10 Napa + Sonoma Wineries for Art Lovers

World-renowned for its wine and food culture, Napa Valley’s vibrant art scene is too often overshadowed by the region’s raison d’etre.

Develop your taste from the palate to the palette at these wineries and tasting rooms with museum-quality galleries and outdoor sculpture installations by such artists as Keith Haring, Ai Weiwei, Ansel Adams, Andy Goldsworthy, Yayoi Kusama, and more.


Donum Estate

Ugo Rondinone, Nuns + monks (Orange Yellow Monk, Black Red Nun, and White Blue Monk). Painted bronze, various sizes, 2020 © The Donum Collection and the artist.

(Photo by Robert Berg)

On 200 bucolic acres, Donum Estate is notable for its chardonnay and Burgundian-style pinot noir crafted by winemaker Dan Fishman. But it’s also a must-visit for its high-end sculpture park, an open air gallery that showcases more than 40 installations by major international artists.

Inhale the aroma of the grapes as you wander around Artificial Rock, a stainless-steel piece by Chinese artist Zhang Wang; take an astrological journey in the Circle of Animal/Zodiac Heads by AI Weiwei, located inside a zen garden-like space; take a selfie with Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s Pumpkin; and play like a royal with Keith Haring’s King and Queen sculpture, produced just three years before his death. More of the collection resides inside the Donum Home, including the Crouching Spider by Paris-born artist Louise Bourgeois, whose works appear at SFMOMA.

Even if you’ve visited before, there’s always something new to see. Recent acquisitions include Rehearsal, a monumental wall hanging sculpture by Nigeria-based El Anatsui; Nuns + Monks by Ugo Rondinone; Doug Aitken’s Sonic Mountain; and Robert Indiana’s iconic LOVE sign.

This spring, Donum will unveil a new architectural gem: a hilltop tasting pavilion created by artist Olafur Eliasson and architect Sebastian Behmann’s Studio Other Spaces. —Anna Volpicelli

// Open by reservation only by calling 707.732.2200; 24500 Ramal Rd. (Sonoma), thedonumestate.com.

​Imagery Estate Winery

(Courtesy of Imagery Estate Winery)

Imagery Estate—founded by Joe Benziger and now fronted by his daughter, resident winemaker Jamie Benziger—infuses art into every facet of its winery experience. Imagery also directly with artists—so far, they’ve collaborated with 400 creatives and counting—to commission unique designs for their bottle labels. Of more than 600 artworks created so far, about 60 pieces are displayed for for viewed in the winery’s onsite art gallery. The artists hail from all over the world, including Japan’s Shoichi Ida, Brazil’s Goncalo Ivo, and late American artist Sol LeWitt. —Sydney Fogel

// Walk-ins welcome 10am to 5pm Thursday through Monday; 14335 Hwy 12 (Glen Ellen), imagerywinery.com

Hess Collection

Andy Goldsworthy’s Rock Pools.

(Courtesy of Hess Collection)

Located above the tasting room, Hess Collection’s modern-art gallery exhibits artists from proprietor Donald Hess’ personal collection, curated over 40 years. The gallery currently features several pieces from environmental sculptor Andy Goldsworthy, who is well known among San Francisco hikers and art lovers for his Presidio installations Spire and Wood Line. Here, Goldsworthy’s Rock Pools consists of large melted stones that he fired up in a kiln. A new addition to the Hess Collection is Super Wall Flower, by the late Alan Rath, which explores the intersection of the natural world and technology. —Jess Lander

// Open weekdays by appointment; 4411 Redwood Rd. (Napa), hesscollection.com

Cliff Lede Vineyards

(Bob McCleanahan)

Music, art, and wine collide at the Howard Backen–designed Cliff Lede Vineyards, where even the vineyard blocks are named after rock hits like My Generation and Dark Side of the Moon. The winery’s swanky Backstage Lounge is a private tasting room and art gallery that celebrates icons of rock and roll and also has artworks for purchase by the likes of John Lennon, Grace Slick, and Jerry Garcia. As a bonus, this experience gives you a backstage pass to Cliff Lede’s top, limited-production juice. Also notice the permanent collection of structures from artists including Kim Dine and Boaz Vaddia on the winery grounds. More interested in verse? Check into Cliff Lede’s Erin Martin–designed Poetry Inn. —Jess Lander

// Tastings are available daily by reservation; 1473 Yountville Cross Rd. (Yountville), cliffledevineyards.com

Acumen Wine

(Courtesy of Acumen)

This downtown Napa tasting room comes with its own contemporary art gallery. Acumen crafts boutique wines from their organically farmed Atlas Peak vineyards, which can be sampled in this chic tasting salon complete with some repurposed art, like chandeliers crafted from steel tank heads and a bar from a fallen vineyard oak tree. In the back, the rotating gallery currently features Perception, an exhibit of artist Marc Foster’s three-dimensional metal sculptures that are meant to be viewed from various angles. Take a piece home as a memento of your visit. —Jess Lander

// Open 3pm to 6pm Monday through Thursday and noon to 6pm Friday through Sunday, reservations preferred;1315 First St. (Napa), acumenwine.com

Brasswood Napa Valley

(Courtesy of Brasswood)

This Wine Country campus has it all: a winery, restaurant, bakery, event space, and even an art gallery of rotating exhibits—previous displays have included works by Salvador Dali and the famous animal sculptures of French artist Cévé. This spring, see Sites and Insights 2022 (April 4th through May 1st), a showcase of recent photography by native Californian Gary Fishman. The gallery is open to all Brasswood visitors, just be sure to schedule your tasting experience in advance. —Jess Lander

// 3111 St Helena Hwy (St Helena), brasswood.com

​Turnbull Wines

The Gallery Bar is lined with the iconic black and white photography of Ansel Adams.

(Courtesy of Turnbull Wines)

Napa Valley’s Turnbull is a landmark for lovers of architecture, design, and art, thanks foremost to its architect founder William Turnbull Jr., notable for his work on Sonoma County’s iconic Sea Ranch. These days, art collector Patrick O’Dell, the winery’s current owner, is curating the experience.

The tasing rooms and garden have been designed to show off O’Dell’s incredible collection of photography, including one of the country’s largest collections of Ansel Adams images as well as works by Ruth Bernhard, Imogen Cunningham, Alfred Stieglitz, Paul Strand, Edward Weston, and more. Expect to see 50 to 70 artworks on display at a given time. Sip a glass of Turnbull’s signature Josephine Sauvignon Blanc while contemplating Abractions, the current exhibition of photographs by 23 different artists taken between 1897 and 2011. —Anna Volpicelli

// Open by appointment, 10 am to 4:30pm daily; 8210 St. Helena Highway (Oakville), turnbullwines.com.

St. Supery Estate Vineyards & Winery

(Courtesy of St. Supery)

This idyllic, French countryside-inspired estate—owned by none other than Chanel—pairs estate grown sauvignon blanc and cabernet with art. Visitors can casually wander up to view the second-floor gallery’s contents, which rotate throughout the year. Recent exhibits have included paintings by artist Stephen Coyle, but this season St. Supery pays tribute to Everyday Heroes, which highlights local volunteers in fields of animal rescue, youth mentorship, mental health, food security, and more via 24 large-scale photographs by various Bay Area photographers. In addition, the gallery is also featuring solo exhibits for Keith Blodgett, John Comisky, and Sally Seymour. —Jess Lander

// Gallery is open daily, tastings are by reservation; 8440 St. Helena Hwy (Rutherford), stsupery.com.

Hall Napa Valley

Best known for the 35-foot tall Bunny Foo Foo leaping out of the vineyards on the edge of Highway 29 in St. Helena, Hall’s not-so-subtle Lawrence Argent sculpture is just one of 35 seriously whimsical contemporary pieces you’ll experience as you meander through the historic winery with a glass of vino in hand. Other works include a life-size, white camel sculpture by John Baldessari and a viewfinder by Alyson Shotz, designed with roughly 30 different lenses for a kaleidoscopic perspective of the estate vineyards. Want to dig in? Reserve the Wine and Art Exploration experience. —Jess Lander

// Open daily for tours and tastings; 401 St. Helena Hwy (St. Helena), hallwines.com

Larkmead Vineyards

A piece from the Keeping Accounts series by Kate Solari Baker.

(Courtesy of Landmark Vineyards)

One of the oldest wineries in Napa Valley, the quaint, 1895 Larkmead estate in Calistoga displays the artwork of proprietor Kate Solari Baker, who grew up in Napa Valley and started painting in the ’80s. She’s known for her multimedia art and pastel landscapes, some of which you can view in Larkmead’s renovated historic barn. Her Keeping Accounts ledger collages are especially on theme; Baker created this series from the winery’s 20th century ledgers that her mother kept, which she’s incorporated into colorful vineyard landscapes. —Jess Lander

// Estate tastings ($125/guest) are available by appointment only; 1100 Larkmead Lane (Calistoga), larkmead.com

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10 Napa Valley Wineries for Art Lovers

World-renowned for its wine and food culture, Napa Valley’s vibrant art scene is too often overshadowed by the region’s raison d’etre.

Develop your taste from the palate to the palette at these wineries and tasting rooms with museum-quality galleries and outdoor sculpture installations by such artists as Keith Haring, Ai Weiwei, Ansel Adams, Andy Goldsworthy, Yayoi Kusama, and more.


Donum Estate

Ugo Rondinone, Nuns + monks (Orange Yellow Monk, Black Red Nun, and White Blue Monk). Painted bronze, various sizes, 2020 © The Donum Collection and the artist.

(Photo by Robert Berg)

On 200 bucolic acres, Donum Estate is notable for its chardonnay and Burgundian-style pinot noir crafted by winemaker Dan Fishman. But it’s also a must-visit for its high-end sculpture park, an open air gallery that showcases more than 40 installations by major international artists.

Inhale the aroma of the grapes as you wander around Artificial Rock, a stainless-steel piece by Chinese artist Zhang Wang; take an astrological journey in the Circle of Animal/Zodiac Heads by AI Weiwei, located inside a zen garden-like space; take a selfie with Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s Pumpkin; and play like a royal with Keith Haring’s King and Queen sculpture, produced just three years before his death. More of the collection resides inside the Donum Home, including the Crouching Spider by Paris-born artist Louise Bourgeois, whose works appear at SFMOMA.

Even if you’ve visited before, there’s always something new to see. Recent acquisitions include Rehearsal, a monumental wall hanging sculpture by Nigeria-based El Anatsui; Nuns + Monks by Ugo Rondinone; Doug Aitken’s Sonic Mountain; and Robert Indiana’s iconic LOVE sign.

This spring, Donum will unveil a new architectural gem: a hilltop tasting pavilion created by artist Olafur Eliasson and architect Sebastian Behmann’s Studio Other Spaces. —Anna Volpicelli

// Open by reservation only by calling 707.732.2200; 24500 Ramal Rd. (Sonoma), thedonumestate.com.

​Imagery Estate Winery

(Courtesy of Imagery Estate Winery)

Imagery Estate—founded by Joe Benziger and now fronted by his daughter, resident winemaker Jamie Benziger—infuses art into every facet of its winery experience. Imagery also directly with artists—so far, they’ve collaborated with 400 creatives and counting—to commission unique designs for their bottle labels. Of more than 600 artworks created so far, about 60 pieces are displayed for for viewed in the winery’s onsite art gallery. The artists hail from all over the world, including Japan’s Shoichi Ida, Brazil’s Goncalo Ivo, and late American artist Sol LeWitt. —Sydney Fogel

// Walk-ins welcome 10am to 5pm Thursday through Monday; 14335 Hwy 12 (Glen Ellen), imagerywinery.com

Hess Collection

Andy Goldsworthy’s Rock Pools.

(Courtesy of Hess Collection)

Located above the tasting room, Hess Collection’s modern-art gallery exhibits artists from proprietor Donald Hess’ personal collection, curated over 40 years. The gallery currently features several pieces from environmental sculptor Andy Goldsworthy, who is well known among San Francisco hikers and art lovers for his Presidio installations Spire and Wood Line. Here, Goldsworthy’s Rock Pools consists of large melted stones that he fired up in a kiln. A new addition to the Hess Collection is Super Wall Flower, by the late Alan Rath, which explores the intersection of the natural world and technology. —Jess Lander

// Open weekdays by appointment; 4411 Redwood Rd. (Napa), hesscollection.com

Cliff Lede Vineyards

(Bob McCleanahan)

Music, art, and wine collide at the Howard Backen–designed Cliff Lede Vineyards, where even the vineyard blocks are named after rock hits like My Generation and Dark Side of the Moon. The winery’s swanky Backstage Lounge is a private tasting room and art gallery that celebrates icons of rock and roll and also has artworks for purchase by the likes of John Lennon, Grace Slick, and Jerry Garcia. As a bonus, this experience gives you a backstage pass to Cliff Lede’s top, limited-production juice. Also notice the permanent collection of structures from artists including Kim Dine and Boaz Vaddia on the winery grounds. More interested in verse? Check into Cliff Lede’s Erin Martin–designed Poetry Inn. —Jess Lander

// Tastings are available daily by reservation; 1473 Yountville Cross Rd. (Yountville), cliffledevineyards.com

Acumen Wine

(Courtesy of Acumen)

This downtown Napa tasting room comes with its own contemporary art gallery. Acumen crafts boutique wines from their organically farmed Atlas Peak vineyards, which can be sampled in this chic tasting salon complete with some repurposed art, like chandeliers crafted from steel tank heads and a bar from a fallen vineyard oak tree. In the back, the rotating gallery currently features Perception, an exhibit of artist Marc Foster’s three-dimensional metal sculptures that are meant to be viewed from various angles. Take a piece home as a memento of your visit. —Jess Lander

// Open 3pm to 6pm Monday through Thursday and noon to 6pm Friday through Sunday, reservations preferred;1315 First St. (Napa), acumenwine.com

Brasswood Napa Valley

(Courtesy of Brasswood)

This Wine Country campus has it all: a winery, restaurant, bakery, event space, and even an art gallery of rotating exhibits—previous displays have included works by Salvador Dali and the famous animal sculptures of French artist Cévé. This spring, see Sites and Insights 2022 (April 4th through May 1st), a showcase of recent photography by native Californian Gary Fishman. The gallery is open to all Brasswood visitors, just be sure to schedule your tasting experience in advance. —Jess Lander

// 3111 St Helena Hwy (St Helena), brasswood.com

​Turnbull Wines

The Gallery Bar is lined with the iconic black and white photography of Ansel Adams.

(Courtesy of Turnbull Wines)

Napa Valley’s Turnbull is a landmark for lovers of architecture, design, and art, thanks foremost to its architect founder William Turnbull Jr., notable for his work on Sonoma County’s iconic Sea Ranch. These days, art collector Patrick O’Dell, the winery’s current owner, is curating the experience.

The tasing rooms and garden have been designed to show off O’Dell’s incredible collection of photography, including one of the country’s largest collections of Ansel Adams images as well as works by Ruth Bernhard, Imogen Cunningham, Alfred Stieglitz, Paul Strand, Edward Weston, and more. Expect to see 50 to 70 artworks on display at a given time. Sip a glass of Turnbull’s signature Josephine Sauvignon Blanc while contemplating Abractions, the current exhibition of photographs by 23 different artists taken between 1897 and 2011. —Anna Volpicelli

// Open by appointment, 10 am to 4:30pm daily; 8210 St. Helena Highway (Oakville), turnbullwines.com.

St. Supery Estate Vineyards & Winery

(Courtesy of St. Supery)

This idyllic, French countryside-inspired estate—owned by none other than Chanel—pairs estate grown sauvignon blanc and cabernet with art. Visitors can casually wander up to view the second-floor gallery’s contents, which rotate throughout the year. Recent exhibits have included paintings by artist Stephen Coyle, but this season St. Supery pays tribute to Everyday Heroes, which highlights local volunteers in fields of animal rescue, youth mentorship, mental health, food security, and more via 24 large-scale photographs by various Bay Area photographers. In addition, the gallery is also featuring solo exhibits for Keith Blodgett, John Comisky, and Sally Seymour. —Jess Lander

// Gallery is open daily, tastings are by reservation; 8440 St. Helena Hwy (Rutherford), stsupery.com.

Hall Napa Valley

Best known for the 35-foot tall Bunny Foo Foo leaping out of the vineyards on the edge of Highway 29 in St. Helena, Hall’s not-so-subtle Lawrence Argent sculpture is just one of 35 seriously whimsical contemporary pieces you’ll experience as you meander through the historic winery with a glass of vino in hand. Other works include a life-size, white camel sculpture by John Baldessari and a viewfinder by Alyson Shotz, designed with roughly 30 different lenses for a kaleidoscopic perspective of the estate vineyards. Want to dig in? Reserve the Wine and Art Exploration experience. —Jess Lander

// Open daily for tours and tastings; 401 St. Helena Hwy (St. Helena), hallwines.com

Larkmead Vineyards

A piece from the Keeping Accounts series by Kate Solari Baker.

(Courtesy of Landmark Vineyards)

One of the oldest wineries in Napa Valley, the quaint, 1895 Larkmead estate in Calistoga displays the artwork of proprietor Kate Solari Baker, who grew up in Napa Valley and started painting in the ’80s. She’s known for her multimedia art and pastel landscapes, some of which you can view in Larkmead’s renovated historic barn. Her Keeping Accounts ledger collages are especially on theme; Baker created this series from the winery’s 20th century ledgers that her mother kept, which she’s incorporated into colorful vineyard landscapes. —Jess Lander

// Estate tastings ($125/guest) are available by appointment only; 1100 Larkmead Lane (Calistoga), larkmead.com

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Hang Ten: Learn to Surf (at Last) at 5 California Surfing Schools

Surfing is about as Californian as you can get. For most beachgoers, watching the pros catch waves is a favorite pastime—they make it look so effortlessly fun, who could resist wanting to join in? But when it comes to actually getting on a board yourself, it can be intimidating.

But really all a barney (that’s lingo for new surfer) needs to get up and running is a lesson or two to understand the basics—how to paddle, how to pop up on the board, and how to lean into the ride.


Luckily, there are plenty of surf schools to help. This summer, if you want to finally check surfing off your bucket list, sign up for a class at one of these five spots down the coast. You’ll be hanging ten in no time.

Adventure Out, Pacifica and Santa Cruz

Generally, Southern Californian waters are better for novices, but the Bay Area has a few spots that make for good options, especially during the summer when the water is warmer and waves are smaller. Adventure Out offers lessons to newbs just a short drive away from SF, both in Santa Cruz and Pacifica, where you can book one- or two-day lessons (they highly recommend two days for those completely fresh to the sport). Each day includes three hours of lessons and you can choose private or group instruction. // adventureout.comRichard Schmidt Surf School, Santa Cruz

Just an hour-and-a-half south of the Bay, the Richard Schmidt Surf School runs lessons year-round at ideal beginner surf spots along the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, stretching from Santa Cruz south to Big Sur. The school has been around since 1978 and instructors are world-class surfers with a ton of experience, so you’ll be in good hands. Two-hour lessons cover all the basics, from safety to technique and tips and tricks. // richardschmidt.com

Sea, Surf & Fun, Half Moon Bay

Launched in 2011, Sea, Surf & Fun teaches classes in Half Moon Bay, only half an hour south of the city, at a calm but thrilling spot close to the famous surfing point Maverick’s. Here, you’ll get the chance to learn the ropes and even perhaps meet a seal or dolphin. Choose from 90-minute group lessons, semi private (2-3 students), or private lessons. In addition to the standard courses, the company also offers week-long surf camps for kids 7+. // seasurffun.com

Mary Osborne Surf, Ventura

For a chance to learn from a famous pro, head to Ventura—located on the coast just northwest of Los Angeles—to take a lesson with Mary Osborne, an icon in the surf industry who spent 10 years in competition. In addition to the sport, she’s become an ambassador for both environmental causes and female empowerment, traveling to remote places around the world. You can choose to take a 90-minute one-on-one lesson, a 90-minute group class (resuming in April 2022 on Saturday mornings) or an overnight surf getaway at the beachfront Crowne Plaza, inland at Ojai Valley Inn, or at a rented beautiful private home. // maryosbornesurf.com

Surf House Adventures, Encinitas

In North San Diego County, Encinitas is the ultimate surf town—and Surf House Adventures is the ideal place to soak in the SoCal vibes and conquer the waves for the first time. Surf House Adventures is a boutique hotel on Highway 101 that also offers a surf camp and complimentary access to surfboards to totally immerse you in the surf life experience. Choose from a variety of options including one-off lessons, guided morning surfing and three-day all-inclusive packages. After you get your thrills, head back to relax in your surf-inspired room or the outdoor cabana. // surfhouseadventures.com

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10 Best Places for Boba Tea in the Bay Area

The magical elixir that is boba tea goes a little like this: creamy milk tea poured over ice with bb-sized chewy tapioca pearls at the bottom, which you suction up the oversized straw. It’s half snack, half-caffeinated heaven, and it’s pretty much all over the Bay Area.

From local, artisanal teashops that handcraft each individual tea using the finest ingredients to Taiwanese chains that crank out these sugary beverages in mass, here’s where to go the next time you’re craving some boba.


(Courtesy of Boba Guys)

Boba Guys

Boba Guys gets credit for kicking off the boba craze in San Francisco and remains the gold standard for the highest quality boba tea made with ethically sourced and local ingredients. They don’t used condensed milk (unless you order it) and they brew their loose-leaf tea in house (many other places use tea concentrate or tea that is pre-brewed and shipped to the store). The horchata (rice milk and cinnamon) and Thai tea varieties are both wonderful if you ever tire of the classic. // Multiple locations Bay Area–wide; bobaguys.com

Tea on Piedmont

This new kid on the block in Oakland is offering some top-notch boba drinks—add the chewy tapioca balls to their best-selling hojicha latte) and even sells those cute Betty Boba reusable glass tumblers with wide glass straws for all your future drinks to go. But you won’t find any over-the-top, candy-filled drinks here and boba is only the start of it. Cafe owner Grace Shen, who holds a tea sommelier certification from Taiwan, sources quality teas directly from Asia. If you’re in the mood for coffee, the herbal chrysanthemum cold brew is a must-try. // 4098 Piedmont Ave (Oakland), tea-on-piedmont.square.site

Sharetea

This Taiwanese chain serves tried-and-true recipes at over 300 locations worldwide, including two in San Francisco and several more around the Bay Area. Their classic milk tea is creamy-delicious, and their Okinawa (roasted brown sugar) and Hokkaido (caramel-toffee) variations are both great if you’re looking for something super sweet. // Find your nearest location at1992sharetea.com.

(Courtesy of Teaspoon)

Teaspoon

Teaspoon serves an extensive menu of bevvies ranging from a classic milk tea to a host of refreshing fruit teas as well as several creamy options. If you’re here for boba, you’ll find it in a variety of options including a silky mango or strawberry, caramel cream with brown sugar syrup, and Thai tea. // Locations Bay Area–wide; teaspoonlife.com.

Purple Kow

Purple Kow is known for their fresh-brewed tea, fat cups, and long lines. Avoid going when school lets out, as it’s a popular hangout for kids in the Outer Richmond (3620 Balboa St). Their signature is the D3—a diabetes-inducing blend of caramel, pudding, and boba. For a healthier drink, you can order one of the oolong or the fruit teas (we like mango) and request less sugar or none at all. The tapioca itself is soft, sweet, and heavenly, and if you want to go all out, add on grass jelly to your drink for a texture mash-up. // Locations in SF, Berkeley, and Concord; purplekow.com

Fifty/Fifty Coffee & Tea

Enjoy your boba in a cool coffee shop atmosphere with free WiFi. Aside from the standard, you can ask for boba in any of Fifty/Fifty’s coffee shop drinks (just know they don’t start serving boba until noon). Try their jasmine green tea, honey coconut latte, or matcha latte—hot or cold—with boba, of course. Their tapioca is sweet and pleasantly chewy, and holds up just fine in hot drinks. Added bonus: They also have a variety of coffee beverages, as well as pastries for snacking. // 3157 Geary Blvd. (Inner Richmond), fiftyfiftysf.square.site

Milk Tea Lab

For folks who are seriously serious about boba, Milk Tea Lab has it down to a science: Each month, they release a special drink crafted by one of their “Scien’tea’ists.” There’s alway a fun new formula or flavor to try, and this boba shop really goes above and beyond in making their drinks fun. There is the Alien Tonic, a sour green apple drink with mango stars; and the LovelyDew milk tea, which gives you a sweet combination of HoneyDew milk tea with honey boba. // Multiple locations Bay Area–wide; milktealabs.com

(Courtesy of @urbanritualcafe)

Urban Ritual

For an elevated boba experience, head to one of Urban Ritual’s three Bay Area locations. They pride themselves on using natural ingredients, loose leaf tea, and homemade syrups. If you’re looking for something sweet and decadent, order the Matcha Toffee (matcha green tea with milk and bite-sized toffee brittle). For something more refreshing, the Bae-Sil (strawberry basil lemonade with strawberry syrup, basil, and lemon) is a no-fail pick. // Locations in SF, San Mateo, and San Jose; urbanritualcafe.com

Boba Binge

B is for binging on bahn mi along with boba tea at this new spot in Oakland’s Chinatown. Their tea comes in all shapes and forms, from freshly brewed peach oolong to the creamy Panda milk tea (assam milk tea with honey and crystal boba). Another favorite is their Vietnamese coffee, which pairs great with some chewy boba pearls. If you’re really feeling adventurous, try one of their salted cream cheese drinks, a classic tea beverage topped with a layer of creamy salted cheese foam. // 1004 Webster St. (Oakland), boba-binge.com

Yifang Taiwan Fruit Tea

First-timers at Yifang Taiwan Fruit Tea should order the signature fruit tea infused with fresh chunks of passionfruit and pineapple. Also look out for their variety of drinks made with sago, which is comparable to tapioca except that it’s made from a palm plant rather than cassava. // Multiple locations Bay Area–wide;yifangteausa.com

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14 Twinkling Places to Stargaze in the Bay Area

Gaze up at the stars from one of these Bay Area vantage points.


Billy Goat Hill

Billy Goat Hill is Insta-famous for its elevated swing set and expansive views of San Francisco. Four hundred feet above sea level, this urban green spot also offers an excellent vantage point to a starry night—be it from the steps, a picnic table, or mid-swing. Parking can be tricky, especially along Ladley Street. Opt to hug the curb on Beacon Street. // 2442 Castro St. (Glen Park), sfrecpark.org

Editors’ tips:

  • For an extra hit of cardio, Billy Goat Hill offers a great place to stair climb.
  • The swing is only meant to hold one person at a time—so don’t test your luck.

Hawk Hill

One of the most serene slices of the city, Hawk Hill is popular among yogis and meditation junkies. Nearly 1,000-feet above the Pacific, it is also among the highest points in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) and is accessible via a trying bike ride or calf-straining hike. Also, for the bird watchers among us, Hawk Hill, as the name would suggest, is the highest lookout point for the largest known flight of diurnal raptors anywhere along the Pacific-clasped states. Bust out the binoculars here—day or night. // 948 Fort Barry, (Sausalito), parkconservancy.org

Editors’ tips:

  • Bring a yoga mat to mentally unwind and stretch out the body before straining your neck to look up at the sky.
  • Raptors are most active during the early hours of the morning; bird watchers will want to perch here early.

Mt. Hamilton / Lick Observatory

One of the highest publicly accessible summits in all of the South Bay, Mt. Hamilton is popular amongst wannabe and well-seasoned astronomers alike. Perched 4,500-plus feet above sea level and about an hour from San Jose, the darkness afforded by the area’s non-existent light pollution makes it one of the best vantage points to stargaze south of Bernal Heights. The UC owned-and-operated Lick Observatory is located off Highway 130, just shy of Mt. Hamilton’s peak visitor center and gift shop remain temporarily closed due to Covid, . // Mt. Hamilton Rd. (San Jose), alltrails.com

Editors’ tips:

  • Refilling stations are few and far between here, so fill your canteen to the brim at home.
  • Mt. Hamilton is dog friendly, just be sure to keep Spot on a leash.

Skyline Ridge Open Space

Few know that such a secluded, dark space can be found just 15 minutes from Silicon Valley. But sitting on over 2,000 acres of pristine scenery, Skyline Ridge Open Space ebbs and flows with rolling hillsides, most of which are accessible via well maintained trailheads. Whether it’s appreciating a star-studded sky from a trail bench or seeing the moonlight refract off of either Horseshoe Lake or Alpine Pond, there’s little this place can’t offer celestial enthusiasts. // Page Mill Rd. and Skyline Blvd. (San Jose), openspace.org

Editors’ tips:

  • Trails are easy to moderate in difficulty; no need to bust out the hiking poles.
  • Packing a picnic? Alpine Pond has two tables on its shore.
  • Parking along Page Mill Road is plentiful.

Corona Heights Park

Sandwiched between the Castro and Haight-Ashbury, Corona Heights Park is a somewhat enigmatic green space, even to locals. Swaths of checkerbloom, California poppies, and more wildflowers sit between towering evergreens, and when the sun retreats beneath the horizon, the park offers sweeping vistas of a lit-up SF and, weather permitting, a starry Bay Area sky. The base of the hill always sits 300 feet above sea level, but hiking the dirt trail up to the peak will put you at 520 feet above the tide. // Roosevelt Way and Museum Way, (Buena Vista), sfrecpark.org

Editors’ tips:

  • Wear your favorite hiking shoes, the rocky outcrops can be strenuous.
  • Embrace your phone’s flashlight—the trails are somewhat tricky to navigate at night.

Muir Woods Beach Overlook

There may be no better place to gaze up at the heavens than from the sands of Muir Beach. Those who wish to, say, smolder s’mores while stargazing can do so at the designated fire pits. Looking to gawk at the stars from a higher standpoint? Make a beeline to the rocky, cliffside Muir Woods Overlook. Cell phone service is notoriously spotty throughout the park, so screenshot things like trail maps and parking prior to heading out. // Muir Beach Overlook, (Muir Beach), nps.gov.com

Editor’s tips:

  • Dogs are allowed on leashes, but be mindful that Muir Beach is a popular seal pupping ground.
  • Whale watching at Muir Beach is among the best anywhere in the state.

Mt. Tamalpais

Ahh, Mt. Tam—how we love your rich hiking trails and windswept vistas. But rarely do we stick around to partake in the stargazing opportunities afforded by the summit and surrounding highlands. Friends of Mt. Tam have suspended their regular astronomy classes due to Covid but they feature astronomy programs on their YouTube channel, providing a window to the skies for those exploring the vast universe on the other side of Karl the Fog. // 801 Panoramic Highway (Mill Highway), parks.ca.gov

Editors’ tips:

  • The campgrounds around Mt. Tam are among the few places you can have a bonfire in the Bay Area without repercussions.
  • Drones cannot be flown overhead here—leave it at home.
  • Tables, drinking fountains, and restrooms can be found by East Peak off Verna Dunshee Trail.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Few natural spaces can compare to the awe-inspiring beauty and sublime stillness supplied by Point Reyes’ oceanside viewpoints. Limantour beach is one of the better, less popular beaches within the confines of Point Reyes National Seashore, perfect for laying out a blanket and taking in Cassiopeia. // Bear Valley Road and Shoreline Hwy (Point Reyes Station), nps.gov

Editors’ tips:

  • Check out AccuWeather to see if the night’s appropriate for stargazing.
  • Pick up fire and camping permits at the Bear Valley Visitor Center.
  • Bring your coat—temps along the shore are often several degrees cooler than what you see on Weather.com.

Strawberry Hill, Golden Gate Park

Smack in the middle of Stow Lake, Strawberry Hill is an isolated island where greenery and scenery merge into jaw-dropping views. Space is tight at the overlook so don’t bother lugging up your telescope: A good pair of binoculars will do the trick. Wear your hiking boots! // 50 Stow Lake Dr. (Golden Gate Park), goldengatepark.org

Editors’ tips:

  • Pack some snacks and bottles of water for the trek up.
  • Check local forecasts to ensure they’ll be minimal cloud coverage.
  • Check for park closures before heading out.

(Photo courtesy of SFAA)

Land’s End and Point Lobos

In the northwestern corner of the Golden Gate National Recreational Area sits two geological gems, each perfect for stargazing: the higher elevations at Point Lobos and the ocean vistas at Land’s End. San Francisco Sidewalk Astronomers occasionally host an amateur’s star watching night at both locations, but its BYO binoculars and telescope. // 80 Point Lobos Ave. (Sea Cliff), nps.org

Editors tips:

  • Check local forecasts to assure clear skies for the evening.
  • Bring flashlights for trail navigation; wear hiking shoes.

The Presidio

With soft mulch and ample parking spaces, the low-light areas of the Presidio offer quality, easily accessible stargazing opportunities within the confines of the city. Plus, SFAA often hosts lectures inside the grounds, sharing insights on what exactly you’re straining your neck toward. // Veterans Blvd and Hwy-101 (Presidio), presidio.gov

Editors’ tips:

  • Crissy Field and Southern Wilds are known for being two of the calmer, quieter parts of the grounds.
  • No need for hiking shoes here.

(Photo courtesy of Berkeley Side)

Grizzly Peak

Sip a chocolate shake, munch on a burger, and ponder your special place in the big ol’ thing we call the universe. An East Bay favorite, Grizzly Peaks is thought of as the Twin Peaks of the East Bay, offering up Instagram-worthy landscapes. Just fill up your tank and go—and maybe stop at your favorite drive-thru on the way. // Old Fish Ranch Rd. (Berkeley), yelp.com

Editors’ tips:

  • Parking can be tight here, so try to get there before 9pm.
  • Bring a pair of binoculars, if you wish.

Sibley Volcanic National Reserve

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more enchanting, light-pollution-free area in the Bay Area than Sibley Volcanic National Reserve. Now, this one’s a hike, so be sure to lace up your boots, fill your water bottles, and enjoy the acres upon acres of open space. Stop by the quarry pit labyrinth on your way back to the car. // 6701 Skyline Blvd. (Berkeley), ebparks.org

Editors’ tips:

  • The clearings are adequate for the use of both binoculars and telescopes.
  • Bring your four-legged best friend on a leash.

Redwood Regional Park + Chabot Space and Science Center

Every Friday and Saturday evening, weather and light permitting, the Chabot Space and Science Center’s observatory is open to the public, free of charge. Just park, follow the signs to the back of the center, and be amazed by the cosmos. If you’re yearning for more, head back toward the entrance and grab a general admission pass to explore the entire center. // 10000 Skyline Blvd. (Oakland), chabotspace.org

Editors’ tips:

  • Nighttime viewing starts at 7:30pm and ends at 10:30pm.
  • Notice that access to the observatory is free, not access to the entire center. Make sure to enter in the back gate for access to the observatory.

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From street art to Steph Curry's sneakers, the creativity of Oakland artist Hueman is unbound

There’s virtually no way you haven’t seen Hueman’s work.


In the last three years alone, the artist’s bold, “etherealistic” style has brightened up Lyft bikes and the debut trainers in Steph Curry’s new shoe line, the Curry 8. Her fractured portrait of Pink graces the cover of the musician’s 2019 album Hurts 2B Human; andher whirling color palette was featured in a 2019 line of “body painted” jumpsuits, jackets, and athleisure at Forever 21.

Not sounding familiar yet? Maybe you remember Hueman’s collaborations with The North Face, the 2016 USA Women’s Basketball Team, or NYX Cosmetics? Or maybe you’ve seen her murals in Oakland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Ft. Lauderdale, Detroit, Gothenburg, Sweden, Port-Au-Prince, Haiti or half a dozen other cities around the world? Or maybe you caught her recent immersive installation Homebody at Berkeley’s Ciel Creative Space, a show inspired by pandemic-induced isolation and self-metamorphosis?

Yeah, you’ve seen her work. How could you not?

Hueman, aka Allison Torneros, has been a prolific artist since childhood (“I’m very much a Capricorn,” she unabashedly explains, “I’m a workaholic.”). But like the transformation she captures in Homebody, Torneros has emerged from her pandemic cocoon not just as an artist or a commercial designer, but as a multi-hyphenate creative director.

“I think most high-brow art people would look down on someone who does so much commercial work, but it’s those projects that have afforded me the chance to do something like Homebody,” says Torneros. Her creativity is not either-or but a both-and.

Torneros grew up a lone artistic kid in a Filipino-American family in the East Bay. She didn’t dream of being an artist; it wasn’t exactly a lucrative career path. She took a more practical route toward design and media arts at UCLA instead, one she might have stuck with if it hadn’t been for her first San Francisco gallery show which, at age 18, tore the veil from her ambition and sent her careening towards an unexpected future.

The next piece fell into place after college when Torneros began painting wall murals. She felt so alive, so far away from the robotic, computer-based work she had been doing, that she took on a new alias: Hueman. In the male-dominated graffiti landscape, Hueman’s signature “freestyle” approach—in which she builds faces and imagery from abstract sprays and blotches of paint—stood out. The more she hustled, the more her work paid off: Her murals began to multiply, first in L.A. and the Bay Area—hers was one of the first commissioned in L.A. after the city lifted its street art ban in 2013—then around the world.

Hueman’s 2016 mural at the Academy for Peace & Justice in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.(Courtesy of @Hueman_)

Hueman dabbled for the first time in immersive art in 2013 with Ritual, a nine-day take-over of a 6,000-foot L.A. warehouse replete with freestyle murals, creative collaborations, and performances.

“It felt very underground and the fact that it was this self-initiated thing was super important. I was able to control the vibe and the culture of what was happening in that space,” she explains. “I’ve been chasing that dragon since then, wanting to create something fully immersive that involves the entire community and brings people together.”

With Homebody, Torneros finally caught it, ironically gathering community around a show about pandemic isolation. Although the multi-room exhibition left Ciel at the end of February, the show, which was designed to travel, will reopen at L.A.’s new Mirus Gallery later this year, and hopefully at others down the road.

“That’s my big baby right now,” Torneros says.

Really, though, it’s just one of several progeny she’s nurturing at the moment, most important among them is her two-year-old daughter, Sophie. “I’ve got a couple of huge collaborations coming this year,” she teases, plus “a few NFT projects coming out in the next few months.”

Yeah, like she said, she’s a Capricorn.

// Follow the artist at @hueman_ and huemannature.com.

Allison Torneros, aka Hueman, in her Oakland studio.(Courtesy of @Hueman_)

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