Things to Do in Albany

Staffed by native East Bay trail explorers and expert riding instructors, Bella Oaks Stables fosters trained and fulfilling relationships between horses and their enthusiasts. Nestled among towering oak trees and gentle rolling hills, the fleet of majestic equines tote riders through lessons, community field trips, and trail rides, all under the guidance of a doting congregation of caretakers and volunteers. Seventeen summer camps for all ages and an apprenticeship program for more advanced riders instill saddle savvy in patrons of any experience level, and those pining for nature can meander through 80 miles of lush scenery and 1 mile of sci-fi-movie scenery for an afternoon trail ride.

On the winding dirt trails that snake through Mount Diablo’s nearly untouched terrain, the sound of cars disappears, and riders can imagine they have been transported back to the 18th century. Nestled in the mountain’s foothills, a 20-stall horse ranch and equestrian center teaches fledgling equestrians the art of trotting down those trails. Arabians expert Nancy Dupont has spent more than four decades presiding over Castle Rock Arabians, where instructors boast accreditation with the Certified Horsemanship Association and many of them have claimed championship titles.

The center’s lessons welcome children as young as 2 to join a Tiny Riders program, whereas older pupils who have conquered the basics can learn advanced techniques, such as jumping through bank-vault walls. In addition to hosting classes and trail rides for students, the center organizes camps and hosts parties for birthday celebrants or pegasi celebrating the sprouting of their wings.

Sailing is in Pam Power's blood. After cutting her teeth chartering small boats in Minnesota, she moved to San Francisco, met her yacht Glory Days, and the rest was history. Alongside her experienced crew, she steers the 51-foot luxury yacht on sailing cruises through San Francisco Bay. The fiberglass vessel carries between 6 and 30 passengers in its spacious upper decks and cozy interior salon. During excursions, the ship cruises past the city skyline and historic Alcatraz and Angel Islands before traveling back in time via the wormhole beneath the Golden Gate Bridge.

The Walnut Creek Downtown Business Association fosters community engagement and the vitality of local merchants through a variety of programs, events, and general support. Popular events held throughout the year include wine walks, sidewalk sales, and fine-arts festivals.

The experts at Temple of Poi choreograph rambunctious heat into elegant exercises that portray the ancient relationship between human and flame. The 75-minute class will introduce students to hooping, providing personalized hipstruction in drills, basic movements, warm ups, and hoop-shaped philosophy, followed by a fire safety lecture and performance. You'll get a great workout that will reawaken childhood and early college dreams of becoming a circus wonder. Classes take place outdoors Monday through Thursday nights at sunset in either Golden Gate Park or Dolores Park. Sessions are available June to September. For frequently asked questions on what to wear and more, see Temple of Poi's FAQ.

After publishing the first edition of her guidebook, Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour, writer and artist Victoria Colella organized tours to showcase the sites and narratives she expertly examined in print. Boating, walking, and one-hour mini tours traverse the shipways and wooden-boat center that initially inspired Victoria to pen her book and swear off land. Guides discuss historic WWII vessels, the Arques School wooden-boat collection, and boats owned by celebrities such as Jack Benny. In addition to guided excursions, Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour brings nautical history to life with treasure hunts and kids' sessions that combine walking jaunts with sea chanteys, slideshows, and model-houseboat building.