It’s hot out there — and getting hotter. With Bay Area temperatures expected to soar into the triple digits this weekend, AC availability becomes a primary factor in any recreation decisions. Even the freezer section of the supermarket begins to sound appealing. But we’ve got some suggestions for how to keep cool this weekend — even outdoors.
7 sensational public swimming pools
When the going gets hot, smart folks go splashing. There are swim clubs sprinkled across the Bay Area, but these seven sensational pools are not only open to the public, they’re affordable, too. San Jose State’s new rec center, for example, boasts two pools, including a large recreation pool, plus lounge chairs, basketball courts and an area for outdoor yoga. And when it’s too hot to even be outdoors head for Newark’s Silliman Family Aquatic Center with its large pools, lazy river and reservable cabanas. Check out the full list for a public pool near you.
14 Bay Area beaches you may not even know about
The air may be steamy, but the Pacific Ocean will cool you right down — and the Bay Area has beaches you’ve likely never visited. Here’s the scoop on 14 beachy possibilities, from Marin’s Rodeo Beach to Alameda’s Robert W. Crown and Pacifica’s Gray Whale Cove.
5 Cool Bay Area hikes
And we don’t just mean “cool” as in “great.” We’re talking cool temps, too, with hiking trails that run through shaded glens or coastal fog. Our fave among these five possibilities is the trek through misty Butano State Park, which offers shaded trails and ocean views — and the possibility of a post-hike jaunt to Half Moon Bay for chowder and lobster rolls. (You’re welcome.)
16 Fountains and splashy spots
Prefer to cool off closer to home? Public parks across the Bay Area offer splash zones, fountains that are made for wading and playing. Here are 16 splash pads to check out and they’re all free (although you may have to pay to park). Don’t forget the sunscreen.
OMG-good ice cream
Cool off your innards and your exterior will feel better, too. The Bay Area’s ice cream scene is exploding with possibilities, from Smitten ice cream’s nitrogen-frozen confections to Bi-Rite’s drizzled ice pops. We’re talking soft-serve-filled doughnuts, bourbon-spiked ice cream and churro-crazed treats. Here are seven sweet spots to explore.
