Events in the Bay Area:
The 158th Scottish Games return to the Tri-Valley this Labor Day weekend. The two-day event at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton celebrates Scottish heritage with live performances, unique vendors, archery demonstrations, children’s activities, living history exhibits, sports competitions and animal shows.
More than 55 wineries make up the Livermore Valley wine region, and many of them offer special events and wine tastings this weekend.
Want to know where to find the best ice cream in the East Bay? Visit the Tri-Valley Ice Cream Trail, collect points after each visit, and win prizes.
Take a day trip to Point Reyes National Seashore, which has about 80 miles of shoreline, including dozens of miles of sandy beaches for visitors to explore.
Taste your way through the California Cheese Trail. Cheese Trail maps are available at all public cheese outlets, including Cowgirl Creamery, Nicasio Valley Cheese Company and Marin French Cheese Company in Marin.
Traveling to Southern California:
Roll at Santa Monica, a seasonal roller skating rink in the heart of the beach community, is open now through October 14. The 4,800-square-foot outdoor rink hosts the LA Skate Hunnies for themed and group roller skating events every second Wednesday of the month.
The Oceanside Museum of Art welcomes “Transformative Currents: Art and Action in the Pacific Ocean,” a new exhibition in collaboration with the Getty Museum’s PST ART initiative. The exhibition explores the historical causes and ongoing impacts of the cultural and ecological destruction of the Pacific Ocean using diverse media from 21 artists.
Go to a Bay Area beach:
Visit California recommends a visit to the Marin Headlands, a stretch of coastline that is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. With razor-sharp cliffs and steep, chaparral-covered slopes, there’s plenty to see and do. A drive along the winding Conzelman Road brings visitors to the trailhead at Kirby Cove, one of the best places to photograph the Golden Gate Bridge.
While you’re on the headlands, take a tour of the Marine Mammal Center and see how injured seals and sea lions are cared for and then released back into the wild.
South of San Francisco lies the wild and rugged San Mateo coast, where dozens of beaches are within walking distance. Near downtown Half Moon Bay, a half-mile hike leads to the secluded cove at Cowell Ranch State Beach. When you’ve had enough of the salty air, head to Main Street in Half Moon Bay and choose between fish and chips at Flying Fish Grill and sausages and beer at Sacrilege Brewing.
(*Information previously compiled by Visit California)
