Need a quick escape from the concrete jungle? Head to Silicon
Valley’ sylvan sanctuary, Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Situated
just 40 miles west of San Jose, and established in 1902,
California’s oldest state park is home to 18,000 acres of lush redwood
forest including 10,800 acres of old-growth forest and the
largest continuous stand of ancient coast redwoods south of San
Francisco. Some of these gentle giants measure 300 feet tall–-
-as tall as the Statue of Liberty—and 50 feet around. At 1,000 to
1,800 years old, some may predate the Roman Empire.
This perspective-shifting swath of forest is the living, breathing
heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains. With more than 80 miles
of trails traversing the tree-lined topography, the park also offers
spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, lush waterfalls, and a fascinating
Music
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natural and cultural history. A variety of habitats from verdant
canyon floors to chaparral-covered slopes make this a haven
for wildlife including deer, raccoons, bobcats and lots of birds—including
Steller’s jays, egrets, herons and California woodpeckers.
Pack a granola bar and canteen of water and take to the Berry
Creek Falls Trail, a challenging 11-mile round-trip route through
old-growth forest studded with three shimmering cascades that
beckon weary hikers to take a refreshing break. At a leisurely 0.6
miles, the gentler Redwood Loop winds around an alluvial floodplain
where two creeks meet and the biggest trees in the park
preside. Visitors often pause to view and venerate many of these
beautiful behemoths including one iconic tree—the tallest in Big
Basin—known as the “Mother of the Forest.”
Word to the wise: day use parking at Big Basin Redwoods State
Park frequently fills to capacity on weekends and holidays during
the summer season, including Labor Day Weekend, so carpool
or consider a weekday visit. And campsites and tent cabins are
snapped up well in advance, so plan ahead.
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62 South Bay Accent
Our temperate Bay Area climate lends itself to
outdoor musical events all year round—concerts in
the parks, in the vineyards, at annual art and wine
festivals, at open-air sports venues, on the beach,
in city plazas, and even out on the water. Summer
and early fall is prime time for these alfresco fests.
One of our favorite warm weather festivals is
Outside Lands, Aug. 9-11, in San Francisco’s Golden
Gate Park. More than 75 bands and lots of gourmet
food wine, craft beer, top-notch comedy and
art attract thousands of fans to the park’s foggy
fields.
For a similar Golden Gate Park experience, without the hefty
price of admission, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (Oct. 4–6) is an incredible
free musical gift that draws music lovers from the whole
Bay Area. The golden lining: the city’s bone-chilling fog takes a
vacation in October, making for brilliantly sunny weather. A legacy
of private equity pioneer, F. Warren Hellman, the huge celebration
has treated audiences to legendary acts for 19 years.
Closer to home, the Montalvo Arts Center is a scenic destination
for stellar sounds throughout fall, winter, and spring with concerts
at the intimate Carriage House Theatre. Highlights include
An Evening with Chris Botti (Aug. 22) smooth ’70s rocker Pablo
Cruise (Oct. 20) and Italian-born tenor Pasquale Esposito (Oct. 25).
For a more interactive experience, step onto the dance floor with
Montalvo Live Music Dance Parties. Featuring a diverse array of
artists performing in a variety of genres—from classical to jazz to
R&B to rock, and even comedy—Montalvo is a rare local gem that
showcases art, culture and entertainment.
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