The East Bay Way: Trails, Plant-Based Tastes & Tea Culture

Start your morning at Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach in Alameda for a flat, paved out-and-back run that treats you to cool ocean breezes and panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline. Afterward, cross over to the continuous shoreline path circling Bay Farm Island to log extra peaceful miles surrounded by wide-open bay vistas. Refuel with a specialty tea latte at Malaya Botanicals & Tea, grab a post-run artisanal treat at Donut Petit, or enjoy hearty plant-based Louisiana-style comfort food nearby at Souley Vegan. End your day by unwinding with a fun, tropical tiki cocktail at Forbidden Island, and if you happen to visit during December, you must take a festive evening stroll down Christmas Tree Lane to see the incredible, coordinated holiday light displays.

Head into the Oakland hills to tackle the spectacular, shaded trails under the soaring redwood canopies of Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park or neighboring Joaquin Miller Park. If you prefer a classic urban route, kick off your Saturday morning by joining the lively crowds logging miles at the bustling Grand Lake Farmers Market before running an energized three-mile loop on the flat shoreline path circling Lake Merritt. Afterward, fuel your afternoon adventure by stopping into Timeless Coffee for a perfectly pulled espresso drink with local oat milk and a scratch-made plant-based pastry, catch an indie flick at the historic, neon-lit Grand Lake Theater, or head over to the cozy, couch-filled New Parkway Theater to wind down with a local draft beer while watching a movie.

To add a bit of a quirky twist to your afternoon, take a long walk down Piedmont Avenue to browse the independent bookstores and eccentric local shops, then head straight up into Mountain View Cemetery; it might sound a little weird to hang out in a cemetery, but it is normally incredibly quiet, absolutely beautiful for walking, and rewards you with stunning panoramic views of the entire East Bay if you are ready to conquer some hills. Fuel your adventure by grabbing a fresh, freshly baked slice of sourdough pizza at Arizmendi Bakery, sit down for exceptional, vibrant Mexican fare on the patio at Bombera, pick up loaded, plant-based Filipino-fusion street food at Senior Sisig, or opt for a full upscale plant-based dining experience at Millennium Restaurant.

Challenge your legs on the famous UC Berkeley Fire Trails for a nature-heavy workout that serves up incredible panoramic views of the entire Bay Area, or cruise the scenic paved loops around the Berkeley Marina. Afterward, take a peaceful walking break to wander among the diverse global flora tucked away in the serene University of California Botanical Garden.

Celebrate a successful weekend of movement by stopping for a hearty vegan sandwich at The Butcher's Son, grab a legendary slice of the daily vegetarian or vegan pizza at Cheeseboard, or head to Saul's Deli for a classic, comforting bite. You can also pick up vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired seasonal lunches at Fava, indulge in beautifully presented dishes at Farmhouse Thai Kitchen, or slow down to experience a traditional gongfu tea service at Blue Willow Lounge.

End your evening by browsing the curated bottles at Vintage Berkeley to pick up an exceptional independent wine, or grab a celebratory cocktail at Study Hall, an incredibly fun rooftop bar right near the campus that serves up fantastic drinks alongside sweeping campus and bay views; just remember to double-check the calendar first so you can easily avoid the massive crowds on weekends with a home football game.