Berkeley and the East Bay are perfect for seeking out the unusual.
Travelers to the eastern realms of the San Francisco Bay Area should consider skipping the everyday attractions and delving into the unknown treasures. From hidden parks boasting unusual public artwork to a treasure trove of snakes and reptiles, those seeking the unusual will have a field day.
Instructions
1. For a night you'll never forget, consider a stay at the East Brother Light Station, a lighthouse/Bed and breakfast just north of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. The station is reachable by boat from the San Pablo Yacht Harbor on Western Drive.
2. Wander off the trendy stretch of shops on Berkeley's Fourth Street to the Vivarium on Fifth Street, one of the largest reptile stores in America. From gigantic pythons to a legion of lizards and tortoises-and even toads and tarantulas-you'll be amazed at the amazing menagerie on sale and display.
3. For an artistic outdoor exploration, head to the Albany Bulb not far from Golden Gate Fields Racetrack, past the waterfront park. A short walk takes you out to an isthmus chock-full of superb paintings, sculptures and other colorful creations, backed by superb views of the bay.
4. Take a stop at the little village of Port Costa, a bit south of the Carquinez Bridge. The charming town is home to robot sculptor Clayton Bailey whose bizarre property-open to visitors by appointment-is fronted by a redwood fence topped with dozens of gargoyles. The town's Warehouse Cafe is one of the Bay Area's most eccentric watering holes, with oddities like a glass-enclosed polar bear and a tourable beer freezer with hundreds of brews from around the globe.
5. When visiting Oakland's popular Jack London Square on the waterfront, wet your whistle at the First and Last Chance Saloon, a cozy cabin/bar still standing from 1880 and once a favorite of London himself.
6. To really get away from it all, try the one-hour flotation tank (sensory deprivation) experience at Oakland's Float Center on Calcot Place, in front of the historic Cotton Mill Studios. The calming and invigorating float is followed by some hot tea and the chance to peruse a small and innovative on-site art studio.
7. A unique cinematic experience can be had at one of the Speakeasy Theaters, one on San Pablo Avenue in El Cerrito and the other on Park Boulevard in Oakland. Showing both first-run and classic films, the theaters boast comfortable couch and table seating, and serve beer, wine and above-average pub food such as hamburgers, salads and pizza.
8. For some of the Bay Area's best views, in an unusual setting, take the elevator to the top of Sather Tower (aka The Campanile) in the southern realm of the UC Berkeley campus. The observation deck is set amidst a splendid carillon-a host of large bells that are still rung at semi-regular times.
Tags: seeking unusual