHOUSE

play a game of darts, shuffleboard or foosball; catch your favorite sports on one of the many plasma TVs in the game room; or relax by the fire with some friendly conversation. With so much going on, this is a great place for the whole family. A menu of both traditional British fare—fish and chips, bangers and mash—as well as American dishes like Cameron’s Killer Burger and homemade clam chowder offers up a variety of comfort food for healthy appetites. Come for a few drinks or stay the night in one of three English style bed & breakfast rooms or at the newly opened campground. Mon, 4-11; Tues-Thurs, 1111; Fri-Sat, 11-12; Sun, 10-10. [1410 South Cabrillo Hwy.; 650-726-5705. cameronsinn.com]

CASCAL

sPAnish/lAtin mountAin View

old World taste meets new World appeal at this vibrant restaurant. opened in 2003, Cascal brings together the traditions of Spain with the exotic cultures of Latin America. Bold flavors and warm hospitality are matched with sexy cocktails, lively music, and epicurean delights. owner Don Durante, creator of the famed Le Mouton noir and Birk’s American Grill, invites you to a new tradition of tapas-style dining— small plates and tastes—as well as a variety of ceviches and traditional paellas in an elegant and stylish setting. This casual dining experience will captivate you with flavors and ingredients spanning the globe from

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Spain to South America and Mexico. Also enjoy the heated outdoor patio. Located in downtown Mountain View. Lunch and dinner daily. [400 Castro St.; 650-940-9500. cascalrestaurant.com]

CELIA’S

mexicAn PAlo Alto; menlo PArk; sAn mAteo; sAn Bruno; dAly city

Celia’s is all about food without pretenses, prepared with passion. Salsa, guacamole, and hand-made tamales are made fresh daily, and artisan margaritas are prepared on order. Satisfy your craving for homestyle Mexican specialties ranging from albondigas soup and fajitas to seafood platters and steak à la Mexicana; with attention to healthy cooking, the dishes are prepared with organic, lean cuts of meat and the tortillas are made without lard. The relaxed, family atmosphere turns all the more festive when Mariachi bands serenade on special occasions. Lunch and dinner daily; Happy Hour, Mon-Fri, 3-7pm at the bar and patio. [Palo Alto: 3740 El Camino Real; 650-843-0643. Menlo Park: 1850 El Camino Real; 650-321-8227. San Mateo: 504 Peninsula Ave; 650-3435886; also 3190 Campus Dr.; 650-3490165. San Bruno: 201 El Camino Real; 650-877-8245. Daly City: 379 Gellert Blvd.; 650-755-6213. celiasmexicanrestaurants.com]

KABUL Afghan Cuisine “Fabulous food” “Deliciously different” -TRIP ADVISOR “Fantastic lamb dishes” “Wonderful kebabs” -ZAGAT

135 El Camino Real, San Carlos 650.594.2840 www.kabul-cuisine.com

CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN CUISINE

CHANTILLY

French redwood city

Dress up and head to this top-rated Frenchnorthern Italian restaurant known for its classic cuisine and old-world elegance. The wine cellar reflects top California and French wines. Dinner: Mon-Sat, 5:30-10.

(3001 El Camino Real; 650-321-4080)

CHEF CHU’S chinese los Altos

This Peninsula favorite hasn’t skipped a beat since its opening in 1970, always drawing crowds whether for lunch or dinner, and continuing to receive accolades for its deliciously authentic Chinese food.

Charismatic owner, cookbook author, and chef, Lawrence Chu still supervises the restaurant, now joined by his son, Larry.

Specializing in cuisines from the four most famous Chinese gastronomic regions— Sichuan, Beijing, Shanghai, and Canton— the menu includes such delicious choices as baked miso-glazed sea bass, wok-seared tangerine beef, and potstickers, fresh-made daily. Full bar, extensive wine list, catering, banquets, and gourmet food to go available. open daily for lunch and dinner.

[1067 N. San Antonio Rd. (at El Camino); 650-948-2696. chefchu.com]

Wood­Fired Grill | Hand­Cra ed Cocktails | Wine | Brunch Sat­Sun Outdoor Dining | Live Music Thurs­Sat | Private Dining Rooms | Catering 727 LAUREL ST., SAN CARLOS | 650.592.3536 | PIACERERESTAURANT.COM ExPLoRE THE PEnInSuLA

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CHEF CHU’S

ESPETUS

HONG KONG FLOWER LOUNGE

COCONUTS CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT & BAR

DONATO ENOTECA

The Caribbean may be thousands of miles away from Palo Alto, but this festive eatery’s hearty fare brings the islands close to home.

Chef Robert, a Culinary Institute of America graduate trained in Jamaica, is well-versed in Caribbean and West Indian cuisine, and his artful creations embody island living at its finest. Listen to a soundtrack of reggae, calypso and rhumba as you dine on classics such as braised oxtail, curried goat, jerk chicken, plantains and vegan menu items such as Ital vegetable stew simmered in coconut sauce and the vegan house special—jerk tofu slices with roasted tomato choka. Full patio dining available. Tues-Thurs, 11:30-2:30 & 5-9:30; Fri, 11:30-10; Sat, 12-10; Sun, 12-8.

Happy Hour: Tues-Sat, 5-6:30. [642 Ramona St.; 650-329-9533. coconutspaloalto.com]

ESPETUS

cAriBBeAn PAlo Alto, downtown

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itAliAn redwood city, downtown

This urban restaurant offers contemporary cuisine spanning every region of Italy, using fresh, seasonal produce and artisanal products. The wine list focuses on boutique wineries from Italy. outdoor patio seating.

Lunch and dinner daily. [1041 Middlefield Rd.; 650-791-1000)

BrAziliAn sAn mAteo

If it’s true that you can tell a lot about a restaurant by its attention to detail, then Espetus in San Mateo speaks volumes. Set inside a warmly lit dining room reminiscent of a wooden barn where a gaucho might hang his hat, this churrascaria prides itself on offering authentic fare prepared by

CASCAL

Brazilians and served rodizio style. Several different cuts of succulent, premium-quality beef, lamb, chicken, pork and seafood are spit-roasted on large skewers. Then, waiters clad in traditional gaucho outfits circulate the room at your beck and call, carrying meat skewers that are carved directly onto your plate. With a diverse cocktail and wine menu, and a bar overflowing with exotic side dishes as wideranging as the South American plains, you’re invited to drink and eat to your heart’s content. open daily. [710 S. B St.; 650-342-8700. espetus.com]

EVVIA ESTIATORIO

greek PAlo Alto, downtown

Wonderful preparations of signature Greek dishes are found alongside local interpretations of traditional Hellenic favorites at

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this charming restaurant, so popular you may have trouble making a reservation.

Lunch: Mon-Fri. Dinner nightly. [420 Emerson St.; 650-326-0983]

A PENINSULA TRADITION SINCE 1970

FLEA STREET CAFÉ

seAsonAl cAliForniA menlo PArk

At the forefront of the movement for seasonal, sustainable and organic dining, owner Jesse Cool continues to garner recognition for this iconic location. Dinner: Tues-Sun. [3607 Alameda de las Pulgas; 650-854-1226]

HONG KONG FLOWER LOUNGE chinese millBrAe

Located just 5 minutes from San Francisco Airport, Hong Kong Flower Lounge has earned a reputation for serving the finest Chinese cuisine. Renowned for its gracious service, elegant surroundings and its sumptuous dim sum lunches and fresh seafood specialties, the Flower Lounge offers a balance between contemporary and traditional Chinese. Patrons also enjoy a full bar and cocktail lounge. Private rooms and banquet facilities for up to 200 are available. Reservations recommended. open daily for dim sum, lunch and dinner.

[51 Millbrae Ave.; 650-692-6666. mayflower-seafood.com]

I PRIVÉ

JAPAnese BurlingAme, downtown

Specializing in modern Japanese cuisine, executive chef Stanley Chan builds a personalized food and drink pairing menu based on the preferences of the diners.

Lunch: Fri-Sun. Dinner: Tues-Sun. [1125 Burlingame Ave.; 650-348-8866]

KABUL AFGHAN CUISINE AFghAn sAn cArlos

A memorable meal of exquisitely flavorful Afghan cuisine awaits you here. Enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner in an atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional Afghan home, surrounded by beautiful rugs, draperies, colorful costumes and dramatic photos of Afghan life. Favorites include the Combination Kebab, featuring two generous skewers of grilled lamb, beef, chicken, shrimp or fish on a bed of basmati rice, as well as the Korma Challaw Badenjah—tender chunks of beef and eggplant cooked with onions, tomatoes, ginger and herbs. Wine and beer served. Private room for up to 35. Lunch daily, 11:30-2; Dinner nightly, 5:45-9:45.

[135 El Camino Real; 650-594-2840. kabulcuisine.com]

BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT -Palo Alto Weekly, Palo Alto Weekly, Mountain View Voice, Metro, 2016

“...PACE-SETTING GOURMET CHINESE FOOD” -Zagat Guide

“...A LANDMARK OF BAY AREA DINING” -Metro Newspaper LUNCH & DINNER • BANQUETS • COCKTAILS • GOURMET FOOD TO GO

1067 N. San Antonio Road at El Camino, Los Altos 650.948.2696 • www.chefchus.com

MEXICAN RESTAURANT Family owned and operated since 1965!

Full bar & banquet facilities.

Open 7 days a week

MENLO PARK: 1850 El Camino Real | 650-321-8227 PALO ALTO: 3740 El Camino Real | 650-843-0643 SAN MATEO: 504 Peninsula Ave. | 650-343-5886 SAN MATEO: 3190 Campus Dr. | 650-349-0165 SAN BRUNO: 201 El Camino Real | 650-877-8245 DALY CITY: 379 Gellert Blvd. | 650-755-6213

celiasrestaurants.com

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LA COSTANERA

LA COSTANERA

PeruViAn montArA (north oF hAlF moon BAy)

Experience the culinary richness of Peruvian cuisine at this modern fusion restaurant with a spectacular view of the Pacific ocean. Chef Carlos Altamirano crafts dishes combining the freshest of locally sourced ingredients with authentic Peruvian items. From ceviches, causas (whipped potatoes with a choice of toppings), empanadas, anticuchos (street-inspired skewers) and small plates to entrees such as lamb shank, slow-braised pork shoulder, paellas, and an extensive variety of seafood choices, the menu offers outstand-

ing dishes both contemporary and traditional. The food is as breathtaking as the view—making La Costanera a great choice for a memorable dinner, special occasions and private events. Full bar. Dinner only: Sun, Tues-Thurs, 5-9; Fri-Sat, 5-10. Closed Mon. [8150 Cabrillo Hwy.; 650-3706801. lacostanerarestaurant.com]

LE PAPILLON

French, contemPorAry sAn Jose

Centrally located in Silicon Valley, this exceptional restaurant has epitomized fine

KABUL

dining since its founding in 1977. California-inspired modern French cuisine is beautifully presented in an elegant, quiet setting. Chef Scott Cooper’s innovative menu and culinary talents have garnered numerous accolades over the years. Reflecting Cooper’s passion and dedication to world-class cuisine, the prix fixe and tasting menus change seasonally in order to incorporate organic and sustainably grown local ingredients. Whether for dinner or catered events, Le Papillon provides the same high level of excellence. Private rooms available.

Dinner nightly. [410 Saratoga Ave.; 408296-3730. lepapillon.com]

Dine Like a Local Join us for lunch, brunch, or a fireside dinner under the stars.

A classic American grill with a warm and inviting neighborhood feel, serving California cuisine and healthy comfort food.

• Courtyard Seating with Firepits • Live Music in the Summer

• Weekend Champagne Brunch 10am – 2:30pm • Private Dining & Events

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100 El Camino Real, Menlo Park 650-330-2790 Located at the Stanford Park Hotel Parking is plentiful, easy and free No wine corkage fees

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LOCANDA POSITANO

itAliAn sAn cArlos, downtown

Artisanal pastas, regional dishes, and signature neopolitan pizza sing with true Italian simplicity and love at this popular spot. In warm weather, sidewalk seating and an open-window environment add to the Mediterranean flavor. Lunch and dinner daily. [617 Laurel St.; 650-591-5700]

LV MAR

lAtin AmericAn redwood city, downtown

Familiar Latin American dishes are creatively reinvented by chef Manuel Martinez. Enjoy choices from ceviches to pumpkin seed-crusted halibut in a casually upscale setting with sidewalk seating. Lunch and dinner daily. [2042 Broadway; 650-241-3111]

MADERA

seAsonAl cAliForniA menlo PArk

Chef Peter Rudoph’s market-driven cuisine is centered on a wood-burning grill and honors Bay Area culinary traditions. The handsome setting includes outdoor seating with mountain views. Lunch: Mon-Sat. Brunch: Sun. Dinner nightly. [Rosewood Sand Hill Hotel, 2825 Sand Hill Rd.; 650561-1540]

MAYFIELD BAKERY & CAFE cAliForniA, BAkery PAlo Alto

The wood-fired rotisserie and grill take center stage in the preparation of rustic yet elegant seasonal cuisine, with choices from thin-crust pizzas to fresh fish and pastas. outdoor seating available. Breakfast and lunch: Mon-Fri. Dinner nightly. Brunch: Sat-Sun. [Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real; 650-853-9200]

MAYFLOWER SEAFOOD RESTAURANT chinese milPitAs; union city

Since 1991, Mayflower has earned a reputation for serving the finest Cantonese cuisine. It is renowned for its sumptuous dim sum and fresh seafood, with a balance between traditional and contemporary dishes. over 100 varieties of dim sum are served daily at lunchtime, while the regular menu highlights a tremendous variety of seafood specialties—including local and imported live crab, lobster, fish and shellfish. open daily for dim sum, lunch and dinner. [Milpitas: Milpitas Square; 408922-2700. Union City: 34348 Alvarado Niles Rd.; 510-489-8386. mayflowerseafood.com] ExPLoRE THE PEnInSuLA

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ESTABLISHED 1993

Gourmet “comfort food” in a uniquely charming place Breakfast, Lunch & Catering

1408 BURLINGAME AVE. BURLINGAME 650.348.0417 WWW.ALANASCAFE.COM MENLO GRILL BISTRO & BAR AmericAn menlo PArk

With a warm and inviting neighborhood feel, this classic American grill serves fresh, locally sourced California cuisine that embraces the season. This local’s favorite offers casual yet sophisticated dining with a choice of bistro-style indoor seating or summer outdoor fireside dining in the courtyard. An extensive wine-by-the-glass, craft brew selection and handcrafted cocktail menu are also offered. open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night snacks. Enjoy weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday. no corkage fee for the first two bottles. Plenty of free parking.

[Stanford Park Hotel, 100 El Camino Real; 650-330-2790. menlogrill.com]

THE MOUNTAIN HOUSE cAliForniA cuisine woodside

Gourmet “comfort food” in a uniquely charming place Breakfast, Lunch, Catering & Private Events

1020 MAIN ST., REDWOOD CITY 650.366.1498 WWW.ALANASCAFE.COM 40

ExPLoRE THE PEnInSuLA

For a memorable evening, take a scenic drive with panoramic views to a haven with fine food in a relaxing, rural atmosphere.

The Mountain House offers an original fusion of California and American cuisine in a ridgetop mountain cabin nestled amid giant redwood trees, just minutes from I-280, the mid-Peninsula, and the Half Moon Bay coast. Diners enjoy generous servings of coast-fresh seafood, steak, pasta, venison

and other game specials, followed by delicious homemade desserts in an elegantly rustic, candle-lit dining room. Those in a more casual mood can order a meal or sample deliciously different appetizers beside the stone fireplace in the friendly atmosphere of the “come-as-you-are” bar.

Private dining facility available. Dinner: Wed-Thurs, 5:30-9; Fri-Sat, 5-10; Sun, 5-9.

Appetizers/cocktails: Sun, 2-9. [13808 Skyline Blvd. (6 miles south of Hwy. 92); 650851-8541. themountainhouse.com]

NOLA

southwestern, creole PAlo Alto, downtown

This lively new orleans-themed spot offers a menu of Creole, Cajun, and Southwestern cuisine, with classics such as gumbo, seafood jambalaya, and étouffée. Seven unique dining areas include a street-level bar open ‘til late. Lunch: Mon-Fri. Dinner nightly. [535 Ramona St.; 650-328-2722]

PAMPAS

BrAziliAn PAlo Alto, downtown

The spirit of Brazil meets luxury and extravagance at Pampas, where diners can enjoy the authenticity of a Brazilian churrascaria in the heart of downtown Palo Alto. The chef’s expertly assembled list of more than a dozen meats can be experi-

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A GATHERING PLACE FOR FOOD LOVERS LE PAPILLON

throughout the world, food is a great unifier. Cultures are celebrated, friendships are forged and memories are made—all around food. experience this at 3 restaurant & Bar. HANDCRAFTED COCKTAILS SEASONAL MENU | CRAFT BEERS BREAKFAST | LUNCH | DINNER

50 E. Third Ave., Downtown San Mateo 650.344.9444 | WWW.threesanmateo.com

enced in true unlimited rodizio fashion; coupled with a bountiful sidebar composed of more than 40 seasonal and locally sourced hot and cold options, this is a dining experience you will not soon forget.

At Pampas, you are invited to sit back, indulge and lose yourself in the churrasco show. Dinner: Mon-Thurs, 5-9:30; Fri-Sat, 5-10; Sun, 5-9. Happy Hour: Mon-Fri. 56:30 in the lounge. [529 Alma St.; 650327-1323. pampaspaloalto.com]

PIACERE RESTAURANT

new AmericAn sAn cArlos, downtown

Piacere’s menu of new American cuisine reflects a commitment to fresh, locally grown produce, premium meats, and the finest poultry and seafood. From a casual lunch or brunch to an elegant dinner, this downtown spot offers a delicious dining experience in the open-air lounge, alfresco on the patio or sidewalk, indoors in the elegant dining room, or intimately in the wine room. Menu favorites from roasted mussels to braised short ribs are enjoyed with selections from the Wine Spectator award-winning wine list. Ideal for enjoying small plates and handcrafted cocktails, the lounge features live music Thurs-Sat. Lunch: Mon-Fri, 11:30am-5pm. Brunch: Sat-Sun, 10:30am4pm. Dinner: Sun-Wed, 5-10pm; Thurs-Sat, 5-11pm. [727 Laurel St.; 650-592-3536. piacererestaurant.com]

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PIACERE

PAMPAS

THE MOUNTAIN HOUSE

MENLO GRILL

RANGOON RUBY

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RANGOON RUBY

Burmese PAlo Alto; sAn cArlos; Belmont; BurlingAme; sAn FrAncisco

Burmese cuisine—a fusion of Thai, Chinese, and Indian—is no longer a diamond in the rough to the Peninsula. Rangoon Ruby and its sister restaurant, Burma Ruby, have taken this cuisine to an elevated height.

With accomplished chefs, proficient in all specialties that make Burmese cuisine sought after by food aficionados, Rangoon Ruby is fast striking a chord with diners looking for a fresh, modern approach. The menu pleases the most diverse and sophisticated of palates; feast on imported Burmese tea leaf salad, handcrafted wok dishes and shareable family-style plates complemented by an array of exquisite signature Tiki cocktails. Dine at any of the upscale restaurants for a taste of Burma in style with high-quality food and excellent customer service. Mon- Fri, 11:30am2:30pm & 5-10pm; Sat-Sun, 11:30am10pm. [Palo Alto: 445 Emerson St.; 650-323-6543. San Carlos: 680 Laurel St.; 650-592-1852. Belmont: 1000 6th Ave.; 650-591-4156. Burlingame: 1219 Burlingame Ave.; 650-381-9756. San Francisco: 1608 Polk St.; 415-610-4333.

Also Burma Ruby in Palo Alto: 326 University Ave.; 650-285-2770. rangoonruby.com]

Private & Semi-Private Dining Patio & Sidewalk Seating Handcrafted Cocktails Open daily at 11:30am

1448 Burlingame Ave., Burlingame www.sixtoscantina.com 650.342.7600

RASA

indiAn BurlingAme, downtown

From crisp dosas with hearty sambar to creative curries and fresh seafood prepared in homemade chutney, modern South Indian coastal cuisine honors India’s rich culinary heritage while celebrating California’s agricultural bounty. Lunch and dinner daily. [209 Park Rd.; 650-340-7272]

RASOI

indiAn BurlingAme, downtown

Caribbean Restaurant & Bar

This stylish restaurant offers contemporary north Indian dishes infused with vibrant Pakistani flavors, from sizzling tandooris to a scrumptious tikka masala. Dinner daily.

[1425 Burlingame Ave.; 650-579-5661]

THE REFUGE

PuB FAre sAn cArlos; menlo PArk

People come from far and wide for the pastrami sandwiches at this casual pub, also known for its wide selection of Belgian ales—the most on tap in the Bay Area.

Lunch and dinner daily. [San Carlos: 963 Laurel St.; 650-598-9813. Menlo Park: 1143 Crane St.; 650-319-8197]

Great food. Great fun.

Lunch & Dinner Tues-Sun | Happy hour Tues-Sat 5-6:30 642 Ramona street • Palo alto 650.329.9533 • coconutspaloalto.com

ExPLoRE THE PEnInSuLA

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THE SEA BY ALEXANDER’S

RISTORANTE ROCCA

SIXTO’S

SHIKI SUSHI

REPOSADO

MEXICAN PALO ALTO, DOWNTOWN

this fun eating house and popular bar offers high-end Mexican fare with great margaritas to boot. lunch and dinner daily.

[236 Hamilton Ave.; 650-833-3151]

RISTORANTE ROCCA ITALIAN BURLINGAME

Whimsical countryside murals, a lofty Florentine copper and bronze ceiling and a Venetian-style balcony provide a pleasing ambience to complement fine northern italian cuisine, inspired by California influences. located just five minutes from airport hotels, rocca offers delicious,

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trattoria-style dishes including veal, chicken, seafood and beef, as well as signature housemade pasta dishes such as Fettuccine à la rocca with sun-dried tomatoes, rock shrimp and scallops in a creamy garlic sauce. pair your meal with a selection from the extensive yet affordable list of italian and domestic wines. afterwards, linger over a rich tiramisu and enjoy la dolce vita. Full bar; private events for up to 130 guests. lunch: Mon-sat, 11am2:30pm; Dinner: Mon-thurs, 5-10pm; Fri-sat, 5-10:30pm; sun, 4-9:30pm. [1205 Broadway Ave.; 650-344-3900; ristoranterocca.com]

THE SEA

BY ALEXANDER’S STEAKHOUSE SEAFOOD PALO ALTO

the Bay area’s premier dining destination for

seafood, the sea distinguishes itself by focusing on rich, sumptuous morsels from the sea, prepared with modern technique and flair. the talented culinary team blends contemporary cuisine with Japanese sensibility and ingredients to transform its menu into the extraordinary. Dinner: sun-Mon, 5:30-9pm; tues-sat, 5:30-9:30pm. [4269 El Camino Real; 650-213-1111. theseausa.com]

SEIYA

JAPANESE SAN CARLOS, DOWNTOWN

Contemporary Japanese cuisine is served up in a small, stylish dining area with a sushi bar.

While sushi is the star here, seared and grilled options also delight. lunch: tues-Fri. Dinner: tues-sun. [741 Laurel St.; 650-508-8888]

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SHIKI SUSHI & JAPANESE CUISINE

Casual Fine Dining in a Rustic Setting Amid Redwoods

JAPAnese sAn mAteo; sAn cArlos; hAlF moon BAy

With four inviting locations on the Peninsula, Shiki offers vibrant Japanese cuisine using inspiring techniques and delectable spices. Shiki’s expert chefs prepare a wide range of fresh sushi, along with appetizers such as grilled scallops, agedashi tofu, and tempura. Among the menu favorites are Goma Tuna Tataki (black sesame seedcrusted seared tuna) and Snow Dragon Roll (crab meat with tempura shrimp, topped with fresh tuna, salmon and crab meat), but you won’t go wrong with anything you order here; there is pride in what is being served. Lunch and dinner daily; San Mateo Hillsdale Blvd location closed on Sundays.

San Carlos location offers a full bar, private room, and extensive wine list. [San Mateo: 1332 W Hillsdale Blvd.; 650-341-8988.

Also in San Mateo: 1040 Park Place; 650212-3688. Half Moon Bay: 20 Stone Pine Rd.; 650-712-8886. San Carlos: 825 Laurel St.; 650-593-2275]

SIXTO’S CANTINA

mexicAn BurlingAme, downtown

opened late 2013, Sixto’s has quickly become a popular destination on the Peninsula. This lively restaurant and full bar invite you to enjoy inspired Mexican cuisine rooted in Jaliscan tradition and made with the freshest of seasonal California ingredients. Co-proprietors Teresa Lindhartsen and Francesca Tashjian, also of long-time favorite Alana’s Café a few doors down, opened this restaurant to feature the creative dishes of their talented chef, Benjamin Prieto. Pair your meal with delightful artisanal cocktails made with top quality spirits and tequilas and infused with fresh juices and herbs. The warm, hacienda-style décor and friendly staff make this place feel like your home away from home. outdoor patio and sidewalk seating are available, as well as private space for parties and meetings. open daily at 11:30am for lunch and dinner. [1448 Burlingame Ave.; 650-3427600. sixtoscantina.com]

The Mountain House -RESTAURANT & BAR-

13808 Skyline Blvd, Woodside • 650.851.8541 • www.themountainhouse.com (Located 6 miles south of Hwy 92; 1 mile north of King’s Mtn Rd) Open 5pm, Wed-Sat; 2pm Sun

HONG KONG

ST. MICHAEL’S ALLEY cAliForniA PAlo Alto

once a bohemian beatnik café, this is now a refined spot for modern, creative Californian fare. The inviting setting includes a bar and outdoor seating. Lunch: Tues-Fri. Dinner: Tues-Sat. [140 Homer Ave.; 650-326-2530]

DIM SUM, LUNCH & DINNER DAILY | CATERING

51 Millbrae Ave., Millbrae | 650-692-6666 ALSO MAYFLOWER SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS: UNION CITY MILPITA S SQ UA RE 34348 Alvarado Niles Rd 428 Barber Lane, Milpitas 510-489-8386 408-922-2700

www.mayflower-seafood.com ExPLoRE THE PEnInSuLA

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SUNDANCE THE STEAKHOUSE

THAIPHOON

THREE RESTAURANT

STELLA ALPINA OSTERIA

TAMARINE

THREE RESTAURANT & BAR

This warm neighborhood restaurant features rustic northern Italian dishes such as braised meats, risottos, pastas and ragus; the wine list focuses on Italian and Californian. Dinner nightly. [401 Primrose Rd.; 650-347-5733]

Modern Vietnamese cuisine at this sleek dining spot is enjoyed with fine wines and great cocktails. For an impromptu or more casual meal, sit at a communal table in the bar. Lunch: Mon-Fri. Dinner nightly. [546 University Ave.; 650-325-8500]

This bright, open restaurant celebrates the Bay Area’s unique ethnic and cultural diversity, featuring food completely made from scratch, herbs from the living wall, vegetables from the all organic hydroponics rooftop garden, and other carefully sourced organic, farm-raised products. The dining room buzzes with conversation as the communal feeling usually found at bars lingers throughout the entire restaurant. A wide selection of craft beers, whiskeys and wines plus handcrafted cocktails using naturally infused flavors rounds out your dining experience. Meet old friends and make new ones while the food, drinks and stories flow. Parties and catering available. Full bar.

Breakfast & Lunch: Mon-Fri, 7:30-2; SatSun, 9-2. Dinner: Daily, 5:30. Happy Hour: Daily, 4-6. [50 E. 3rd Ave.; 650-344-9444. threesanmateo.com]

itAliAn BurlingAme, downtown

SUNDANCE THE STEAKHOUSE steAkhouse PAlo Alto

This upscale steakhouse, family owned and operated for over 40 years, features handcut Prime Certified Angus Beef. Enjoy the slow-roasted prime rib, specially aged new York striploin and tender filet mignon in the candlelit mahogany dining room. In addition to the award-winning beef, Sundance prides itself on serving the freshest seafood and shellfish available. Favorites include ahi tuna sashimi, grilled Pacific swordfish and jumbo cold water lobster tail. To complete your dining experience, the nationally recognized wine list offers over 450 global selections.

The fireplace lounge is ideal for sipping martinis and aged single malt scotch before or after dinner. Lunch: Mon-Fri, 11:30am-2pm; Dinner: Sun-Mon, 5-9pm; Tues-Sun, 510pm. [1921 El Camino Real; 650-3216798. sundancethesteakhouse.com]

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VAULT 164

ExPLoRE THE PEnInSuLA

VietnAmese PAlo Alto, downtown

THAIPHOON

thAi PAlo Alto, downtown

Winner of Palo Alto Weekly’s “Best Thai Restaurant” Hall of Fame Award, this cozy downtown restaurant serves up delectable pan-Asian cuisine. The focus is on Thai, but also has room for classic as well as original dishes drawn from Indian and Southeast Asian cooking. Chef specialties include spicy lamb saag—braised leg of lamb, with spinach, ginger and garlic; roasted duck curry, prawns with garlic pepper; and crispy Panang tofu curry. Covered outdoor seating in a “jungle atmosphere” allows for alfresco dining year-round. The full bar serves wine, beer and fun cocktails. Catering and take-out available. Lunch: Mon-Sat, 11-2:30; Dinner: Sun-Thurs, 5-9:30; FriSat, 5-10. [543 Emerson St.; 650-3237700. thaiphoononline.com]

cAliForniA cuisine sAn mAteo

TIMBER & SALT

comFort Food redwood city, downtown

This new downtown spot is almost as much about the craft cocktails as the artisan food. Dinner: Tues-Sun. Sunday brunch.

[881 Middlefield Rd.; 650-362-3777]

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Premium steaks and chops, local seafood, handcrafted cocktails, and West Coast wines are all the draw here—as is the convivial atmosphere. Lunch: MonFri. Dinner nightly. Brunch: Sat-Sun. [716 Laurel St.; 650-595-3003]

VAULT 164

new AmericAn sAn mAteo

Located in downtown San Mateo’s old Crocker Bank building, Vault 164’s unique dining room and bar use many of the building’s antique vaults and other pieces as decor. An eclectic contemporary American menu includes such choices as bourbon and maple glazed pork chop, served on sweet potato mash, and a savory flatbread with caramelized onion, Applewood smoked bacon, and Cambozola cheese. The menu also offers a variety of unique salads, aged steaks, whole roasted chicken, fresh pasta, and seafood options including sesame crusted Ahi tuna with a mango pepper vinaigrette. The spacious bar features a variety of handmade classic and new cocktails, 10 beers on tap, and over 20 wines by the glass. Private room with seating for up to 64. Lunch: Mon-Fri. Dinner: Daily. [164 South B St.; 650-348-8164. vault164.com]

The Great Taste & Art of Pan Asian Cuisine

-Palo Alto Weekly, 2006–2016

new AmericAn sAn cArlos, downtown

BEST THAI RESTAURANT

TOWN

LUNCH • DINNER • COCKTAILS

543 Emerson Ave., Downtown Palo Alto 650.323.7700 • thaiphoononline.com

Authentic Thai.

Exquisitely Delicious!

Thai Bistro Lunch | Dinner | Craft Beers & Fine Wines

320 University Ave., Palo Alto 650.485.2636 www.aroypaloalto.com

VINO LOCALE

seAsonAl, cAliForniA PAlo Alto, downtown

Specializing in boutique Californian wines and seasonal, organic cuisine, this cozy European-style wine bar and bistro also offers live music nightly. Lunch: Tues-Sun. Dinner nightly. [431 Kipling St.; 650-328-0450]

ZOLA

French PAlo Alto, downtown

In a small location with a casual, bistro environment, this neighborhood restaurant offers seasonal French cooking influenced by the sensibilities of California, along with a vast list of French and California wines. Dinner: Tues-Sat. [565 Bryant St.; 650-521-0651] n

SPORTS BAR LOUNGE 2 1 H I G H D E F I NI TI O N TV S NFL, NB A, NHL, MLB , UFC , NC A A & MORE

H A ND CR A F T E D CO CKTA I L S & MI CRO B RE W S 650.622.9708

612 EL CAMINO REAL, SAN CARLOS | W W W. R A I L C L U B S A N C A R L O S . C O M ExPLoRE THE PEnInSuLA

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SHOPPING CENTERS Hillsdale sHopping Center

San Mateo

SHOPPING GUIDE Find your fill of shopping fun at our state-of-the-art shopping centers or by strolling the inviting downtown streets of Peninsula cities.

This distinguished retail, dining and entertainment destination offers a balanced blend of luxury and lifestyle items, with a diversity of stores such as Michael Kors, Coach, Nordstrom, Macy’s, L’Occitane, Ecco, Forever 21, H&M, Banana Republic, UNIQLO, The Apple Store, White House/ Black Market and more. Hillsdale’s luxurious interior featuring majestic Bufano sculptures also presents an appealing mix of casual and fine dining, with both indoor and alfresco options like The Cheesecake Factory, Paul Martin’s American Grill, California Pizza Kitchen, and Boudin’s Sourdough Bakery & Cafe showcasing the flavors of Northern California. Located just off Hwy 101—the main route between San Francisco and San Jose—Hillsdale is only minutes south of San Francisco International Airport, steps away from CalTrain and Sam Trans stations, and also has plenty of convenient parking. Hillsdale’s concierge assists shoppers with everything from transportation needs, reservations, and bag storage to purchasing Hillsdale Gift Cards. Open MonSat, 10-9; Sun, 11-7. [At Hillsdale Blvd. and El Camino Real; 650-345-8222. hillsdale.com]

santana row

San JoSe

This one-of-a-kind European-inspired destination blends an exciting mix of shopping, dining, entertainment and living, amidst a

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santana row

Hillsdale sHopping Center

colorful landscape of lush gardens, parks and plazas. A unique variety of over 70 shops and boutiques includes well-known chains such as Gucci, Tommy Bahama, kate spade new york, Sephora, Warby Parker, and Anthropologie, along with other name brands such as H&M, Kit and Ace, and lululemon athletica, with distinctive locally owned shops such as Smith Alder and Annieglass providing surprises around every corner. Indulge in over 20 cafes and popular restaurants including Roots and Rye, Fogo de Chão, and Pizza Antica; nine spas and salons; and a 212-room European-style boutique hotel. Visit SantanaRow.com for more details or find them on Facebook. [At Stevens Creek and Winchester Blvds.; 408-551-4611; santanarow.com]

ing’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar and more. Ample parking, EV charging stations, and Simon Guest Services. Mon-Fri, 10-9; Sat, 10-7; Sun, 11-6. [El Camino & Sand Hill Rd., adjacent to Stanford University; 650-617-8200. stanfordshop.com]

town & Country Village

Palo alto

This charming hacienda-style shopping destination hosts more than 60 shops and restaurants. See page 24. [855 El Camino Real; 650-325-3266]

stanford sHopping Center

JIM WATKINS (BOTTOM RIGHT)

Palo alto

World-renowned brands that define luxury, style and technology come together to create the ultimate shopping experience at this premier shopping center. Set in a distinctive open-air environment surrounded by exquisite award-winning gardens, with a casual elegance that captivates both locals and visitors from all over the world, the center is a mix of iconic retailers, singular shops and exceptional dining. Anchored

by Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom, the center’s specialty stores include Allsaints, American Girl®, Apple, Burberry, Cartier, Coach, Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton, lululemon, MaxMara, Pottery Barn, Stella McCartney, Tiffany & Co., vineyard vines and Wilkes Bashford. Dining options include P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Tender Greens, True Food Kitchen, Flem-

stanford sHopping Center

ExPLORE THE PENINSULA

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SHOPPING IN

Art-Inspired Clothing & Accessories

308 Lorton Ave., Burlingame (650) 347-4626

RESALE BOUTIQUE

pre-loved clothing & accessories featuring boutique brands 1419 burlingame ave. burlingame 650.348.3106 www.millliemango.com 50

ExPLORE THE PENINSULA

For a fun shopping trip with great dining opportunities, downtown Burlingame is a prime destination—all the more appealing now after a recent renovation giving it a sleek contemporary look marked by wide sidewalks.

Burlingame avenue and its tree-shaded side streets— from the train depot to el Camino Real—are a shopper’s paradise, offering a heady mixture of upscale boutiques and specialty shops along

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BURLINGAME 1405 BURLINGAME AVE., BURLINGAME

650.235.9186

with brand name stores such as anthropologie, ann taylor loft, J. Crew, Sur la table, lucy, apple, and more. Find everything from jewelry, fine men’s and women’s apparel, lingerie, and footwear to pet accessories and home furnishings. For added fun, pick up fresh seasonal produce and fish as well as gourmet products at the farmers’ markets, Sunday mornings and thursday afternoons, May through november.

1460 Burlingame Avenue, Burlingame, CA 94010 650 344 1460 | www.sammalouf.com ExPLORE THE PENINSULA

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josepH ribkoff at a touCH of flair

STORES & BOUTIQUES a touCH of flair

aPPaRel—woMen’S BuRlingaMe

If originality is your style and you are interested in natural fabrics and unusual textures, visit this truly exceptional store located just off downtown’s Burlingame Avenue. With a motto of “art-inspired clothing and accessories,” A Touch of Flair offers high-quality apparel and jewelry by respected designers, artists and craftsmen, both local and national.

You’ll experience friendly personal service while shopping for a wide selection of casually elegant dresses, jackets, tops and pants.

Exceptional, often one-of-a-kind jewelry and clothing have long made this a destination for Peninsula shoppers. Open Mon-Sat, 10-5.

[308 Lorton Ave.; 650-347-4626]

array of specialty items will please even the most persnickety pets. Mon-Sat, 10-6; Sun, 12-5. [1429 Burlingame Ave., 650-5793647. theanimalconnection2.com]

arnoldi’s

JewelRy Palo alto

This longtime family-owned downtown store features a high-end selection of watches as well as jewelry by Italian designers. Mon-Sat, 11-6. [255 University Ave.; 650-462-1300]

briCk monkey

HoMe FuRniSHingS & aCCeSSoRieS Redwood City

At this downtown store, a passion for good design brings a refreshingly different take

animal ConneCtion ii

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ExPLORE THE PENINSULA

on home interiors. Highlighting the handmade steel and iron Kolkka collection, Brick Monkey also offers a unique selection of accent furniture, upholstery, lighting, gifts, and accessories. Mon-Fri. 10-6; Sat, 10-5; Sun, 12-4. [2400 Broadway #120; 650260-1155. brickmonkeyonline.com]

briCk monkey squared

aPPaRel, JewelRy & giFtS Redwood City

A spin-off from Brick Monkey, also in Redwood City, this smaller location offers a collection of boutique clothing, jewelry, home décor and gifts. Mon-Thurs, 11-7; Sat, 11-10; Sun, 12-8. [816 Middlefield Rd.; 650-367-7043. brickmonkeysquared.com]

bryn walker

aPPaRel—woMen’S Palo alto

With a preference for luxurious fabrics in rich palettes, Bryn Walker designs focus on comfort, quality and easy sophistication.

Open daily. [Palo Alto: 212 Homer Ave.; 650-322-9983]

Pet StoRe BuRlingaMe

This one-stop pet supply shop’s motto is “The marketplace for dogs, cats, and their people,” and that’s what it delivers. The store’s spacious interior holds an eclectic selection of merchandise from essentials like pet food to unusual items like Cal and Stanford jerseys for your dog or cat. You’ll find everything pets could ever want, be it treats, toys, grooming supplies, nutritional supplements, or beds.

Their human companions can shop for petthemed home furnishings or pick out a miniature “pet carriage” for lazy Sunday strolls. The budget-pleasing prices, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and the area’s most extensive

tHe original briCk monkey

CHarmelle 28

lingeRie Palo alto; BuRlingaMe

dog stroller at animal ConneCtion

The wide selection of fine lingerie and swimwear at this boutique highlights top designers such as Lise Charmel, Simone Perele, Prima Donna, Millesia, Cosabella, Aubade, and Marie Jo. Sizes from 28A-48I available. Mon-Sat, 10-6; Sun, 12-5. [Palo Alto: 547 Bryant St.; 650-323-7979.

Burlingame: 1445 Burlingame Ave.; 650-347-5022]

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de noVo

beVerley k designs at goldworks

JewelRy Palo alto

Emphasizing originality and craftsmanship, this modern gallery represents contemporary jewelry artists from around the world.

Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm. [250 University Ave.; 650-327-1256]

Fun urban styles at this friendly boutique for modern women are both original and timeless. Mon-Fri, 11-6; Sat, 10-5. [701 Laurel St.; 650-622-9263]

kepler’s

ela

lingeRie Menlo PaRk

goldworks

This full–service boutique offers highquality lingerie from leading European designers, in sizes 32A–46H, along with beautiful sleepwear, loungewear, hosiery and accessories. Mon-Sat, 11am-6pm.

[1139 Chestnut St.; 650-325-2965]

JewelRy HalF Moon Bay

gitane

aPPaRel—woMen’S Menlo PaRk

Vibrancy is the key word at this warm and colorful boutique, where the selection of stylish and affordable clothing is refreshing and marked by Parisian influence. Mon, 104. Tues-Sat, 10-6; Sun, 11-4. [845 Santa Cruz Ave.; 650-853-1919]

Holly Hill

aPPaRel—woMen’S San CaRloS

Goldworks offers exquisite jewelry at competitive prices, as well as a full range of jewelry services—from custom design and repair to appraisal, diamond brokering and estate buying. In addition to its own custom designs, Goldworks carries exciting new pieces by contemporary designers Eshai, YAEL and Galatea, to name just a few.

Whether you’re looking to repair a treasured piece, find the perfect souvenir of the California coast, buy an engagement ring or just have questions, the friendly and qualified staff is ready to help. Mon, Wed-Sat, 10-5; Sun, 11-4. [542 Main St.; 650-7262546. goldworkshmb.com]

BookStoRe Menlo PaRk

Founded in 1955, this independent bookstore is the intellectual and cultural hub for the Peninsula, known and loved for its literary events, knowledgeable staff, and broad selection of books and magazines. Mon-Sat, 9am10pm; Sun, 9am-8pm. [1010 El Camino Real; 650-324-4321]

kerns

JewelRy BuRlingaMe

An authorized retailer for top lines from Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Baume & Mercier to Buccellati, Seaman Schepps, Hermes, and more, this premier store also carries many innovative, lesser-known European designers.

Mon-Sat. 9:30-5. [214 Lorton Ave.; 650348-7557]

The Scandia Down Difference DOWN COMFORTERS & PILLOWS

EUROPEAN BED & BATH LINENS

UNIQUE HOME ACCENTS

Town & Country Village • 855 El Camino Real • Palo Alto • 650.326.8583 scandiahome.com ExPLORE THE PENINSULA

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Custom terraniums at oddyssea

luz luna imports

iMPoRtS, giFtS & aCCeSSoRieS HalF Moon Bay

This delightful store bursts with color and good feeling. All items are handcrafted under fair trade guidelines, while supporting disadvantaged women’s cooperatives and artisans from around the world. Choices range from apparel and accessories to home collectibles and textiles, along with kids’ items as well. You will find beaded jewelry, knit hats, handbags, hand-loomed scarves, rugs and embroidered pillows from the Highlands of Guatemala, Nepal and India; soft alpaca blankets, scarves, sweaters, stuffed toys and fused glass art made by artisans in Peru and Ecuador; oneof-a-kind Mexican art, such as Zapotec rugs and brightly colored folk art “alebrijes” from Oaxaca; and much more. Enjoy shopping for artisan made gifts and change lives around the world. Open daily, 10-5. [527 Main St., 650-240-6550. luzlunaimports.com]

margaret o’leary

aPPaRel—woMen’S Palo alto; BuRlingaMe

Based in San Francisco, this clothing company is renowned for its rich collections of cuttingedge knitwear. Open daily. [Palo Alto: Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real; 650-681-8000. Burlingame: 263 Primrose Rd.; 650-344-9051]

millie mango

aPPaRel—woMen’S BuRlingaMe

Millie Mango is a modern pre-owned clothing boutique offering the broadest range of brands under one roof. You’ll find dresses, tops, shoes, jewelry, and of course beautiful

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handbags. From J Crew to Tory Burch to Louis Vuitton, there’s something for everyone’s unique personal style. Shop “green,” save “green,” and make your friends green with envy. Mon-Sat, 10:30-6. [1419 Burlingame Ave.; 650-348-3106. milliemango.com]

morning glory

aPPaRel—woMen’S BuRlingaMe

This owner-managed boutique offers an incredible selection of clothing with a vintage influence from Los Angeles, New York, Paris and Italy. Mon-Sat, 10-6; Sun, 12-5. [1436 Burlingame Ave.; 650-340-0301]

oddyssea

toyS & giFtS HalF Moon Bay

This unusual spot offers an interactive arts and sciences experience that encourages you to touch, play, and have fun with oneof-a-kind curios and products. Step inside and be captivated by the ever-changing offerings—from mind-engaging board games to fossils, rocks and terraniums. The closer you look, the more you see: nautical telescopes and compasses; framed bats and beetles; seashells and skeletons; glowing sand sculptures and art games. Or head outside to the Oddyssea Garden where activities include crafting your own message in a bottle, sand art, metal stamping, breaking your own geode, and electric bike and metal detector rental. The Garden also hosts the world’s largest marble run. Garden available for private events. Open daily, 11-5; closed Wed. [617 Main St.; 650440-4555. oddyssea.com]

pre-owned finds at millie mango

patriCk james

aPPaRel—Men’S Palo alto

Established in 1962, this refined store carries upscale, high-quality men’s clothing, footwear and accessories, including lifestyle brands and luxurious sportswear. Open daily. [Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real; 650-328-3071]

patronik

JewelRy BuRlingaMe

This high-end jewelry gallery specializes in custom-designed jewelry in platinum, gold and sterling silver by owner Nick Kosturos and his staff. Tues-Sat, 10:30-5:30; Sun, 12-5. [314 Lorton Ave.; 650-344-0402]

personal fX

JewelRy HalF Moon Bay

A tasteful collection of natural stone rings, semi-precious jewel pendants, and contemporary sterling silver adornment features award-winning lines by Michael Vincent Michaud, David Tishbi, Anna Beck, and Patricia Locke. Wed-Mon, 12:30-5:30. [643 Main St.; 650-560-9131]

pHyllis boutique

aPPaRel—woMen’S Palo alto

Known for its edgy fashions, this longtime women’s boutique specializes in European and American clothing by avant garde independent designers. Mon-Sat, 10-6; Sun, 15. Hours subject to change. [540 Ramona St.; 650-323-4912]

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tHe posH moon

aPPaRel & aCCeSSoRieS HalF Moon Bay

In this lovely boutique, voted favorite clothing store by the readers of HMB Review, mother and daughter team Carol and Monica celebrate their French heritage and love of all things romantic. They have put together an enchanting collection of feminine clothing, dazzling jewelry, delectable soaps and lotions, fabulous hats and unique gifts. Treasures from Paris and Provence, delights made in the USA, friendly (never pushy) service, and sensible prices make The Posh Moon a fun destination. Come see why the locals and visitors keep coming back to this exquisite shop.

[519 Main St.; 650-726-3821]

Celebrating Local Ar tisans

Voted Best J ewel ry & G if ts Sharon Heights Shopping Center • 325 Sharon Park Dr. • Menlo Park Just minutes away from Stanford Shopping Center off of Sand Hill Road

shadylanegallery.com 650.321.1099

pot-pourri Craft gallery

aRtS & CRaFtS BuRlingaMe

Dedicated to handmade American crafts and gifts, this well-loved store carries exquisite blown glass, colorful ceramics, distinctive woodworking, whimsical garden art, and unique jewelry. Open Tues-Sun. [1235 Broadway; 650-347-3400]

ruti

aPPaRel—woMen’S Palo alto

This store with a striking, minimalist interior offers chic and modern apparel, footwear and accessories designed and curated by owner Ruti, whose styles reflect her Israeli roots. Open daily. [Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real; 650-391-9719]

apparel and aCCessories witH a parisian flair at tHe posH moon

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sCandia Home

Bedding & HoMe aCCeSSoRieS Palo alto

CHloé Handbag and george brown footwear at sam malouf

sam malouf

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sHady lane

giFtS & JewelRy Menlo PaRk

This artisan-owned store has been voted best in the gift, jewelry, and boutique categories in the Palo Alto Weekly readers’ poll and the Menlo Park Almanac Readers’ Choice, and receives rave reviews on Yelp.

After 40 years on University Avenue in Palo Alto, Shady Lane recently moved to a beautiful new location—a light-filled octagonal building in a flower-filled courtyard next to Starbucks at Sharon Heights Shopping Center, minutes from Stanford Shopping Center.

While specializing in the creations of local designers, Shady Lane also offers one of the best selections of Holly Yashi, Firefly, Oberon Leather, and Trollbeads in California.

The store also presents a stunning variety of

aPPaRel—Men’S & woMen’S BuRlingaMe

Designated as one of Esquire magazine’s “Top 50 Clothiers in America,” this unique clothing store features the world’s finest global brands in men’s and women’s luxury apparel and accessories. Cutting-edge styles range from contemporary to classic, catering to both trendsetters and traditionalists. Men can create their “authentic look” through the store’s distinctive, carefully curated selection by Sam Malouf of handmade suits, jackets, shirts, shoes, denim and contemporary sportswear by distinguished European and American designers such as Ermenegildo Zegna, Brunello Cucinelli, Isaia, AG Jeans, Rag and Bone, Moncler, Belstaff Eleventy and many others. The women’s collection, curated with the same passion by Gloria Malouf, reflects a modern take on timeless elegance, with Brunello Cucinelli, Chloé, Victoria Beckham Jason Wu, Veronica Beard, 10 Crosby, Sea, Jonathon Simkhai and Roland Mouret among its A-list designers. Exceptional customer care includes custom tailoring upon purchase. Mon-Sat, 10:30-6:30. [1460 Burlingame Ave.; 650344-1460. sammalouf.com]

Scandia Home is your destination for the finest down bedding and linens in the world. Offering American sensibility and European craftsmanship in dressing the bed, Scandia Home brings effortless luxury to everyday life. For over 40 years, the Scandia Down™ Difference has meant unsurpassed dedication to quality and service.

The exclusive line of down-filled comforters, sleep and decorative pillows, and down beds carries a lifetime warranty. Distinctive options are presented in exquisite European bed and bath linen collections while tastefully curated room accents complete the offering. Custom options are available in many products. Mon-Sat, 10-7; Sun, 11-5. [Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real; 650-326-8583. scandiahome.com]

luXurious bedding at sCandia Home

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art glass, Native American creations, textile art wear, fine woodworking, and specimen crystals and fossils. Easy parking is always available. Tues-Sat 11-6; Sun 11-5. [325 Sharon Park Dr. at Sand Hill Rd.; 650-3211099. shadylanegallery.com]

sHreVe & Co

JewelRy Palo alto

This established retailer offers luxury watches, timepieces, necklaces, earrings, bridal jewelry and estate pieces. Open daily. [329 Stanford Shopping Center; 650-327-2211]

sole desire

FootweaR & aCCeSSoRieS BuRlingaMe; Menlo PaRk

Comfort is the focus of the fashion footwear at this premier independent store which also carries accessories from handbags and wallets to hats and scarves. Open daily. [Burlingame: 1426 Burlingame Ave.; 650-642-9404. Menlo Park: 725 Santa Cruz Ave.; 650-646-9061]

sparkling offerings at swaroVski

swaroVski nortH ameriCa

JewelRy, watCHeS & aCCeSSoRieS BuRlingaMe

Sparkle with Swarovski! This new boutique offers a complete selection of naturally brilliant, impeccably crafted Swarovski crystal jewelry, watches, and fashion accessories as well as decorative art for the home.

Swarovski’s eye-catching rings, earrings, necklaces, sculptures and animal figurines are the perfect way to express your personal style, add brilliance to your home, or give a timeless gift to a friend. Open MonSat, 10:30-7; Sun 10:30-6. [1405 Burlingame Ave.; 650-235-9186]

toque blanCHe

kitCHenwaRe HalF Moon Bay

Whether you’re an experienced home chef or an occasional cook, Toque Blanche is bound to have just the right tool for your kitchen. Named “Best Homegoods Store in the Bay Area” by City Voter, the emphasis is clearly on quality products that will last for years and look beautiful in your kitchen and dining room. Selections include premium cutlery, cookware and bakeware along with specialty tools, linens and even gourmet foods (available for sampling!), wine and craft beer. An expanded barbeque section features the Big Green Egg ceramic cooker.

And if you need ideas, the friendly, knowledgeable staff will help you select the perfect gift or item to complement your kitchen. Can’t take your purchase with you?

Toque Blanche is happy to ship it for you. Open daily. [604 Main St.; 650-7262898. mytoque.com] n

CHamba Cookware at toque blanCHe

Cozy sHady lane

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On the Pacific Side

by MARLENE GOLDMAN

While the cities on the bay side of the Peninsula grab headlines for their neverending tech expansion, fast-paced lifestyle, and changing communities, head west over the Santa Cruz Mountains and it’s an entirely different story.

Half Moon Bay and its

adjoining coast happily take a backseat to all the digital and

development hoopla. This serene and scenic stretch along the Pa-

cific retains its special character

as a place to decompress, inspiring you to put away the smart-

phones and selfie sticks and just absorb the surroundings.

And whAt surroundings thEy ArE, as coastal hillsides and bluffs give way to an untamed ocean. this is a land of plenty, where fishermen deal their fresh hauls of salmon and dungeness crab from the back of their boats, pumpkin and Christmas tree farms draw streams of visitors seasonally, and roadside stands entice drivers to stop for freshly picked peaches, strawberries, and Brussels sprouts, as well as flowers and native plants. the spectacular juxtaposition of forested mountains and rolling breakers creates a landscape that beckons outdoor adventurers—be they surfers, kayakers, and hikers or fishermen and whale watchers in search of the massive grays and humpbacks that seasonally ply the waters. it also inspires writers and artists, many of whom set up their galleries in the little hamlets that run from devil’s slide south to Año nuevo state park. sprinkled among them, an enticing number of wine tasting rooms, cafes, restaurants, and boutiques deliver the finishing touch to the local flavor.

Pigeon Point lighthouse

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Melding Norman Rockwell-like Americana, a pioneer spirit, and a “Left Coast” ethos, the town itself hangs onto its past with a smattering of historic downtown buildings...

HALF MOON BAY Known For EVErything From gAllEry hopping to its AnnuAl pumpKin FEstiVAl, the town of half moon Bay has the distinction of being the oldest settlement in san mateo County. originally inhabited by the Costanoan indians, whose ancient trails today are followed by highways 1 and 92, the area began being settled by the spanish in the early 1800s. spurred by a population boom from the gold rush, half moon Bay was a thriving community in the late 1800s when italians, portuguese, irish, and Chinese, among other ethnicities, moved in. originally called spanishtown, it was officially rechristened half moon Bay in 1874.

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FrAnK BAlthis (FAr lEFt, lowEr); ritA VAndErAA

scenes Along MAin street in downtown hAlf Moon bAy

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neither gold nor other precious minerals were ever found in san mateo County, but during prohibition the region struck a different kind of wealth in the form of rumrunners from Canada, who took advantage of the coast’s many hidden coves and thick cloaks of fog to land their illegal booze. today, half moon Bay’s economy is bolstered by tourists attracted by its appealing setting. melding norman rockwell-like Americana, a pioneer spirit, and a “left Coast” ethos, the town itself hangs onto its past with a smattering of historic downtown buildings, such as the 1922-era City hall, which once served as a bank. other local treasures include a vintage two-cell jail (which is now occupied by the spanishtown historical society museum and mary Vallejo history Center) and the late 1800s united methodist Church. the restored 1855-era James Johnston house, just south of town, stands apart with its new England saltbox construction looking to the pacific and beyond. it is open to visitors, as is the san Benito house and its oldfashioned western-style saloon, which reside in the 1905-built former mosconi hotel. interspersed among these reminders of the past is half moon Bay’s current cast of characters, encompassing independently owned boutiques, jewelry shops, arts and crafts stores, galleries, and bookshops, as well as a handful of refurbished inns and Victorian B&Bs. A reminder of the region’s agricultural roots is the big feed store in the first block of main street; it draws curiosity seekers as well as ranch hands from the surrounding area.

Foodies will find a range of options in half moon Bay’s compact downtown— from top-notch italian fare at the landmark pasta moon to not-your-ordinary Japanese fare at main street sushi. restaurants focus on locally grown produce, drawing from the agricultural and seafood bounty that defines the coast. want to just grab a sandwich for lunch? san Benito’s is the place, where your choice on one of three home-baked breads can be enjoyed on the outdoor wooden deck. wine drinkers will find tasting rooms, while coffee aficionados can indulge in a fine choice of cafes and bakeries.

Along the coast, half moon Bay state Beach, popular with kite flyers, spans four miles and four small beaches— Francis Beach, dunes Beach, roosevelt Beach, and Venice Beach. For joggers and bikers, the half moon Bay Coastside trail, a small segment of the California Coastal trail, runs along the eastern boundary of the four beaches and continues north to pillar point harbor.

The Coastside’s French Connection Since 2001

HANDCRAFTED ITEMS

BY ARTISANS FROM CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA,SOUTHEAST ASIA & MORE

TEXTILES • APPAREL JEWELRY • BAGS • HATS CHILDREN’S ITEMS RUGS • PILLOWS UNIQUE GIFTS

527 MAIN ST., HALF MOON BAY 650.240.6550 LUZLUNAIMPORTS.COM

The Posh Moon 519 Main St., Half Moon Bay 650.726.3821 ExplorE thE pEninsulA

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In winter, the most intrepid breed of surfer heads here for the famed Mavericks surf break, whose waves driven by winter storms can reach 50 feet or more in height.

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HEADING NORTH oCEAnFront rEstAurAnts, Fishing hArBors, CoAstAl wAlKs, surFErs’ beaches, hiking trails, and whale watching boats all converge in the stretch north of half moon Bay toward pacifica. developers eyed tourism in this region back in the early 20th century, following construction of the ocean shore railroad in 1907, connecting san Francisco with communities like montara and moss Beach. tiny El granada was even slated to be turned into a resort rivaling new Jersey’s Atlantic City, along with a Coney island-style amusement area. A few train stations and small resorts were built, but those lofty aspirations fell short with the railroad’s demise in 1920. nonetheless, many of those same small communities still exist today, each with its own character. the ocean Beach hotel at miramar Beach, the site of the old Amesport wharf built in 1868, was a famed drop point for smuggled liquor. miramar is still home to the douglas Beach house, where the Bach dancing & dynamite society has hosted live jazz since 1964.

Just north, El granada lures beginner surfers with its aptly nicknamed surfers Beach, where smaller waves sheltered by the princeton harbor breakwater are more forgiving than most along the half moon Bay coast. trails in El granada overlook the tiny fishing village of princeton-by-the sea and the adjacent harbor, the home of today’s large fishing fleet. in winter, the most intrepid breed of surfer heads here for the famed mavericks surf break, whose waves driven by winter storms can reach 50 feet or more in height. surf legend Jeff Clark, credited as the first to dare mavericks’ waves, owns a surf shop at pillar point.

Commerce at pillar point harbor today revolves around the commercial fishing industry, whose annual haul reaches a prodigious 10 million pounds of fish. Visitors in search of fresh catch, namely dungeness crab, squid, or salmon, can check the board at the harbormaster’s office on Johnson pier and purchase straight off the boats, with the added bonus of meeting some of the grizzled old-timers who spend much of their lives at sea. do-it-yourselfers toss their own lines from the public fishing pier north of Johnson pier.

Fishing charters and kayaking companies also operate from the harbor, as do whale watching

ritA VAndErAA (Bottom lEFt& CEntEr)

AboVe, froM left to right: crAb for sAle froM boAts in Princeton hArbor; A secluded stretch At Moss beAch; PAtio dining with oceAn Views At lA costAnerA in MontArA

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tour operators in winter and spring—an ironic twist in that portuguese sailors from the Azores operated a whaling station here from the 1860s to 1890s. the harbor is also home to a number of dining spots, most, not surprisingly, with a seafood theme. parking—and a table—are not easy to come by at the new England-style sam’s Chowderhouse, but that doesn’t stop throngs from waiting to enjoy a lobster roll while taking in harbor views. the lines can be just as long at Barbara’s Fishtrap, a no-frills seafood shack with favorites such as fish ‘n’ chips. don’t want to wait? Cross the street for brews and food at half moon Bay Brewing Company. north of the harbor, moss Beach, founded in the 1880s, at one time attracted celebrities, including the likes of Jack london and luther Burbank, to fish as well as catch abalone. in more recent times, the opening sequence of the movie Memoirs of a Geisha was filmed on the bluffs overlooking the Fitzgerald marine reserve, a protected and easily accessible tide pool area where kids and adults alike can muddy their feet searching for small tidal critters to observe. neighboring montara was meant to be a model town on the ocean shore railroad route. its main developer, san Francisco publisher harr wagner, founded an art colony featuring hotels and cottages for use by artists and writers. with the downfall of the railroad, wagner’s dream was never realized. history buffs can seek out the former montara town hall, which opened in 1908 and is now a rustic bed and breakfast inn.

Another historic landmark is the point montara light. now home to a hostel, it was originally built in 1875 as a fog signal station after several ships ran aground in the late 1860s. montara state Beach is a beautiful twomile-long stretch of sand bookended by coastal bluffs. it’s popular with surfers who come for its strong swells. inland from the beach, mcnee ranch state park ‘s 1,898foot montara mountain draws hikers and mountain bikers, who ascend this northern spur of the santa Cruz mountains for its endless coastal views on clear days and possible whale sightings in winter. Another access point to the trail starts at secluded gray whale Cove state Beach, a clothing-optional spot where gray whales can sometimes be spotted close to shore.

Just north of montara is devil’s slide trail— a 1.3-mile segment of highway converted to foot traffic in 2013, after completion of a tunnel that was built to divert the road traffic from a precarious stretch that during winter storms had the disconcerting habit of sliding several hundred feet into the ocean. hikers, bicyclists, and horseback riders are now able to access the devil’s slide’s rocky heights overlooking the pacific.

End the day with cocktails and tasty peruvian specialties at la Costanera. perched cliff-edge over montara Beach, it offers the most dramatic ocean views from any restaurant on this stretch of the coastline.

Visit Oddyssea!

Fun for Kids of All Ages

Explore Fantastically Odd Products Plants

Gadgets

Lab Ware

Critters

Create with Great Activities

Terrarium Buffet Mining Flume Sand Art Cannonball Run Message in a Bottle DIY Dog Tags More!

Discover Treasures on the Coast Adventure Kit

Metal Detectors

601 & 617 Main Street, Half Moon Bay | oddyssea.com | 650.440.4555 11-5 Daily Closed Wednesday

Experience a true Half Moon Bay tradition!

Welcome to “The Disneyland of Pubs”...

...Where it’s always time for fun!

NEW! RV Parke! on Sit

Great company, tasty food & a historic pub atmosphere...

1410 S. Cabrillo Hwy., Half Moon Bay 650.726.5705 • www.cameronsinn.com ExplorE thE pEninsulA

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Isolated beaches, nature preserves, rustic barns, timeless towns, and droves of wildlife mark the stretch of coast south toward Santa Cruz...

sAn gregorio beAch (toP); Andreotti PuMPkin fArM south of hAlf Moon bAy

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isolAtEd BEAChEs, nAturE prEsErVEs, rustiC BArns, timElEss towns, And droVEs oF wildliFE mark the stretch of coast south toward santa Cruz, while rolling hills and open vistas give way first to farmland and then to towering redwoods on the roads leading inland. heading south from half moon Bay, miramontes point road leads to a bit of an anomaly for this mainly small-business minded part of the world. the ritz-Carlton half moon Bay stands out with its georgian revival architecture and blufftop views overlooking manhattan Beach, as golfers flock to its 36 holes of oceanfront links with sightlines to the pacific. the “eye candy” continues as bikers, cyclists, and drivers share the road down to san gregorio state Beach, notable for its steep grassy bluffs, driftwood, and protected estuary, a refuge for a variety of bird species.

Just inland, the town of san gregorio, named after pope gregory i, charms with its oldtime, small-town flavor. in the 1850s, the location and the presence of the old san gregorio hotel drew the elite gentry from san Francisco, who ventured south for fishing, swimming, and boat racing. one completely anachronistic business still survives from that era—the 1889-built san gregorio general store, which hawks everything from raccoon traps and fishing gear to blue jeans, books, and cast-iron cookware. locals sidle up to the bar here on weekends to enjoy live music, from blues to bluegrass, with an old pot-bellied stove for warmth in winter. passing the sandstone bluffs above pomponio state Beach, the mile-long shore at pescadero state Beach offers fishing and tide pooling, as well as prime sunset viewing. more than 150 species of birds use the pescadero marsh natural preserve as a feeding and nesting spot. in town, pescadero’s old frame houses and its steepled 1867 pescadero Community Church are just part of its appeal. spanning a few blocks, the main strip resembles a smaller sibling of half moon Bay, with hidden galleries, wine tasting rooms, crafts shops, artisan food markets, and the old-time duarte’s tavern, owned by the same family since the early 1900s and known for its artichoke soup, crab cioppino, and home-baked pies. pescadero is artichoke country, as evidenced by the line for freshly baked loaves of artichoke garlic herb bread at Arcangeli grocery Company/norm’s market, which originally debuted in 1929 as pescadero Bakery and grocery.

FrAnK BAlthis (insEt)

HEADING SOUTH

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dAVE portEr (top right); ritA VAndErAA (middlE thrEE)

Just outside of town, harley Farms goat dairy is a restored 1910 dairy farm, open for farm tours and occasional farm-to-table dining events in the hayloft or barns. the Cheese shop features goat cheeses as well as soaps and bath salts made with goat milk, along with jams, spices, and herb oils from the farm kitchen. towering over the artichoke farms, dairies, and coastline south of pescadero, the 115-foot pigeon point lighthouse stands as one of the tallest and most photogenic lighthouses in America. in use since 1872, the lighthouse is currently closed to the public, though visitors can roam the grounds at the pigeon point light station.

Cliffside beaches continue to hug the coast south, past Bean hollow state Beach where tide pools house anemones, crab, sea urchins, and other species and onward to Año nuevo state park where much larger sea specimens await. stars of the south Coast are the 10,000 elephant seals that return annually to breed, give birth, and molt along the beaches and dunes of Año nuevo’s natural preserve. From middecember to the end of march, you can take guided tours to witness huge bulls engage in battles to establish dominance and pregnant females nurse their pups—or just to watch these impressively massive creatures bask in the sun.

Birders also congregate at Año nuevo point, which serves as a migratory route, and just offshore on Año nuevo island, sea otters, harbor seals, and steller sea lions populate the waters.

clockwise froM toP left: herding goAts At hArley fArMs; redwoods in MeMoriAl county PArk; scenes Along stAge roAd in PescAdero. below: elePhAnt seAl PuPs At Año nueVo nAturAl PreserVe

INLAND: INTO THE REDWOODS turning EAst on highwAy 84 leads to the tiny town of la honda, which was founded in 1861 as a retreat for wealthy urbanites. its main claim to fame is that Ken Kesey, the author of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, once owned a home in la honda. it reportedly became ground zero for the psychedelic drug-taking merry pranksters, documented in tom wolfe’s The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test. nearby, stands of redwoods preside over the la honda Creek open space preserve, with more than 2,000 acres of steep forested slopes and hilly grasslands as well as five redwood-filled parks—portola redwoods state park, pescadero Creek County park, memorial County park, sam mcdonald County park, and heritage grove—that offer an interconnected trail system.

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DE YOUNG MUSEUM SAN FRANCISCO MUSEUM OF MODERN ART

ART MUSEUMS

ART AT THE AIRPORT...

Flying out of San Francisco International Airport? Take time to check out an exhibit or two. In 1980, the SFO Museum was the first cultural institution of its kind to be located inside an airport. Today, it operates more than 20 galleries throughout the busy terminals, displaying a rotating lineup of art, history, science, and cultural exhibits.

Flight delays might not be so bad after all. (flysfo.com)

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ON THE PENINSULA: Visit the CANTOR ARTS CENTER at stanford to view its striking and diverse collection of art spanning thousands of years and a wide spectrum of cultures and artistic disciplines.

With 27 separate galleries, this is the peninsula’s most fascinating cultural hub. adjoining the Cantor arts Center itself, a 42,000-square-foot wing showcases modern and contemporary art. 2016-2017 highlights include California: The Art of Water (thru nov 28, 2016); Comics in America (oct 5-Jan 30); and The Wonder of Everyday Life: Dutch Golden Age Prints (nov 16-Mar 20). Wed-Mon, 11am-5pm; thurs, ’til 8pm. [328 Lomita Dr., Stanford campus. 650-7234177] •Just outside the Cantor arts Center, the RODIN SCULPTURE GARDEN features 20 bronzes by auguste rodin, while next door, the ANDERSON COLLECTION AT STANFORD UNIVERSITY showcases the collection of modern and contemporary american art gifted by the anderson family. featured artists include David park, Jackson pollock, richard Diebenkorn, and Wayne thiebaud. Wed-Mon, 11am-5pm; thurs, 11am-8pm. [314 Lomita Dr., Stanford campus. 650-721-6055] IN SAN FRANCISCO: head to the newly expanded and transformed SAN FRANCISCO MUSEUM OF MODERN ART. With nearly triple its previous gallery space, it showcases 260 works of postwar and contemporary art from the Doris and Donald fisher Collection, cherished favorites from its permanent collection, and recent works commissioned for the museum. 2016-2017 highlights include Anthony Hernandez (thru Jan 1); Japanese Photography from

Postwar to Now (oct 15-Mar 12); and New Work: Sohei Nishino (nov 4-feb 26). Daily, 10am-5pm; thurs ‘til 9pm. [151 Third St., San Francisco. 415357-4000] •the ASIAN ART MUSEUM holds one of the most comprehensive collections of asian art in the world. highlights in 2016-2017 include Motherof-Pearl Lacquerware from Korea (thru oct 23, 2016); Women Worshiping: Power and Devotion in Indian Painting (thru Mar 26); and The Rama Epic: Hero, Heroine, Ally, Foe (oct 21-Jan 15). tues-sun, 10am5pm; thurs, 10am-9pm. [200 Larkin St., San Francisco. 415-581-3500] •Visit the LEGION OF HONOR to view its vast collection of works as well as the neoclassical palace in which it is housed.

2016-2017 highlights include The Brothers Le Nain: Painters of 17th-Century France (oct 8-Jan 29); Rodin Centenary (Jan 28-Dec 10); and Monet: The Early Years (feb 25-May 29). tues-sun, 9:30am-5:15pm.

[Lincoln Park, 100 34th Ave., San Francisco. 415750-3600] •the DE YOUNG MUSEUM offers a diverse collection of american fine art from the Colonial era through the 20th century, along with international contemporary art, textiles, and costumes.

2016-2017 highlights include Frank Stella’s Prints (nov 5-June 25); Danny Lyon: Message to the Future (nov 5-apr 30); and Stuart Davis: In Full Swing (apr 1aug 6). tues-sun, 9:30am-5:15pm. fri (apr-nov), ’til 8:45pm. [Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. 415750-3600]

IN SAN JOSE: the SAN JOSE MUSEUM OF ART showcases works from the 20th and 21st centuries, emphasizing post-1980 Bay area artists. highlights in 2016-2017 include Indestructible Wonder (thru Jan 29); Life and Labor: The Photographs of Milton Rogovin (thru Mar 19); and Beauty: Cooper Hewitt Design Triennial (oct 8-feb 19). tues-sun, 11am-5pm.

MiChaEl halBErstaDt (top lEft)

CANTOR ARTS CENTER

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A dream house ... or a n ightma re?

COME AND VISIT THE BEAUTIFUL BUT BIZARRE WINCHESTER MYSTERY HOUSE, BUILT BY SARAH WINCHESTER, HEIRESS OF THE WINCHESTER RIFLE FORTUNE. TOUR THROUGH THE MAZE OF 160 ROOMS AND UNLOCK THE SECRETS TO SOME OF THE MANY MYSTERIES SHROUDING THIS HISTORIC VICTORIAN MANSION...

Why did Sarah keep building this house every day for 38 years—around the clock—until the end of her life?

With whom did she speak nightly at midnight?

Why was she obsessed with the number 13?

Why did she build a beautifully crafted Grand Ballroom, in which no mortal ever danced?

You decide. Visit!

TOURS DAILY

525 S. Winchester Blvd., San Jose | WinchesterMysteryHouse.com | 408.247.2101

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WATER PLANET AT THE CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

FAMILY FUN 68

ExplorE thE pEninsula

ON THE PENINSULA: immerse yourself in an environmentally educational experience at Curiodyssey through interactive science exhibits and wildlife habitats, gardens, and an outdoor zoo showcasing more than 100 live animals, most of which are native to California. tues-sun, 10am-5pm. [1651 Coyote Point Dr., San Mateo. 650-342-7755] •for anyone interested in the history of flight, the Hiller aviation MuseuM exhibits more than 50 replicas and restored aircraft from the Wright Brothers to the jet era. hands-on displays, models, photographs, and documentaries recount the past, present, and future of aviation. Daily, 10am-5pm. [601 Skyway Rd., San Carlos. 650-654-0200]

IN SAN FRANCISCO: Explore the marvels of the ocean, Earth, and space all under one roof at the California aCadeMy of sCienCes. Exhibits include a natural history museum, planetarium, aquarium, and a living rain forest housed in a 90-foot glass dome. Mon-sat, 9:30am-5pm; sun, 11am-5pm. [Golden Gate Park, 55 Music Concourse Dr., San Francisco.

415-379-8000] •san francisco’s museum of science, art, and human perception, the exploratoriuM offers six main galleries with more than 600 three-dimensional exhibits that are fun for kids as well as adults. take an interactive excursion through total darkness in the Tactile Dome; experience a storm by adjusting the frequency, size, and velocity of

MiChaEl halBErstaDt (BottoM riGht)

CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY MUSEUM

REVERSED REFELECTIONS AT THE EXPLORATORIUM

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raindrops (umbrella provided); see the world reflected in a different way (upside down!) on a mobile Camera Obscura; interact in realtime with invisible life; and much more. satthurs, 10am-5pm (6-10pm for ages 18+ on thursdays); fri, 10am-10pm. [Pier 15, San Francisco. 415-528-4444] •featuring more than 250 species of animals—many endangered—as well as a stunning and important botanical collection, the san franCisCo Zoo is the largest in northern California. open daily, 10am-5pm. [Sloat Blvd. at the Great Hwy., San Francisco. 415-753-7080]

SOUTH OF THE PENINSULA: Kids of all ages love the CHildren’s disCovery MuseuM, where more than 150 hands-on exhibits incorporate science, art, humanities, and more. Visitors are invited to prod, test, and tinker in a blend of learning and playful discovery at exhibits such as WaterWays, where they can explore the properties of water, and Secrets of Circles, which celebrates the math, science, and engineering magic of circles, or they can uncover replica mammoth fossils in special dig pits at the Mammoth Discovery exhibit. tues-sat, 10am5pm; sun, 12-5pm; also Mon, 10am-5pm in the summer. [180 Woz Way, San Jose. 408298-5437] •animals and entertainment for

younger ones make Happy Hollow park & Zoo a great family destination. stroll the

zoo to see animals such as fossas from Madagascar, lemurs, meerkats, jaguars, and pygmy goats; a new red panda exhibit opens in october. the carousel, roller coaster, petting zoo, and puppet theater are among the popular attractions. Mon-fri, 10am-4pm; sat-sun, 10am-5pm. [Kelley Park, 1300 Senter Rd., San Jose. 408-794-7596] •Dive into fun at raGinG waters, a water theme park with speed slides, an inner-tube river, and a huge wave pool. open May through september. [Lake Cunningham Regional Park, San Jose. 408-238-9900] •take a ride on a late-1800s steam train at roarinG CaMp railroads. ride through the redwoods or, in the summer, down a river canyon to the beach in santa Cruz. Varied schedule. [5401 Graham Hill Rd., Felton.

831-335-4484] •Explore marine life at the Monterey Bay aquariuM, where nearly 200 fascinating galleries and exhibits offer a “diver’s-eye” view of over 550 native and exotic species. Exhibits include a million-gallon aquarium with tuna, sharks, barracuda, sea turtles, and rays; a three-story kelp forest; an octopus gallery; a jellyfish exhibit; and an otter exhibit. Daily, 10-5. [886 Cannery Row, Monterey. 831-648-4800]

ANCIENT EGYPT IN SAN JOSE See the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts on display in western North America at the ROSICRUCIAN EGYPTIAN MUSEUM. The only museum in the U.S. of authentic Egyptian design houses a fascinating collection of over 3,000 artifacts, objects, and ritual items. Marvel at the preservation of mummies thousands of years old, and descend into a full-scale underground rock tomb, complete with intricate hieroglyphics on the walls. Wed-Fri, 9am5pm; Sat-Sun, 10am-6pm. [1660 Park Ave., San Jose. 408-947-3635]

ExplorE thE pEninsula

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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

COMPUTER HISTORY MUSEUM

ON THE PENINSULA: Learn about generations of innovation

and how computers have changed our lives at the COMPUTER HISTORY MUSEUM. The exhibit, Revolution: The First 2,000 Years of Computing, immerses visitors in the sights, sounds, and stories of the computer revolution through more than 1,000 artifacts, including rare computers, audio and video, photographs, games, and hands-on displays. Other exhibits include Where To? A History of Autonomous Vehicles, which chronicles the decades-long challenge of bringing self-driving cars to the general public, and the IBM 1401 Demo Lab, a recreation of a working medium-sized computer operation center from the 1960s. Wed-Sun, 10am-5pm (Fridays ‘til 9pm). [1401 N. Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View. 650-8101010] •At the NASA AMES EXPLORATION VISITOR CENTER, see one of the original Mercury capsules, view a sample of real moon rock, check out a Shuttle Cockpit Simulator, take a new look at the planets with a large, spherical projection system, or watch the latest planetary images and videos in the Immersive Theater.

Tues-Fri, 10am-4pm; Sat-Sun, 12-4pm. [Naval Air Station,

Moffett Blvd./NASA Pkwy. exit off Hwy. 101, Mountain View. 650-604-6497]

SOUTH OF THE PENINSULA: Santa Clara’s INTEL MUSEUM

offers a glimpse into Intel’s world of high technology and silicon chip-making through interactive exhibits and displays. Explore what it’s like inside an ultra-clean, highly automated silicon chip fabrication facility; travel through Intel silicon history—from the first microprocessor, the 4004, to Intel’s 45 nm processor family; write your name in binary code; create a digital postcard; and more. Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm; Sat, 10am-5pm. [2200 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara. 408-765-5050] • The TECH MUSEUM OF INNOVATION is a Silicon Valley landmark—one of the nation’s premier science and technology museums. Through fun hands-on experiences and one-of-a-kind floor programs, the museum is dedicated to inspire the innovator in everyone. Build, program, and decorate a “social robot;” explore your human data streams measured and made visible using a muscle and heart sensor, a wireless EEG headset, and a customized iPod at Body Metrics; learn how to crack codes, spot scams, and prevent crime like a cyber security pro by solving puzzles and completing missions at Cyber Detectives, the nation’s first interactive exhibition about cyber security; and explore, tinker, and design with the building blocks of life in the BioDesign Studio. Open daily at 10am; closing times vary.

[201 S. Market St., Downtown San Jose. 408-294-8324]

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HISTORY ON THE PENINSULA: Located in a charming

complex of historic Spanish Colonial-style buildings, ALLIED ARTS GUILD offers an array of unique shops and artists’ studios. Browse wares as you stroll through the beautiful gardens. MonSat, 10am-5pm. [75 Arbor Rd., Menlo Park.

650-322-2405] •Surrounded by 650 acres of woodland, FILOLI is the sole remaining example of grand early 20th-century California country estates. Furnished with 17th- and 18th-century furniture and art, this 43-room Georgian mansion is surrounded by gorgeous formal gardens and two European herb knot gardens. Open February thru October. Tues-Sat, 10am-3:30pm; Sun, 11am-3:30pm. [86 Cañada Rd., Woodside.

650-364-8300] •Housed in the 1910 Old Courthouse of Redwood City, the SAN MATEO COUNTY HISTORY MUSEUM presents displays on the history of the Peninsula, from how transportation helped shape the area to how residents from the Ohlone Indians to post-Gold Rush Americans used natural resources to build their towns. Tues-Sun, 10-4. [Redwood City: 750

Middlefield Rd.; 650/299-0104]

SOUTH OF THE PENINSULA: Visit at the

beautiful and bizarre WINCHESTER MYSTERY HOUSE for a look into the past and into the life of the eccentic Sarah Winchester, heiress to the Winchester Rifle fortune. Influenced by a fortune-teller who predicted she would live as long as she continued to build her home, she lived in her unfinished mansion for 38 years amid the daily pounding of hammers. The result is a 160room architectural marvel combining Victorian beauty with unexplained features—such as doors opening to walls, skylights in floors, and stairs leading nowhere—that make it a mystery. Also on site, the Winchester Firearms Museum and the

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SAN MATEO COUNTY HISTORY MUSEUM

antique products Museum provide historic background on Western heritage, traditions, and culture. Mansion tours, garden tours, and “behind the scenes” tours are offered, with a café and a gift shop also on site. open daily from 9am. [525 S. Winchester Blvd., San

Jose. 408-247-2101]

THRILLS

WINCHESTER MYSTERY HOUSE

SOUTH OF THE PENINSULA: for thrills, you can’t beat California’s Great aMeriCa—a 100-acre theme park with a water park inside. Get your adrenaline pumping on rides such as the wooden roller coaster, Gold striker; the gravity-defying Drop tower; the whirling pendulum Delirium; and the flight simulation coaster, flight Deck. there are also a number of family-friendly rides. open June through october. [4701

Great America Pkwy., Santa Clara. 408-9881776] • on the coast, more thrills await you at

the santa CruZ BeaCH Boardwalk, a vintage-style seaside amusement park with 34 rides, including a variety of coasters and the Double shot—a 125-foot tower that launches riders skyward at more than 3 Gs, then drops them for a sense of weightlessness. open daily in summer; limited operation other times. [400

Beach St., Santa Cruz. 831-423-5590]

ON THE PENINSULA: With its award-win-

ning centers, professionally designed race tracks, European-style racing, and emissionfree electric karts capable of reaching 40mph (faster than gas karts!), k1 speed is a revolution in indoor karting. this electric indoor kart racing center features 65,000 sq. ft. of space equipped with plasma televisions, a gaming area, the pit Café, and a huge lobby with comfortable seating areas. Mon-thurs, 1210pm; fri, 11am-11pm; sat, 10am-11pm; sun, 10am-8pm. [160 Beacon St., South

MiChaEl halBErstaDt (aBoVE CEntEr & riGht)

San Francisco. Also 2925 Mead Ave., Santa Clara. 855-517-7333]

CALIFORNIA’S GREAT AMERICA

ExplorE thE pEninsula

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THOMAS FOGARTY WINERY

WINE TASTING

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Today The SanTa Cruz appellaTion inCludeS CloSe To 70 winerieS, most of them small family-run operations dedicated to producing handcrafted, high-quality wines.

Thanks to a rare blend of mild Mediterranean temperatures, fog-cooled evenings, and long growing seasons, Santa Cruz Mountains vineyards are noted for yielding wines that are intense in flavor and elegant in structure.

The appellation’s cooler, west-facing slopes are home to the noble varietals of Burgundy—Chardonnay and pinot noir. powered by consumer passion for unique regional terroir, local winemakers also excel in such varietals as zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah. in addition to the nurturing climate, the handmade approach to winemaking by local vintners is another secret to the region’s award-winning appeal. leaders of the premium wine boom of the past four decades, the area’s artisanal winemakers combine

AARON MEYERS (TOP); RITA VANDERAA

If you’re in the mood to savor some distinctive California wines, there’s no need to make the drive to Napa or Sonoma.

Some of the finest wine around is made right here in the Santa Cruz Mountains, which stretch north/south to separate the Peninsula and Silicon Valley from the nearby Pacific coast. The history of this flourishing wineproducing region extends all the way back to the 1840s, predating Napa Valley’s more publicized wine country.

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byington winery

“...the area’s artisanal winemakers combine limited production techniques with European styles of barrel aging and oak finishing. The resulting wines are stylish and easy to like.” limited production techniques with european styles of barrel aging and oak finishing.

The resulting wines are stylish and easy to like.

Most of the wineries are located in Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties, just south of the peninsula. drive into the heart of this region’s historic Chaine d’or (“golden chain”) for an eclectic mix of vineyards nestled among conifer groves or on hilltop meadows, or head into the towns of Saratoga, los Gatos, and Santa Cruz to discover tasting rooms with easier access. not all wineries are open to the public, so check before planning your tour. among the better known wineries are Ridge Vineyards (Cupertino; 408-867-3233), legendary for its Bordeaux varietals, as well as David Bruce Winery (los Gatos; 408-3544214), famed for its pinot noirs. But the majority are still relatively undiscovered despite their noteworthy wines—from historic Picchetti Winery (Cupertino; 408-741-1310) with its beautiful hillside grounds and Testarossa Winery (los Gatos; 408-354-6150) at the former site of novitiate winery to the cluster of wineries known as Surf City Vintners on the west end of Santa Cruz. wineries such as Byington (los Gatos; 408-354-1111) and Cooper-Garrod (Saratoga; 408-867-7116) have the added pleasure of bordering nature preserves with great trails for hiking before or after your tastings; we might suggest before. locally, at the northern end of the appellation, two San Mateo County wineries definitely merit a visit as well. Backdropped by redwoods along Skyline Boulevard, Thomas Fogarty Winery & Vineyards (woodside; 650-851-6777) offers sweeping vistas of San Francisco Bay and Silicon Valley. its mountaintop location makes this an inspiring place to enjoy a glass of Chardonnay or pinot noir, the winery’s specialties. Founded in 1981 by a renowned Stanford cardiovascular surgeon and inventor, the estate encompasses 325 acres, including 25 acres of Burgundy-style varietals divided into eight micro-vineyards.

Just outside half Moon Bay on highway 92, La Nebbia Winery (650-726-9463) has been a local fixture for more than 30 years. its roots trace back to italian winemaker John Gemello, who started his operation in the Santa Clara Valley in 1934 before moving it to half Moon Bay in the 1970s. Current vintner Kendyl Kellogg specializes in robust, fullbodied reds made from grapes from premium California wine-growing regions, including Sangiovese, zinfandel, and a Cabernet/Merlot blend. do try the dessert wines. The winery’s pleasant grounds include a picnic area, gardens, and a bocce ball court.

For further information on Santa Cruz Mountains wineries, visit www.scmwa.com.

Wine Tasting Daily 10-5 Scenic Picnic Area & Bocce Ball Gourmet Food & Gifts WE SHIP WINE!

12341 San Mateo Rd., Half Moon Bay

www.LaNebbiaWinery.com 650.726.9463 explore The peninSula

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THE GREAT

OUTDOORS

Peninsula visitors who enjoy the outdoors will discover they’ve arrived at a most unusual destination; from anywhere on the Peninsula, you’re no more than a few minutes away from a beautiful park or wilderness preserve.

Along the bAy, eAst of highwAy 101, A string of populAr pArks offer boAting, wind surfing, hiking, And bird wAtching in tidelAnds And mArshes. the pervasive breeze at coyote point, just south of san francisco Airport, makes it a prime spot for viewing a colorful kaleidoscope of wind- and para-surfers skimming across the surface of the water. west of highway 280, foothills rise to form the 2,000-foot crest of the santa cruz mountains and a pristine patchwork of grassy meadows and oak-studded hills gives way to the shaded mystery of redwood forests. Apart from a few scenic, memorably serpentine roads linking the bayshore’s busy cities with the smaller, more laid-back coastal communities, much of the western side of the peninsula—

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EVENING FOG IN THE SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS

nearly 50,000 acres, or approximately 80 square miles—has been preserved in perpetuity as open space, public land available to all.

Countless hiking trails, some steep and physically demanding and others gentle, permeate the area through varied terrain. Many trails offer panoramic views, and all of them give hikers a chance to catch glimpses of wildlife. Deer are so abundant that they’re a common sight in many Peninsula residential neighborhoods, while less frequently observed creatures include coyotes, bobcats, and even mountain lions.

West of the mountains to the Pacific coast lies a gently sloping terrain that forms a rich alluvial shelf—home to farms with crops varying from artichokes and Brussels sprouts to pumpkins, flowers, and berries. And extending from San Francisco to Santa Cruz, between the farms and the ocean’s surf, a long ribbon of public shoreline harbors miles upon unspoiled miles of sandy beaches.

From the bay to the awe-inspiring beauty of the coast, the Peninsula’s parks, wild lands, and beaches offer solitude and unsurpassed natural beauty. If you don’t take time to explore them, you’ll miss some of the area’s most defining features, which set it apart from the world’s other major metropolitan areas.

EXPLORE THE PENINSULA

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eDgewooD ParK

PARKS & PRESERVES

Limitless miles of local trails offer a wide range of environments and scenery. Here are a few of the best places. baylanDs nature Preserve

The largest area of undisturbed marshland along the San Francisco Bay features catwalks extending out over the baylands as well as 15 miles of trails accessing both tidal and freshwater habitats. The preserve is a well-known bird-watching spot and has a nature Center.

[Palo Alto: At the end of Embarcadero Rd., off Hwy. 101; 650-617-3156]

big basin reDwooDs state ParK

California’s oldest state park covers over 18,000 acres of both old and second-growth redwood forests. More than 80 miles of trails offer superb ocean and mountain vistas as they traverse the park from sea level to 2,000 feet, past streams with beautiful waterfalls.

The scenic and challenging 28-mile Skyline-tothe-Sea trail winds its way from Castle rock to the ocean. [Boulder Creek: 21600 Big Basin Way; 831-338-8860] eDgewooD ParK

located just a few miles west of redwood City and San Carlos, this busy park’s gentle trails circle through 467 acres of grassy meadows and woodlands. Visit in spring for its stunning wildflowers. [Redwood City: Edgewood Rd., east of Hwy. 280; 650-368-6283]

el corte De maDera creeK Preserve

This preserve sports scenic ridge tops, verdant valleys, and great ocean vistas, but its most notable attraction is a spectacular sandstone formation. [Woodside: 3.9 miles north of Hwy. 84 on Skyline Blvd.; 650-691-1200] 76

explore The peninSula

huDDart county ParK

This popular hiking destination on the eastern slope of the Santa Cruz Mountains offers miles of trails through oak- and redwood-shaded canyons and ridges. [Woodside: 1100 Kings Mountain Rd.; 650-851-1210]

monte bello oPen sPace Preserve

This 3,277-acre preserve teems with wildlife.

The Stevens Creek nature Trail is a three-mile loop into a forested canyon, along a creek and back up through grasslands. The Canyon Trail is a popular mountain bike route, plunging from page Mill rd. into the canyon and on to Saratoga Gap preserve. [Palo Alto: Page Mill Rd., west of Hwy. 280; 650-691-1200]

PescaDero creeK county ParK

adjoined by Sam Mcdonald, Memorial, and heritage Grove parks, this vast park features an extensive network of hiking trails leading through old-growth redwoods; pescadero Creek, which flows all year-round, is a steelhead trout spawning stream. [La Honda: Pescadero Rd.; 650-879-0238] Purisima creeK reDwooDs Preserve

overlooking the coast, one of the main attractions at this 4,412-acre park is its small, fernbordered creek, shaded by towering redwoods. over 20 miles of trails and historic logging roads provide a variety of hikes from gentle to steep, some climbing 1,600 feet to Skyline Blvd., with panoramic views of the coast. [Half Moon Bay: Enter from Higgins Purisima Rd.; 650-691-1200]

rancho san antonio Preserve

This well-frequented spot has 23 miles of trails through open meadows and oak woodlands, with great views. [Los Altos: Cristo Rey Dr. off Foothill Blvd.; 650-691-1200]

russian riDge

Grassland hills offer stunning views of the peninsula and San Francisco Bay to the east, with forested mountains and the ocean to the west. [Los Altos: Alpine and Page Mill Rds.; 650-691-1200]

winDy hill oPen sPace Preserve

This 1,335-acre preserve features 12 miles of trails through open grasslands and forests of redwood, fir, and oak. The steep trail leading to the crest features spectacular bay views.

[Enter from Portola Rd. in Portola Valley or Skyline Blvd. (Hwy. 35), two miles south of Hwy. 84; 650-691-1200]

wunDerlich ParK

This park is a favorite haunt for nearby woodside’s active equestrian set, so you’re quite likely to encounter riders along the trail. oak and red-barked madrone trees dominate the lower elevations, giving way to redwoods as you climb higher. [Woodside: 4040 Woodside Rd.; 650-851-1210]

for more information:

california state Parks: parks.ca.gov Peninsula open space Preserves:

www.openspace.org

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bean hollow state beach

PACIFIC PLEASURES:

ON THE SAND

Whether you’re into tide pooling, sunbathing, or surfing, there are beaches for every mood. Here are our top picks, listed from north to south. gray whale cove state beach

half moon bay state beach

montara state beach

Pelican Point beach

This scenic and sheltered clothing-optional beach is reached by steep trails at the base of the hill at Montara Beach’s northern end. eight miles north of half Moon Bay, this long, curved beach is cradled by imposing bluffs. its north-facing exposure to big swells from arctic storms makes this a popular surfing spot.

James v. fitzgeralD marine reserve

year-round tide pooling is the attraction at this beach near Moss Beach. Check the tide charts to be sure you arrive at low tide, when the reef’s surface is exposed and its innumerable small pools hold a prolific wealth of sea creatures. el granaDa beach

Gentle waves at this beach just south of princeton harbor, known as “Surfer’s Beach,” make this a favorite for beginning surfers.

This long stretch of beach closest to half Moon Bay is popular for kite flying, surf fishing, and picnicking. located below the bluffs at ritz-Carlton and the half Moon Bay Golf links, this pleasant stretch is good for tide pooling, especially at low tide when the beach extends far north.

cowell ranch state beach

located south of half Moon Bay, this cliffbacked beach is reached via a half-mile trail through agricultural fields. The trail ends atop a bluff, from which a stairway leads down to a long stretch of golden sand.

san gregorio state beach

Ten miles south of half Moon Bay, this long stunning beach backed by high sandstone cliffs is often strewn with interesting driftwood. during the winter rains, a creek empties into the ocean which, in the dry summer

Pelican Point beach

months, leaves a wide, shallow lagoon. a nice mile-long walk south along the water’s edge leads you to Pomponio State Beach.

PescaDero state beach

This mile-long beach features large dunes, sandy coves, rocky outcroppings and a creek.

bean hollow state beach

Flanked on both sides by rocks, this beautiful, secluded cove beach invites strolling, tide pooling, fishing, and beachcombing. at the northern end, Pebble Beach is known for its tafoni rocks—unusual honeycomb-like sandstone rock formations created through weathering— as well as its water-worn pebbles. you’ll be wanting your camera. explore The peninSula

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half moon bay KayaK comPany

WINTER MIGRATIONS The winter and early spring months bring migrating ocean mammals to the local coast, providing prime viewing opportunities. While you’re watching, keep your eye out for other marine animals, including orcas, sea otters, California sea lions, harbor seals, and dolphins.

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF AN UNUSUAL KIND

PACIFIC PLEASURES:

ON THE WATER SPORT FISHING

For those into angling, book a trip on any of the many charter and party boats that leave from princeton harbor, just north of half Moon Bay. The skippers provide saltwater rods and tackle, so you needn’t bring anything except warm clothes, food, and liquid nourishment. The catch varies with the seasons, ranging from salmon to rock cod.

Charter services include Riptide Charters (650-728-8433); Half Moon Bay Sportfishing & Tackle (650-728-3377); Queen of Hearts Sportfishing (650-581-2628); and Huli Cat Sportfishing (650-726-2926).

KAYAKING, SURFING & PADDLEBOARDING

From paddling the tranquil waters of sheltered pillar point harbor to riding the rollicking and sometimes mountainous waves of the famed Mavericks surf break, the coast also offers options for those with an athletic bent. ocean kayaking excursions can be arranged through California Canoe

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Get up close to elephant seals at Año Nuevo State Reserve, the world’s largest rookery for these huge and unusual looking creatures. located about 25 miles south of half Moon Bay, the reserve is open for naturalist-led tours only during breeding season, december through March, when thousands colonize the sand dunes. Tours consist of a pleasant three-mile hike over mildly rough beach terrain; you may see males battling for mates on the beaches, or females giving birth to their pups on the dunes. Most of the adult seals are gone by early March, leaving behind the weaned pups who remain through april. at other times of the year, visitors can obtain permits to wander on their own and enjoy beautiful Cove Beach. For reservations, call 800-444-4445.

& Kayak (650-728-1803) and Half Moon Bay Kayak Company (650-773-6101), both at princeton-by-the-Sea. all gear is provided, including wetsuits, paddle jackets, and life jackets. For those into paddleboarding, board rentals and lessons are offered at Mavericks Paddlesports near the yacht Club (650-560-8088). if you crave excitement at a more thrilling end of the scale, then consider surfing. while the coast is known worldwide for its annual surf contest at Mavericks, attracting a cadre of daredevil professionals, there are tamer waters here as well. Beginners, including kids, can take lessons from Half Moon Bay’s Open Ocean Surfing (650-867-0315), while surfboards and gear can be rented at FOR MORE Mavericks Paddlesports (650For further information 560-8088) and on local outfitters, contact Half Moon Bay the Pillar Point Harbor at Kayak Company 650-726-4382 (650-773-6101).

WHALE WATCHING

The annual gray whale migration is one of the most magnificent and accessible wildlife spectacles. Beginning in december, these majestic marine mammals begin their annual southern migration from their frigid artic feeding grounds to the lagoons of sunny Baja California, where they breed and nurse their young until heading north again in the spring with their calves. Their migration pathway follows closely along the California coast, providing opportunities for whale-spotting from the cliffs between Santa Cruz and half Moon Bay. Bundle up in warm clothes, find yourself a relaxing spot, and enjoy a picnic while scanning the sea for the tell-tale sign of their spouts. To see them at closer range, board a charter boat. during the season, the Oceanic Society (800-3267491) offers naturalist-led whale-watching trips from pillar point harbor, as do sportfishing charter boats.

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HALF MOON BAY GOLF LINKS

TEE TIME

by MARIANNE M. MADGE

RARELY TOO HOT, NEVER TOO COLD, AND PRISTINELY BORDERED ON TWO SIDES BY WATER OFFERING OCEAN AND BAY BREEZES, THE PENINSULA IS A DESTINATION UNTO ITSELF FOR GOLFERS. WHILE MANY COURSES ARE PRIVATE, PLENTY OF CONVENIENT PUBLIC OPTIONS OFFER BOTH SCENERY AND INTERESTING CHALLENGES. With a choice of either water or mountain vistas, and wildlife from snowy egrets and burrowing owls to wandering deer and playful foxes, these courses invite those seeking a serene afternoon stroll as well as serious players determined to lower their handicap. Whether you prefer an early nine holes before work or a full 18 later in the afternoon, tee times beckon you to the following courses.

LOCAL COURSES

PETER J. GALEA (TOP)

CRYSTAL SPRINGS GOLF COURSE

With the sun shining brightly on waves of fog gently rolling across the coastal hills on the west and sweeping views of Crystal Springs Reservoir in the valley below, a round at Crystal Springs Golf Course is akin to playing golf in a nature preserve.

Wildlife commonly viewed includes deer grazing along the fairways (don’t be surprised if they look up and casually watch your approach shot) as well as birds of prey soaring above. In the spring, you may even catch a glimpse of a baby fox. Adding to the pleasant setting is a devoted greenkeeper who occasionally waters the greens by hand, not a common practice at public courses. The setting here is so pastoral that it’s hard to believe the course, winding through ridge tops and valleys, is a mere 11 miles from busy San Francisco International Airport.

CRYSTAL SPRINGS GOLF COURSE

ExPLORE ThE PEnInSuLA

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yet the 18-hole, 6,515-yard par 72 course, opened in 1924, offers not only an engaging wildlife refuge but also a challenging test for golfers. no matter what your score, be sure to pause at the fifth green and the sixth tee box for a beautifully serene view overlooking the reservoir and hills. The back nine includes steep ascents and descents until the terrain levels considerably on the 16th and 17th holes, with the 18th green perched atop a final short but steep climb. Green fees from $69 on weekends to $28 for super twilight. additional fee for cart. [Burlingame: 6650 Golf Course Dr.; 650-342-4188. playcrystalsprings.com]

POPLAR CREEK GOLF COURSE

if your first priority upon arriving here is to play golf, no course is more convenient than poplar Creek. its setting directly off highway 101 less than five miles south from San Francisco international airport means you can be teeing off within minutes of your arrival. But convenience is only one of the attractions of this most local of the peninsula’s public clubs. playing at poplar Creek immerses you in appealing scenery; the 15th tee in one direction affords a view of the bay with the San Mateo Bridge arching gracefully across it and in the other direction sailboats and motorboats harbored at Coyote point Marina. The Coyote point recreation area, a popular place for board and kite sailing, is directly adjacent to the course.

Stretching just over 6,000 yards from the back tees, the course (par 70 for men, 71 for ladies) first opened in 1933 before being remodeled and renamed in 2000. a new driving range, added in 2015, makes the course a complete golfing facility. Five artificial lakes and two waterfalls along the course, including one that streams into a lake next to the third green, enhance the setting. This pGadesignated family golf course is flat and easy to walk, while the smooth greens present a fair opportunity. Green fees from $38 to $53; twilight rate $27; early morning back nine, $24-$28. [San Mateo: 1700 Coyote Point Dr.; 650-522-4653. poplarcreekgolf.com]

harDing ParK

SHORELINE LINKS

Situated within Shoreline Mountain View park, this 7,000-yard, par 72 course offers bay views and a challenging 16 acres of water hazards. The abundant bird life adds to the appeal of playing here. The course includes four par threes, two of which must be reached over intimidating water obstacles and rough, while another, the par three eighth, rests directly above a bunker. if you glance back from the ninth fairway on a clear day, you’ll see a vista of lick observatory atop Mount hamilton across the bay.

This relatively flat course is ideal for walking, and the stroll up the 10th fairway offers a lovely view of the park’s 50-acre sailing lake.

The sloped green on the par four 12th hole makes for a challenging approach shot and

PoPlar creeK golf course

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putting surface. Green fees from $40 to $56; super twilight rates as low as $19; early morning back nine green fee, $27-$30.

[Mountain View: 2940 North Shoreline Blvd.; 650-903-4653. shorelinelinks.com]

HALF MOON BAY GOLF LINKS

half Moon Bay Golf links consists of two courses. Considered a true links test, the dramatic ocean Course offers inspiring views of the pacific ocean from 14 of its 18 holes. Knockdown shots are often required on this par 72 (71 for ladies) course opened in 1997, which plays 6,649 yards from the back tees. Challenging the hazards presents a risk-reward scenario in which you may find yourself closer to the green with an easy approach shot, or mired in a bunker or oB and looking at a bogey (or double). The final four holes demand a strong finish, including the windswept par three 17th along the bluffs and a dogleg left par five 18th finishing atop an elevated green reached only by avoiding the bunkers along the ocean side of the course. The old Course, established in 1973, winds through trees and homes, with the par four 18th offering a vista of the ritz Carlton and the ocean. This par 72 course plays just over 7,000 yards from the back tees. if one is lucky and approaching the 18th on either course at sunset, the sound of live bagpipes enhances the Scottish ambience. Green fees range from $65 to $250.

[Half Moon Bay: 2 Miramontes Point Rd.; 650-726-1800. halfmoonbaygolf.com]

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cinnabar hills golf club

VENTURING A LITTLE FARTHER AFIELD As tempting as a par three green—here are a few more public courses on the Peninsula’s periphery within reasonable driving distance and well worth a visit.

TPC HARDING PARK

TpC harding park, first opened in 1925 and named after president warren G. harding, is an accessible and challenging course catering to every caliber of golfer. Set amid indigenous cypress trees and San Francisco’s lake Merced, the par 72, nearly 7,300-yard course will host the pGa of america Championship in 2020 and The presidents Cup in 2025. novice and scratch golfers alike enjoy walking in the footsteps of the pros—and here you’ll be hitting your approach shots from the same fairways as Tiger woods during his 2005 wGC-american express Championship win—or trying to hole out the par four 10th from a bunker, as rory Mcilroy did during his 2015 Match play Championship victory. There are generous lake views, with vistas from the 13th through 18th holes. designed by the same architects as the famed olympic Club lake Course, TpC harding functions as a true “local” course, while the park’s perimeter walking trail is a haven for runners, strollers, and bird watchers. Green fees for visitors, with a cart or walking, are $157 on weekdays; $177 on weekends and Friday afternoons. [San Francisco: 99 Harding Rd.; 415-664-4690. tpc.com/tpc-harding-park]

FLEMING 9

if time precludes playing 18 at harding, then shift to the park’s shorter course, Fleming 9, which offers a genuine golf experience likely requiring every club in your bag. unlike many nine-hole “executive” courses, Fleming 9 offers a true test with six par threes and three par fours presenting viable golfing challenges. with the shortest tee to green

measuring 140 yards and the longest 425 yards, the 2,165-yard par 30 course places an emphasis on proper club selection and precision. opened in 1961, the course offers greens renovated with fresh new grass in 2015. Completing your round may require less than two hours, but “you’ll feel like you’ve played golf,” says general manager Tom Smith. Green fees are $29 on weekdays and $34 on weekends, including Fridays after 12pm. Most players walk although carts are available for an additional $11. [San Francisco: 99 Harding Rd.; 415-664-4690. tpc.com/tpc-harding-park-fleming-course]

CINNABAR HILLS GOLF CLUB

South of the peninsula, catch mountain and valley vistas from Cinnabar hills. all three of its nine-hole courses tee off into a valley and meander through woods and water or lateral hazards, yet the vistas from the Canyon Course’s seventh green and eighth and ninth tee boxes are among the most spectacular in Silicon Valley. pause at the seventh green to gaze east toward the diablo range and 4,213-foot Mount hamilton. along with the lake and Mountain courses, Cinnabar’s 27 holes allow you to play a combination of two nine-hole courses for a par 72 round. Green fees range from $35 to $110 and include a cart to traverse the challenging terrain. [San Jose: 23600 McKean Rd.; 408-323-7814. cinnabarhills.com]

EAGLE RIDGE GOLF CLUB

Farther south, with greens rated in the top five among public courses in the San Francisco Bay area, eagle ridge offers a wellmanicured layout that’s but one of many

incentives to play the 18-hole par 72 course. designed by u.S. open champion Johnny Miller and opened in 2000 with Miller teeing off, this course is a favorite of top players due to its 92 bunkers, many of them deep and steep, combined with undulating greens, favored grazing grounds for local wild turkeys. Golfers may play from any of five tee boxes. Sightings of mountain lions and bobcats occasionally enhance the scene, even if not the scorecard, and may make for a memorable round. with green fees ranging from $79 to $99, and twilight and super twilight rates as low as $39 and $59, the course is one of the better Silicon Valley golf values. [Gilroy: 2951 Club Dr.; 408-8464531. eagleridge.com]

PASATIEMPO GOLF CLUB

over on the Santa Cruz coast, the semiprivate pasatiempo Golf Club was christened in 1929 by none other than golf’s eventual Grand Slam champion, Bobby Jones, who also commissioned the course’s designer, alister MacKenzie, to design world-famed augusta national. MacKenzie, the architect of Monterey’s Cypress point course as well, resided in a cottage adjacent to pasatiempo’s sixth fairway, now marked by a plaque. But don’t go looking for it until your round is over because this 18-hole par 70 course mandates full golfing focus. designed to follow the undulating contours of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the course presents significant elevation changes and layout challenges.

Some tee times, particularly on weekend mornings, are reserved for members. Green fees: $230. [Santa Cruz: 18 Clubhouse Rd.; 831-459-9151. pasatiempo.com] explore The peninSula

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WINNING WAYS OF BAY AREA

SPORTS TEAMS

THE LIGHTS GO OFF, FOG DRIFTS ACROSS THE ICE, AND A COVER IS LIFTED FROM A GIANT SHARK’S HEAD. OMINOUS MUSIC BLARES OVER THE LOUDSPEAKERS. SUDDENLY, TEAL-AND-BLACK-CLAD SKATERS FROM THE SAN JOSE SHARKS BURST FROM INSIDE THE TOOTH-BARING JAWS TO GLIDE AROUND THE HOCKEY ARENA.

A

nother sellout crowd at SAP Center roars with glee, preparing for a match of clashing bodies and flying pucks. Rooting for “sharks” in Silicon Valley? You bet! For the time being, the tech-centric fans cast aside thoughts of circuit boards and cloud storage to single-mindedly exhort their favorite team to a win.

BY KEN CASTLE

SAN JOSE SHARKS

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a at&t ParK

stePhen curry

aSSoCiaTed preSS (Top riGhT)

CroSS San FranCiSCo Bay aT oaKland’S oraCle arena, Fan adulaTion liTerally rainS down on The Golden STaTe warriorS as the famous “splash brothers”—wunderkinds Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson— sink baskets with impossibly long shots from half-court or farther. having won the 2015 nBa Championship—and coming achingly close to repeating in 2016—the team set new standards of unselfish team play and quickly became a world-watched phenomenon. even the most jaded sports fans acknowledge that warriors basketball routinely defies the laws of gravity. whether in high-tech boardrooms or in the arena, the Bay area loves winning teams. and lately, our teams have been on a roll. in baseball, the San Francisco Giants have won world Series championships in each of the last three even-numbered years, and hopes are high that 2016 will continue the trend. past glory has brought national Football league Super Bowl rings to both the San Francisco 49ers and the oakland raiders, and hope springs eternal that this year at least one of them—most likely the raiders—will rediscover their mojo and put pro football back into the Bay area limelight. on the collegiate side of football, local gridiron fans had plenty to celebrate when Stanford university won the 2015 pac-12 Conference Championship and then on new year’s day dispatched the iowa hawkeyes in the 2016 rose Bowl game.

The iconic Bay area sports arenas and stadiums have a staggering capacity of more than 400,000 seats, equal to the entire population of oakland. largest is the new levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, which is home to the 49ers and accommodates 68,000 fans.

San Francisco’s aT&T park hosts a more modest 42,000 for Giants games, but every seat comes with inspiring views of San Francisco Bay and famous McCovey Cove, where kayakers and other boaters scurry to retrieve home-run balls hit over the right field wall into the water. The most recent addition to area sports venues is avaya Stadium, which opened in 2015 as the new home of the San Jose earthquakes soccer team. next up, three years from now: the warriors’ new digs at Chase Center in San Francisco’s Mission Bay neighborhood, with an expected capacity of 18,000.

So what’s the prognosis for this year? here’s the lowdown:

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

after chalking up the best win/loss record in the first half of the 2016 season, bolstered by new pitching acquisitions Jeff Samardzija and Johnny Cueto, the Giants surprisingly nosedived following the all-Star break. hitting lagged so badly that even team ace Madison Bumgarner was unable to conjure up wins from a prolonged string of low-scoring losses. Giants fans are accustomed to

the team’s boom-and-bust cycles, even during their down-to-the-wire playoff runs. But this year the nail-biting is starting early. will october produce rings—or hand-wringing? as of this writing, either was a possibility.

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

having performed a coup by acquiring superstar forward Kevin durant from the oklahoma City Thunder in the off-season, the

warriors will have a formidable offense—as long as there is harmony within the a-team of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, draymond Green, and now durant. There was plenty of off-season speculation about whether the four stars would be able to find common ground, with the consensus being that their “team first” style of play will make it work. also, the strength of the bench, with the trades of several key substitutes offset explore The peninSula

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levi’s staDium

by the addition of center zaza pachulia from the dallas Mavericks and power forward david west from the San antonio Spurs, will be another x factor. Fortunately, the warriors have hung onto veteran game-changers andre iguodala and Shaun livingston, who have excelled in the role of backups. and if there is any doubt that durant will make a major imprint, consider how he racked up points for Team uSa to win the Gold in the rio olympics. one could say that the Summer Games were a pre-season warm-up for the upcoming nBa season.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

lately it’s been lights out for the once starstudded team that used to strike fear into the hearts of opponents. what former Stanford coach Jim harbaugh created not long ago, with a lightning offense and gazellelegged quarterback Colin Kaepernick, settled into a losing record with harbaugh’s departure. not even playing in Santa Clara’s new levi’s Stadium has been enough to alleviate the disappointment among the faithful. This year a quarterback controversy looms as new coach Chip Kelly tries to raise the team from near the basement. will Kaepernick be back with his trademark bicep-kissing pose after touchdowns? or will Blaine Gabbert, who replaced him midway through last season, be able to keep him on the sidelines?

OAKLAND RAIDERS

with the 49ers in free fall last year, the 84

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spotlight on Bay area pro football turned to the always tenacious raiders, whose passionate fan base has redefined tailgate parties and the creative use of silver-and-black face paint. long the idol of blue-collar workers, the raiders escaped a long string of dismal years by bouncing back to competitive status last season under young quarterback derek Carr, who set a franchise record by completing 65.8 percent of his passes. with rookie amari Cooper returning as wide receiver, having chalked up 1,070 receiving yards in 2015, there is hope that he can catch his way into the top 10 aFC receivers and help give the team an outside shot at the aFC west Championship. on the defensive side of the ball, Khalil Mack recorded the second most sacks in the nFl last season and could lead the league in 2016. The raiders are clearly on the ascent and should be a force to be reckoned with this fall.

STANFORD CARDINAL

you can hardly ignore the local collegiate football scene with Stanford university’s recent record of producing winning coaches, teams, and standout athletes. Multipurpose running back Christian McCaffrey, whom one sports writer dubbed “the most dangerous non-quarterback in the nation,” nearly won last year’s heisman Trophy, finishing a close second in the balloting. McCaffrey does everything well from rushing with the ball to receiving and kick-returning. as a sophomore in 2015 he caught 45 passes for

logan couture

645 yards and five touchdowns, as well as rushing for 2,019 yards and eight touchdowns. not surprisingly, he won the offensive player of the Game award for the Cardinal’s rose Bowl victory over iowa.

Might he earn the heisman Trophy this year?

The big question mark for this season is the turnover in the quarterback position, with four-year starter Kevin hogan having departed for the nFl. however, head coach david Shaw has proved himself a master at plugging lineup gaps and can probably be counted on to perform more slight-of-hand magic to come up with a new quarterback.

SAN JOSE SHARKS

when you talk about fan loyalty, the conversation has to start with the Sharks. after years of fervent support for their team, the ebullient crowds that rattle the San Jose arena now known as Sap Center finally saw their team nearly reach the pinnacle last season when the Sharks—for the first time in franchise history—reached the Stanley Cup Finals. while they came up short, losing in six games to the pittsburgh penguins, the Sharks clearly left their mark and raised hopes that new head coach peter deBoer had mastered the art of cobbling together a squad of aging superstars coupled with some bright new stars in the making. Can he do it again this season? Can the Sharks chomp their way to the finals twice in a row? with the roster largely unchanged, and with five of the team’s top six scorers over the

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SPORTS BARS the office

...WHERE LOCALS GO TO WATCH THE GAME You don’t need a ticket to the game to have a great time watching an exciting match.

Just join the enthusiastic banter and cheering at one of the many sports pubs frequented by locals. Here’s a roster of some of our favorite spots on the Peninsula.

BY MARIANNE MADGE

BURLINGAME AREA

the new earthQuaKes’ staDium

age of 30, millennial up-and-comers such as logan Couture and Tomas hertl will have to pitch in even more in support of patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton, and Joe pavelski—key veterans who among them have tallied 40 years of nhl hockey. Fans are counting on the graybeards and the blackbeards having enough talent and energy to stay on top.

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES

as if Silicon Valley didn’t already have enough sports to indulge in, the area’s relatively under-the-radar soccer team, the San Jose earthquakes, is starting to kick up a storm.

The team’s new, 18,000-seat avaya Stadium opened in March 2015 and this year hosted the internationally prestigious all-Star Game, pitting america’s Major league Soccer allStars against england’s arsenal. The stadium is hugely popular by virtue of the outstanding sight lines created by the most steeply raked stands and closest to the field seating in all of Major league Soccer. adding to its fanfriendly allure, the stadium also has a grassy two-acre fan zone with a huge double-sided video scoreboard. Topping it all off, the area directly behind the northeast goal is home to the largest outdoor bar in north america. head coach dominic Kinnear fields a vibrant group of young players including midfielder Fatai alashe, defender Marvell wynne, forward Quincy amarikwa, and young goalkeeper david Bingham, who should have a good shot at reaching post-season play this year.

The new kid in town is hometown heroes. Opened in 2015, the pub’s 80-inch TV at one end of the bar along with seven other flat screens have quickly made it a hot gathering place for sports fans. [South San Francisco: 650-872-4484] Although not strictly a “sports bar,” the steelheaD brewing comPany offers sports viewing on 12 HD TVs to go along with its eclectic food menu and medley of house-brewed beers. [Burlingame: 650344-6050]

MENLO PARK

Known for its brews, burgers, and raucous game-day crowds, the Dutch goose has eight plasma screen TVs, along with a heated patio and outdoor bar. [Menlo Park: 650-8543245] When Stanford teams are playing, reserve your seat at the oasis beer garDen, where throngs of locals will be watching. Under the same ownership since 1958, the “O” is a family-style restaurant that caters to the Stanford crowd. [Menlo Park: 650-326-8896]

PALO ALTO

route 92 sPorts bar features 10 HD TVs showing a variety of sports. [San Mateo: 650312-1587] Or you can go root with the locals at steamies, where another option is to stop in for pre-game festivities and then hop a train at the nearby station, to head either south to Levi’s Stadium for live action with the NFL’s 49ers or north to AT&T Park for baseball’s Giants. [San Mateo: 650-393-4344]

“Game Day” friends are easily made at the olD Pro, whose central downtown Palo Alto location, classic sports memorabilia décor, and multiple TV screens draw local residents and Stanford students alike for big games. [Palo Alto: 650-326-1446] At Dan gorDon’s, home-crafted brews and barbecue specialties are the draw, while on game nights the focus shifts to sports action on large TV screens at the bar. [Palo Alto: 650-324-1960]

SAN CARLOS

HALF MOON BAY

SAN MATEO

When you sit in a booth at baseball-themed sneaKers Pub & grill, you can actually select and watch the game of your choice on your own 52-inch screen. Or simply cheer with the locals while watching any of the other 20-plus televisions. [San Carlos: 650-802-0177] Now in its sixth year, the office is another popular place to catch the action. The pub offers a full NFL package, with the action viewable on well over a dozen big screens. [San Carlos: 650-5989740; theofficesancarlos.com] Along with sports on its 21 HD televisions, the rail club & sPorts bar has a cool lounge vibe, adding live or DJ music to its offerings on occasion. Closed Sundays. [San Carlos: 650-622-9708]

British hospitality welcomes you at cameron’s Pub, a true English “public house” that’s arguably the Peninsula’s best place to watch soccer while chatting with knowledgeable locals. [Half Moon Bay: 650-726-5705] For golf aficionados, an arguable “best” spot to watch the final rounds of any golf championship is mullins bar & grill, in the clubhouse confines of Half Moon Bay Golf Links. Partial views of the Pacific Ocean are an added attraction. [Half Moon Bay: 650-726-1818] In town itself, Jersey Joe’s coastsiDe is a familyfriendly pub with 11 televisions showing everything from Steph Curry’s three-pointers to the World Series. [Half Moon Bay: 650-726-4043]

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CALENDAR

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL IN LUZIA

From cultural celebrations to fairs and festivals, there are plenty of fun events to catch year-round. Here are some highlights for September 2016 through August 2017. Visit dineshopplay.com for more.

Burlingame On the Avenue (Aug 19-20) Arts and crafts, food, and live music are part of this festival. [Burlingame Ave., Burlingame. 650-344-1735]

CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS

Northern California Renaissance Faire (Sept 17-Oct 16, weekends) This recreation of an Elizabethan-era harvest fair features costumed performers; jousting; activities such as darts and archery; arts and crafts, foods; and a Saturday Celtic Rock Series. [Casa de Fruta, Hollister. norcalrenfaire.com]

Chinese New Year Parade (Feb 11, 2017) This festive event is the largest of its kind outside Asia. [Chinatown, San Francisco.

415-680-6297] Stanford Powwow (May 1214) Traditional dances, food, and arts and crafts celebrate Native American cultures. [Stanford University. 650-723-4078]

ART & WINE FESTIVALS

Mountain View Art & Wine Festival (Sept 10-11) This multicultural celebration features 600 86

ExPLoRE ThE PENiNSuLA

Festival of the Arts (Aug 2627) Downtown Palo Alto becomes a hotbed of fun with arts and crafts, food, libations, live music, and kids’ fun. [University Ave.; 650-324-3121]

ART/ARTS & CRAFTS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA RENAISSANCE FAIRE

professional artists and craftmakers, along with live music, food, beer and wine. [Castro St., Mountain View. 650-968-8378]

San Carlos Art & Wine Faire (Oct 8-9) Browse for fine arts while enjoying food, wine, microbrews, and live music.

[Downtown San Carlos. 650593-1068]

Menlo Park Fine Arts Festival (Apr 21-23, 2017) Local artists and craftspeople come downtown to sell their wares. [Santa

Cruz Ave., Menlo Park.

650-325-2818]

Mountain View A La Carte & Art (May 6-7) This street festival offers live music, arts and crafts, food and drink, and more.

[Castro St., Mountain View.

650-964-3395] Menlo SummerFest (July 1516) Celebrating the culinary arts, this annual tradition includes gourmet food, arts and crafts, and live music. [Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park. 650-325-2818]

Kings Mountain Art Fair (Sept 3-5) Arts and crafts are displayed under towering redwoods. [Kings Mountain Community Center, Woodside.

650-851-2710]

Menlo Park Arts & Crafts Fall Fest (Sept 30-Oct 2) This downtown street fair brings together an array of work by over 90 artists and craftspeople from throughout the West.

[Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park.

209-267-4394] San Mateo Harvest Festival (Nov 11-13) Browse thousands

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of American handmade arts and crafts; enjoy entertainment and savor festival food. [San Mateo County Events Center. 925392-7300]

Silicon Valley Open Studios (May 6-21, weekends) Local artists open their studios to the public over three weekends. Locations from San Francisco Peninsula to Gilroy. [svos.org] Palo Alto Clay & Glass Festival (July 8-9) This celebration of clay and glass features artists displaying their fine and functional art works and offering demonstrations. [Palo Alto Art Center. clayglassfestival.com]

OTHER

Grand National Rodeo (Oct 14-22, weekends) This annual event showcases professional rodeo events such as bronco riding, bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, team penning, and more. A barbecue, live music, and country dancing are also part of the event. [Cow Palace, Daly City. 415-404-4100] Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival (Oct 15-16) This annual festival offers arts and crafts, pumpkin patches, a haunted house, live music, tasty food, and more. [Main St., Half Moon Bay. 650-726-9652]

PALO ALTO CLAY & GLASS FESTIVAL

MUSIC EVENTS

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (Sept 30-Oct 2) This free outdoor festival brings in the biggest names in folk, bluegrass, and country music. [Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. strictlybluegrass.com] San Jose Jazz Winter Fest (Feb 16-26, 2017) A series of performances features worldclass jazz giants and leadingedge artists. [San Jose & Palo Alto. sanjosejazz.org]

Cirque du Soleil (Nov 16-Jan 8 and Feb 9-Mar 5) inspired by the richness of the Mexican culture, Cirque’s latest touring production, Luzia, presents another magical, theatrical circus experience under a big top.

[San Francisco: Nov 16-Jan 8. San Jose: Feb 9-Mar 5 cirquedusoleil.com.]

Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Nov 19-Dec 18) This annual tradition showcases authentically dressed actors, caroling and period music, parades, shopping, food, and children’s activities. [Cow Palace, Daly City. 800-510-1558]

Silicon Valley International Auto Show (Jan 5-8, 2017) Find all things car-related under

PACIFIC COAST DREAM MACHINES

one roof—from the most recent innovations to alternative fuels.

[San Jose Convention Center.

408-437-7557]

Cinequest Film Festival (Feb 28-Mar 12) This showcase of both international and u.S. films and filmmakers includes independent, feature-length, and short films. [Downtown San Jose. 408-295-3378] San Francisco International Film Festival (April 5-19) This long-running festival showcases more than 100 films from over 45 countries. [Various venues. sffs.org] Pacific Coast Dream Machines (Apr 30) More than a century’s worth of mechanical marvels are displayed, including vintage, exotic, and custom automobiles. [Half Moon Bay Airport. 650726-2328]

MAKER FAIR

San Mateo County Fair (June 10-18) This old-fashioned nine-day fair includes rides, classic fair food, live music, and more. [San Mateo County Event Center. 650-574-3247]

Redwood City Music on the Square (Summer) Fridays, 6-8pm, in the summer finds Courthouse Square packed with concertgoers at this free music series. [Downtown Redwood City. 650-780-7000] San Jose Jazz Summer Fest (Aug 11-13) Downtown streets teem with spectators while various stages host jazz greats.

[Downtown San Jose. sanjosejazz.org]

Maker Fair (May 19-21) Part science fair, part country fair, and part something entirely new, this all-ages gathering of the minds blends arts, crafts, engineering, music, food, science, and technology. [San Mateo County Event Center. makerfaire.com]

HALF MOON BAY PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

Bank of the West Tennis Classic (July 31-Aug 6) The first stop of the olympus u.S. open Series, this is the longestrunning women’s professional tennis tournament in the world.

[Stanford. 866-WTA-TIXS]

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ON STAGE

SAN FRANCISCO BALLET IN TOMASSON’S TRIO

North to San Francisco, south to San Jose, or close by on the Peninsula, choose from a calendar chock-full of dazzling productions by the area’s award-winning opera, dance, theater, and musical companies, or catch stellar sounds at the area’s popular live music venues. Here’s a rundown of what’s in store for the 2016-2017 season.

OPERA

The Peninsula’s West Bay Opera offers three productions in the 2016-2017 season, featuring Le Nozze di Figaro (oct 14-23); Trittico (Feb 17-26); and Salome (May 26-June 4).

[Lucie Stern Theatre, Palo Alto. wbopera.org]

San Francisco Opera has treated audiences to top-notch performances for more than 80 years. The 2016-2017 season highlights include Don Pasquale (Sept 28-oct 15); The Makropulos Case (oct 14-29); Aida (Nov 5-Dec 6); Madame Butterfly (Nov 6-Dec 4); Rigoletto (May 31-July 1, 2017); Don Giovanni (June 4-30); and La Bohème (June 10-July 2). [War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco. sfopera.com] Dedicated to the development of major new talents, Opera San Jose stages full productions with live orchestra. The 88

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2016-2017 season includes The Barber of Seville (Nov 1227); Silent Night (Feb 11-26); and La Bohème (Apr 15-30).

[California Theatre, San Jose. operasj.org]

DANCE

Nationally recognized for its outstanding performances, San Francisco Ballet for 2017 features Seven Sonatas and Pas/Parts (Jan 26-Feb 5); Frankenstein (Feb 17-26); Stravinsky Violin Concerto (Mar 7-18); Trio and Within the Golden Hour (Apr 5-18); Swan Lake (Mar 31-Apr 12); and Cinderella (Apr 28-May 7).

[War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco. sfballet.org]

SYMPHONY

under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony’s 2016-2017 season highlights with internationally acclaimed artists include

Yuja Wang performing Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 1 (Sept 28-oct 1) and Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2 (Nov 2-4); Jean Yves Thibaudet for Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G (Jan 26-28); Lang Lang in recital (Feb 7); Yefim Bronfman for Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 (Feb 912); Gil Shaham in Barber’s Violin Concerto (Mar 16-18); Anne-Sophie Mutter in a program of Mozart, Respighi, and Saint-Saëns (Mar 26); Emanuel Ax performing in Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 22 (May 10-13); and Joshua Bell in Lalo’s Symphonie espagnole (June 16-18).

[Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco. sfsymphony.com]

THEATER & MUSICALS

The Peninsula’s award-winning TheatreWorks performs a year-round season of top-notch musicals, comedies, and dramas.

The 2016-2017 season includes Outside Mullingar (oct 5-30);

ANNE-SOPHIE MUTTER

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AMERICAN CONSERVATORY THEATER IN NEEDLES AND OPIUM

Daddy Long Legs (Nov 30-Dec 31); Crimes of the Heart (Jan 11-Feb 5); and Hershey Felder, Beethoven (June 7-July 2).

[Mountain View Center for Performing Arts and Lucie Stern Theatre in Palo Alto. theatreworks.org]

NiCoLA FRANk VAChoN (ToP LEFT); CoRY WEAVER (ToP RiGhT)

Broadway By the Bay produces full-scale musical productions using local talents. The 20162017 season includes Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Nov 420); The Producers (Mar 17-Apr 2); and Smokey Joe’s Cafe (June 2-18). [Fox Theatre, Downtown Redwood City. broadwaybythebay.org]

SAN FRANCISCO OPERA IN MADAME BUTTERFLY

San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theater presents both classics and new works.

2016-2017 season includes King Charles III (Sept 14-oct 9); Hard Problem (oct 19-Nov 13); A Thousand Splendid Suns (Feb 1-26); John (Feb 22-Apr 23); Needles and Opium (Mar 30-Apr 21); Battlefield (Apr 26-May 21); and Here Lies Love (June 2017). [Strand/Geary Theaters, San Francisco. act-sf.org]

Broadway San Jose offers a line-up of exciting musicals in 2016-2017, including Phantom of the Opera (Sept 15-oct 2); Kinky Boots (Jan 24-29); The

Bodyguard (Apr 25-30); and Cabaret (June 6-11). [San Jose Center for the Performing Arts. broadwaysanjose.com]

MUSIC FESTIVALS

The internationally acclaimed chamber music festival, Music@Menlo (July 14-Aug 5, 2017), features a roster of world-class artists. Founded by David Finckel and Wu han, the annual summer festival is constructed around a different theme in chamber music history. [Locations in Menlo Park, Palo Alto, and Atherton. musicatmenlo.org]

Delivering some of the best live music around, the Stanford Jazz Festival (June-August) offers top-notch performances by world-class musicians, representing the rich history of jazz, as well as the diversity and creative fertility of the contemporary jazz scene. [Palo Alto: Stanford University campus. stanfordjazz.org]

SERIES & VENUES

Stanford Live brings a full season of top-notch performances to its beautiful new Bing Concert hall on the Stanford campus. Among the 20162017 season highlights are Jazz 100: The Music of Dizzy, Ella, Mongo & Monk (oct 6); Joyce DiDonato and Il Pomo d’Oro (Dec 2); Black Violin (Jan 2728); Kristin Chenoweth (Mar 25); Academy of St. Martin in the Fields (Apr 2); and The Box Brothers (May 5-7). [650-725ARTS. live.stanford.edu]

Catch national headliners in the summer at outdoor venues including Shoreline Amphitheatre [livenation.com] in Mountain View; historic Montalvo Arts Center [montalvoarts.org] in Saratoga; and the beautiful mountaintop Mountain Winery [mountainwinery.com], also in Saratoga.

MUSIC@MENLO

Music at Menlo

FOR MORE...

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No first-time visit to San Francisco is complete without experiencing Fisherman’s Wharf—a tourism mecca replete with seafood eateries, the Aquarium of the Bay, and rafts of California sea lions hanging out on the docks. Pier 39, the wharf’s hub, teems with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. it is also the place to buy tickets for a variety of scenic boating tours as well as the ferry to Alcatraz Island, once the location of San Francisco’s infamous, maximum-security prison.

SAN FRANCISCO From the sweeping panorama of the Golden Gate Bridge to the vertiginously steep hills and rows of candy-colored Victorian houses, the fabled “City by the Bay” overflows with beauty, scenic vistas, landmarks, museums, shops, restaurants, and vibrant neighborhoods.

Next, follow the Embarcadero along the waterfront toward the Bay Bridge to reach the historic Ferry Building, now restored as a lively complex of restaurants and cafés, some with sweeping bay views, plus shops, and a farmers market on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. on the way, you’ll pass the waterfront Exploratorium at Pier 15, with more than 600 fascinating exhibits exploring science, art, and human perception.

Walk a few blocks in from the waterfront and you’re in North Beach, along with Little Italy, known for its restaurants, cafés, and bookstores, and where the nightlife still echoes the flavor of the city’s bawdy Barbary Coast days.

From there, hop onto one of the city’s historic cable cars and clang your way to Union Square, where you can shop to your heart’s content at elegant department stores and specialty boutiques. Then head to Nob Hill for some of the city’s best views as well as numerous architectural delights including Grace Cathedral, which is reminiscent of Notre Dame in Paris. Just a few blocks away, get a taste of Asia at the markets, shops, and restaurants in Chinatown, where colorful pagoda roofs and lantern-adorned balconies are separated by alleyways filled with the redolence of spices. or head southwest to reach the Civic Center, the city’s government as well as cultural hub. There at Davies Symphony Hall you can catch topnotch symphonic performances, while ballet and opera are offered in the neighboring War Memorial Opera House. Also at the Civic Center, the Asian Art Museum offers one of the most comprehensive Asian art collections in the world.

The district just south of Market Street, known as SoMa, encompasses two square miles of shops, galleries, restaurants, nightclubs, and theaters, plus the newly expanded and transformed San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. overlooking the bay is AT&T Park, home turf for the San Francisco Giants and arguably the nation’s most beautiful baseball stadium.

West of SoMa, the predominantly hispanic Mission District offers an eclectic collection of markets, dining spots, nightlife, and shops and the city’s oldest building, Mission Dolores.

With eye-catching murals and rainbow flags proudly waving, the colorful Castro District

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is worth a visit, too. one of the first gay neighborhoods in the u.S., it remains the core of the city’s LGBT community. For vintage shops with a funky flair, head to Haight-Ashbury, the laid-back heart of the 1960s counter-culture movement where the spirit is still alive.

At Golden Gate Park, you can explore the marvels of the ocean, earth, and space all under a living roof planted with natural grasses at the California Academy of Sciences; stroll through the peaceful Japanese Tea Garden; or catch a world-class art exhibit at the de Young Museum. More art can be viewed at the California Palace of the Legion of Honor, a destination not only for its exhibits but for its striking architecture and setting overlooking the city’s most famous landmark—the Golden Gate Bridge. For a breathtaking view of the city from afar, cross this bridge to the vista point on the Marin County side. You’ll understand why Tony Bennett left his heart in San Francisco.

ABOVE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: TOURIST ACTION AT FISHERMAN’S WHARF; WINDING LOMBARD STREET; THE PALACE OF FINE ARTS; THE THREE-STORY RAINFOREST EXHIBIT AT THE CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES; DISPLAYS AT THE ASIAN ART MUSEUM. BELOW: A VIEW OF THE CITY FROM PIER 14.

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SAN JOSE From museums and attractions to a lively arts and dining scene, there are many ways to spend a fun-filled day in San Jose.

Take time to wander the downtown area around Plaza de Cesar Chavez, where you can explore technological inventions at the Tech Museum of Innovation, see modern art exhibits at the San Jose Museum of Art (page 63), enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Children’s Discovery Museum, or catch a ballet, opera, symphony, or theater performance. Then head to Santana Row—a one-of-a-kind Europeanstyle neighborhood with upscale shopping, loads of great dining options, numerous spas, and a six-screen movie theater, all surrounded by landscaped gardens and plazas. Across the street is San Jose’s longest-standing attraction: the sprawling Winchester Mystery House, known for its Victorian beauty as well as its eerily quizzical features.

Also of interest is the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, architecturally inspired by the Temple of Amon at karnak and featuring the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts in the Western united States.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: THE STRIKING TECH MUSEUM; JACARANDA BLOSSOMS AT PLAZA DE CESAR CHAVEZ; THE HALF-MODERN, HALF-HISTORIC MUSEUM OF ART; EVENING CROWDS AT SANTANA ROW

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JiM WATkiNS (BoTToM RiGhT & ToP RiGhT)

From its official designation as California’s first capital in 1849 to its more recent nickname, the “Capital of Silicon Valley,” San Jose has played a starring role in the state’s history.

Founded in 1777 as California’s first civilian settlement, San Jose is Northern California’s largest city and the 10th largest city in the united States. it may not have the skyscrapers typical of other urban centers, but San Jose has all the elements you’d expect from a cosmopolitan hub, with a thriving arts scene, urban dining spots, and a variety of museums and attractions.

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SOUTH ON THE COAST Beyond the South Bay lies a wonderland of charming ocean-side cities and breathtaking terrain.

An hour’s drive south of the Peninsula, snuggled against the northern curve of Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz embodies an easygoing lifestyle that shakes off the daily humdrum of stress and worry and relishes the wonders of its rich environment. This oceanfront city of surfers, hippies, and university students represents an eclectic convergence of nature and humanity. With its one-of-a-kind restaurants, shops, and amusement rides at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on the beach, Santa Cruz draws visitors year-round. And for those who enjoy being in or on the water—fishing, kayaking, sailing and, of course, surfing—there are ample options.

A few miles south, Capitola Village is one of California’s most charming beach towns.

With a delightful hybrid of old and new, this beachfront town is terraced by Craftsman bungalows and packed with interesting shops, dining spots, wine bars, and seaside fun.

At the southern end of the bay, the Monterey Peninsula meets the Pacific in a jagged coastline sprayed with sea mist, bursting with flowers, and backed by rugged mountains. For nearly 400 years, the area has inspired artists, writers, and then photographers to capture its essence.

Part of the National Marine Sanctuary, Monterey is home to sea otters, seals, sea lions, and a variety of aquatic birds. A scenic

TOP TO BOTTOM: THE MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM; CANNERY ROW; THE HISTORIC WOODEN ROLLER COASTER AT SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK; MCWAY FALLS AT JULIA PFEIFFER BURNS STATE PARK IN BIG SUR

hike along the shoreline trail rewards with frequent sightings of these sea animals.

Monterey itself is home to Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the well-visited Monterey Bay Aquarium. Galleries, shops, and restaurants abound here and also just to the south in picturesque Carmel-by-theSea, which can be reached by highway 1 or by taking the spectacular 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach. Past Carmel, highway 1 winds southward along the coast, through Big Sur and beyond, offering stunning views of cliff-side beaches and towering redwoods along the way.

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AREA MAP

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CITY MAPS

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