tours

Henry McCloskey’s wife was so freaked out by the 1906 Quake that she had her husband build a 24-room concrete block and steel reinforced medieval castle in the dunes above Pacifica. You can visit it this weekend and check out the additions made by its later eccentric owner, Sam Mazza, who placed oversized chess pieces […]

 Get a closer look at those epic, Trojan horse-like cranes that supposedly inspired the AT-AT Walkers in “Star Wars” (though Lucas denies it) in the Oakland Harbor during port tours on Friday evenings through October. The 90-minute event on board the Commodore Pinot Noir (sounds like a song) will fill you in on the history […]

Palo Alto is not just home to budding tech titans, it’s also home to superb examples of early twentieth century domestic architecture. The invaluable Palo Alto Stanford Heritage conducts walking tours of Queen Anne, Craftsman, Mission Revival, Prairie Tudor, and Deco gems in neighbors like College Terrace and Professorville. Brochures are available if you want […]

Bay seniors and bivalve lovers grew alarmed when the Feds evicted the oyster farms on Drakes Bay. Fortunately there are still thriving oyster operations on Tomales Bay. Coming up at noon Friday October 30 at the Saltwater Oyster Depot partake of a tasting and five-hour tour that includes two oyster farms, professional shucking lessons, fresh […]

Bay seniors who never tire of being reminded of SF’s quirky history might want to sign up for the Wild SF Tours that happen every Sunday morning. Artist/activist guides lead you through a social history of the Downtown with recaps of the lesser-known antics during the Gold Rush and the Earthquake and on the Barbary […]

Bay seniors seeking aquatic serenity are encouraged to dip their paddles into waters an hour north of city, sea kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore. There are considerable tour options. Try gentle Tomales Bay at sunset with upclose views of ospreys and pelicans.4 hours for $89 includes dessert. Starting in July set off around Drakes […]

Bay seniors not satisfied with the glow of Christmas trees around town are encouraged to check out IlluminateSF’s tour of six fantastical installations in SOMA, North Beach and the Embarcadero on December 27. You’ll travel on a bicycle festooned with holiday lights.Free .The very ambitious Discovery Street Tours  also has a Science of (Holiday) Light tour […]

Bay seniors curious about what seriously extravagant holiday decorations look like might want to head south to our most magnificent monument to egomania – the Hearst Castle in San Simeon. It has been festooned as it was 90 years ago  when William Randolph Hearst threw extravaganzas for his staff’s children who could pick any present […]