Best bay area summer activities

San Ramon is notorious for having a limited selection of summer activities for teens.

Besides Golden Skate, famous for 8-year-olds’ birthday parties, the city swimming pool, and visiting one of the 53 local parks there is pretty much nothing to do.

But there are plenty of fun activities to try and new sights to see in the Bay Area.

• For those who frequent Las Trampas and enjoy hiking, Redwood Regional Park near Oakland offers breathtaking views of Mount Diablo and the San Francisco Bay. Located about a half hour away, this park is a perfect place for a morning hike or an afternoon picnic.

• There’s so much to do and see in Point Bonita in the Marin Headlands with plenty of tunnels and trails scattered along the coast and a lighthouse to explore.

• San Francisco has plenty of scenic trails to explore, both along the coast and further inland. Trails near Land’s End and Telegraph Hill offer a historical route with a view of the city.

After hiking, visitors can grab a bite to eat on Fisherman’s Wharf or in the heart of the city at one of the many restaurants and cafes found on just about every street in San Francisco.

• Sunol Regional Wilderness, about half an hour south of San Ramon, is well known for the variety of wildlife that inhabit the area. It’s a perfect place for birdwatchers, but hikers can also see bobcats, coyotes and deer.

There are a couple of trails for the experienced, and not-so-experienced, hiker. Flag Hill is a short, steep hike to great vistas,while Little Yosemite and W Tree Scramble are more challenging routes with equally beautiful scenery.

• Contrary to popular belief, Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve in Oakland is not home to Huckleberry Finn. Instead, native plants thrive on this beautiful trail shaded by trees, making it a perfect place for a short hike in the middle of summer.

• History buffs can take a self-guided tour through the aircraft carrier USS Hornet in Alameda. This ship, which was involved in both World War II and the Apollo 11 recovery, allows visitors to explore the entire vessel.

• The Blackhawk Automotive Museum showcases unique and rare cars that people of all ages would enjoy.

With an fairly-priced entrance fee of $10, this is a great place to see super rare cars while staying out of the sweltering heat.

• Like transportation, the pinball machine is a classic arcade game that has evolved over time, becoming more digitized.

But the Pacific Pinball Museum, which lies on the outskirts of Alameda, contains four rooms with a total of 90 pinball machines. They are fully functional and accessible to all visitors.

• Built in 1964, the Solano Drive-In Movie Theater shows blockbusters and new releases all throughout the summer.  They commonly show two movies for the price of one, so movie-goers can get a great deal out of it.

• San Francisco has many movie theaters scattered all over town that are unique in their own way.

• The Castro Theatre in San Francisco is perfect for vintage classic movie fanatics who love movies such as “The Godfather,” “Casablanca” and “Goonies.”

• For those who crave a V.I.P. experience, the Sundance Kabuki Cinema, also in San Francisco, has just the thing with its fancy snacks and sleek, modern design. It has assigned seating so viewers can book their seats in advance. Movies are not only the source of dramatic entertainment. Many local theatres are showing musicals and student-run shows.

• Local theatres include the Front Row Theater and the Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center, both located in San Ramon.