Whether you use it as a handy abbreviation, an excuse for stupid
mistakes, or consider it the most annoying phrase in the social
mediasphere, YOLO (You Only Live Once) is the perfect catch-all term for
yelpy summer fun.
Sure, you've got a carpe diem tattoo, but have
you braved the Livermore Rodeo? Swimming with sharks in Mexico is
impressive, but have you paddled with the endangered longjaw mudsuckers
in your own East Bay backyard? Not to fear. We've got your YOLO homework
right here!
Check out this list of 25 essentially East Bay
experiences: all unique, local, and of course, yelpy! From Memorial Day
to Labor Day, we're daring Yelpers across the Bay to turn down the so-so
and turn up the YOLO.
1) Heinold's First & Last Chance Saloon
Watch your drink slide down the slanted bar!
2) The Alley
Sing along with Rod Dibble, legendary piano man!
3) Gondola Ride on Lake Merritt
Enjoy an Italian sunset serenade!
4) Mt Diablo
Climb to peak – the highest in the Bay Area!
5) Visit Port Costa, population 190
See the stuffed Grizzly Bear at the Warehouse Cafe!
6) Silent Film Museum in Niles
Catch a flick in Charlie Chaplin's old stomping grounds!
7) Dinner at Commis
Dine at Oakland's only Michelin-starred resto!
8) Oakland Art Murmur
Experience Uptown's monthly street party & gallery hop!
9) Berkeley Rose Garden
Take time to smell the roses, while catching stunning views of the Bay
10) Yoshi's Oakland
Catch a show at the Bay Area's original jazz house!
11) Moonlight Kayak Trip
Paddle around the Oakland Estuary and stop for a drink at Quinn's Lighthouse
12) USS Potomac
Tour Franklin D. Roosevelt's Presidential yatch, featured in the film "The Master" and docked in Jack London Square
13) Alameda Point Antiques Faire
Hunt for treasures (and bargains) at this massive monthly bazaar
14) New Parkway Theatre
Watch a film at this quirky living-room style theatre
14) Berkeley Kite Festival
See kites as big as houses flying high on July 28th & 29th!
15) Takara Sake
Take the tour and sample sakes made in Berkeley!
16) Pacific Pinball Museum
Free play on over 90 machines, antique & modern!
17) WestWind Drive-In Theatre
Visit the only drive-in theatre in the East Bay, open since the 1940s!
18) Children's Fairyland
Rumored to have inspired Walt Disney to create Disneyland…
19) California Shakespeare Theatre
Have a pre-show picnic in the eucalyptus grove and enjoy an alfresco show!
20) Livermore Rodeo
This real cowboy show only happens once a year: June 5-9th
21) Bay Area Derby Girls
Watch them battle & bout for the national title!
22) St George Spirits
Tour & taste at this world-famous distillery, with epic views of the SF skyline
23) Livermore Wine Country
Taste at some of the oldest wineries in California!
23) Oakland Art & Soul Festival
Four stages of live R&B, Rock, Blues, Jazz and Indie sounds!
24) Tilden Park Steam Train
Ride the old-timey locomotive through the Redwoods!
25) Golden Gate Fields Racetrack
Bet your bottom dollar during Dollar Days on Sundays!