Things To Do In Los Gatos

Fuze Fit For a Kid

Under the guidance of coaches, kids engage in old-school games of rock-wall climbing and obstacle courses while interacting with technology

Los Gatos

Not Just for Kids: SF's Grown Up Bowling Alleys

Bowling around San Francisco has changed greatly over the years. No longer are the lanes only the domain of children’s birthday parties and greasy finger food. These days, there are slick, stylish and even hip bowling alleys competing for the adult market, which means this city has more options than ever to set ‘em up and knock ‘em down. The Yerba Buena ice-skating rink and bowling alley is an unsung hero of central SoMa, standing out amongst its artsier neighbors. Although relatively slick and stylish compared to other bowling spots, this twelve lane semi-secret retains most of what people remember from growing up: easy shoe rentals, daytime discounts, glow-in-the-dark bowling sessions and big group events. There’s no bold 70s stripy paint job on the inside, just clean, amusing fun in the heart of one of San Francisco’s best neighborhoods. Housed in one of the odder locations for a bowling alley, Presidio Bowl sits in a decommissioned military building just off the Main Post. Odder still, it serves breakfast starting at 9 a.m., along with salads and the usual assortment of deep-fried fare. This twelve lane facility can feel like a delightfully weird time-warp, but reasonable rates, retro video games and occasional free pizza on Sundays make it an ideal outing for big groups on the hunt for some retro fun. Far more modern is South of Market’s Lucky Strike, the San Francisco location of a lounge-y national bowling chain that stays open late. Billiards, a dance floor and lane-side food service keeps the atmosphere light and swanky, and everyone enjoys the on-site photo booth after a few cocktails. By serving elevated entrées like truffle mac ‘n’ cheese, it’s entirely plausible that you could spend a fun night with friends at Lucky Strike, and never even end up strapping on bowling shoes. The humble game of knocking over pins with a ball reaches the peak of fanciness at Mission Bowling Club on 17th Street. This hard-to-book alley has only six lanes, so the wait to throw strikes can be long. But with couches in lieu of plastic lane benches, a gourmet kitchen – including weekend brunch service on the back patio – and a respectable wine list, Mission Bowling does everything to win both the hipster and the bowling enthusiasts’ vote. And all without being the least bit ironic.

Best Non-Strenuous Urban Hikes

Northern California might have arguably the world’s gentlest climate, but the terrain can be as rugged as anywhere. If you haven’t ascended Mt. Tamalpais north of Marin or Mt. Diablo out near Danville, you’re seriously missing out. As a nice alternative, hilly San Francisco’s many parks contain extraordinary vistas and secret spots that you don’t have to sprain an ankle to get to. Every third car commercial seemingly films a luxury sedan negotiating the curves of Twin Peaks Boulevard, but hiking up to San Francisco’s best-known lookout on foot is the most rewarding way to arrive. There’s any number of ways to get to the top via city streets; just keeping heading upwards from the Castro MUNI station, or try the dead-ends that line the bottom of the hill – they often contain a half-hidden staircase that’s perfect for a light workout. Twin Peaks Boulevard’s superlative views of downtown and the entire bay are worth the slight panting. After the U.S. military ceded the Presidio to civilians in the 1990s, restoration began on the trails that snake through the eucalyptus groves and WWII-era batteries within the park. Sure, the fog can sneak up on you quickly in summer and one of the beaches is clothing-optional, but you can’t get any closer to the Golden Gate Bridge than the Bluffs-to-Batteries Trail above Baker Beach. If you’re not in the mood for the moderate climb, the narrow road that leads from Crissy Field to Fort Point – sea level all the way – is as historic as it is stunning. Although it seems that the middle of San Francisco is nothing but hilltops, in the very center lies a mysterious crevasse: Glen Canyon. Not to be confused with the national park in Utah, this 70-acre, dog-friendly urban idyll may have steep walls, but the floor can be hiked by almost everyone. Amid the rock formations and hundred-year-old structures runs one of only two natural streams left in the city, making it a lush habitat for native vegetation and endangered species year-round. The southeast entrance, blocks from the Glen Park BART station, is easily found, but the trailhead behind the Diamond Heights shopping center offers the more startling views. Bernal Hill is romantic, but it’s crawling with people. For a little more solitude, head for the next hill south: John McLaren Park, located between Portola and Excelsior. While its eastern flank overlooks the more industrial section of town, the thick woods that make up the second-largest park in San Francisco (after Golden Gate Park) keep the wildflower dells shrouded and human interference to a minimum. An easy grade and access from all points make McLaren the best secret spot for a combination hike/picnic in the grass. It’s so secluded you could even take a nap.

Best Museum Nights for Adults Only

The projected two-year closure of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art casts a long shadow over the Bay Area’s arts scene, particularly for the field trip crowd and young weekenders who loved to take in the vast collections. But savvy grown-up patrons aren’t crying too hard, thanks to several new weeknight events at other museums and galleries around town, each geared exclusively toward adults. The over-21 crowds also have a reason to celebrate, thanks to the availability of booze at many of these adult interactions. Newly reopened on the Embarcadero, look for the Exploratorium. On the first Thursday of every month, grownups queue up for After Dark, an adult party that combines tactile exhibits with mixed cocktails and a rich array of themed programs such as Fog, the Art of Tinkering and Sexplorations. Much of the science behind the Exploratorium’s fascinating exhibits may rely on serendipity, but in this case, it’s best to plan ahead, as more than any other after-hours shindig in San Francisco, this one sells out quickly. San Francisco’s other hall of technology, the California Academy of Sciences, hosts the hip NightLife gathering every Thursday. Well-known deejays stop by regularly for sessions that last until 10 p.m., and if you look carefully you might even see the Academy’s albino alligator bobbing along to the beat. Partygoers opt for a craftier, hands-on feel at this weekly get together, all while sipping cocktails and immortalizing the night from inside the photo booth. The relatively recent Walt Disney Family Museum in the Presidio might seem like the kiddiest place on earth, but just as Disneyland has Downtown Disney, the museum itself loves catering to adults. The 18-and-over series Animate Your Night brings a monthly party to the Disney doorstep, with rotating themes that play on vaulted classics. Look for rare Disney tidbits scattered throughout the space and lots of craft cocktails for anyone who’s old enough to enjoy them. Intrepid adults can also take a peek at the oddball happenings every Friday at the de Young, where panel discussions, live music, fashion and drag shows, art-making and more all collide in a single space. There are cocktails, a prix-fix menu and extended hours, of course, but the cultural assault that is the de Young certainly isn’t for everyone. Thankfully, there’s likely to be another adult-only after hours museum party not far away.

Things To Do In Los Gatos

Fuze Fit For a Kid

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Not Just for Kids: SF's Grown Up Bowling Alleys

Best Non-Strenuous Urban Hikes

Best Museum Nights for Adults Only

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Things To Do In Los Gatos

Fuze Fit For a Kid

Up to 62% Kids' Active Play Sessions

Not Just for Kids: SF's Grown Up Bowling Alleys

Best Non-Strenuous Urban Hikes

Best Museum Nights for Adults Only

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