What’s on the to-do list this weekend? How about you take a sea lion walking tour in San Francisco, try downtown Sacramento’s best restaurants, discover culinary gems in Oakland, and explore art galleries in Davis. No matter what you choose, there is sure to be an event for everyone along the Capitol Corridor!
Sea Lion Anniversary Walking Tour: 1/13- 1/21, San Francisco
Spend the day becoming sea lion savvy at the annual Sea Lion Anniversary Walking Tour. Spend the day becoming sea lion savvy at the annual Sea Lion Anniversary Walking Tour. Saturday through Monday join a free 20-minute educational walking tour to learn about California sea lions, marine life, and bay conservation. Conclude the tour with a celebratory refreshment and a discount at the Aquarium of the Bay. Tours will depart at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm from the Sea Lion Statue, west of the Pier 39 Entrance Plaza. This event celebrates the anniversary of the boisterous, barking pinnipeds, who began arriving in droves shortly after the Loma Prieta earthquake hit San Francisco in October 1989. With a protected environment and plentiful supply of food from the Bay, the sea lions quickly decided to make Pier 39’s K-Dock their new home.
Getting there: Depending on your station of origin, take the train to the Richmond Station or Oakland Coliseum Station. There you can connect to BART for service into downtown San Francisco. From downtown San Francisco, you can take Muni or enjoy the mile long waterfront to PIER 39.
Dine Downtown Sacramento: 1/12 – 1/21, Sacramento
Mark your calendars and make your reservations for Dine Downtown Sacramento Week beginning this Friday! January 12 – 21, local foodies and families will be able to explore downtown and midtown Sacramento’s top restaurants. This 10-day dining extravaganza showcases chefs from 32 restaurants and their ability to create unique, 3-course prix fixe menus, for only $35. For every meal purchased $1 goes to fund community food literary programs and social services. Menus and event updates are available online.
Getting there: Take the Capitol Corridor train to the Sacramento Station. From there, you can walk, take a cab, Uber or Lyft, or hop on the SacRT Gold Line with a free Transit Transfer to visit the eateries.
Grand Lake Cultural Cuisine Food Tour: 1/13, Oakland
Calling all adventurous foodies! Head over to Oakland this weekend for a culinary tour de force at Grand Lake Cultural Cuisine Food Tour. On Saturday afternoons from 3 to 5pm, you can sample the cultural diversity of the Grand Lake area, an urban mecca for global cuisine. Enjoy an opportunity to get off the beaten path while exploring the relaxed vibe and culinary treats of the Grand Lake area. The walking tour visits four tasting locations containing hidden gems that may surprise even the most loyal local. Advanced reservations are required and private tours are also available. Purchase tickets online. Meeting point will be outside the west entrance of the Oakland Public Library Lakeview Branch.
Getting there: Take the Capitol Corridor to the Richmond Station or the Oakland Coliseum Station, connect to BART. Ride to the Macarthur BART station, where you can you can take AC Transit with a free Transit Transfer, or catch a cab, Lyft or Uber.
2nd Friday ArtAbout: 1/12, Davis
Art lovers can spend the evening at the monthly 2nd Friday ArtAbout in Davis. Between 5 and 9pm take a self-guided art walk, exploring Davis’ art installations, open galleries, art co-ops, and businesses. Free to the public, many venues will also include activities, live music, complimentary refreshments, and opportunities to converse with featured artists. Around 30 venues will participate, hosting a variety of different art mediums. Discover local and regional talent while experiencing the vibrant downtown environment.
Getting there: Take the train to the Davis Station. See the monthly 2nd Friday ArtAbout Guide and Map for specifics.
Written by Sylvia Sheehan
Photo courtesy Pier 39