26 Fun Things to Do This Week (3.14.22)

Bad news: We lost an hour of sleep last night. Good news: We finally get an extra hour of sunlight at the end of the day, and that means more energy for fun things.

This week, East Bay foodies won’t want to miss the grand opening of Pomet on Piedmont Avenue and the Occitania pop-up from the Duende team. For the musically inclined, enjoy Toy Story accompanied by the SF Symphony, John Mayer at Chase Center, and a free all-day music showcase in San Francisco. Plus, Point Bonita Lighthouse has officially reopened, The Irish Bank’s annual St. Patrick’s Day block party returns, and more.


Have a good one!

Get your steps in—the historic Point Bonita Lighthouse has officially reopened to the public after two years of renovations. Situated on a picturesque bluff in Marin, this is a favorite spot for whale watching. Visitors can once again enter the structure from 12:30 to 3:30pm on Sundays and Mondays. // nps.gov


No matter how you slice it, you won’t want to miss Pi Day at the Exploratorium.
Join the 35th annual celebration of the never-ending ratio that helps describe circles of all sizes. There will be poetry, original music performed by Science Band, math-inspired activities, a pi parade and, of course, pie; Monday, 11am to 3pm. // Exploratorium, Pier 15 (Embarcadero); tickets at exploratorium.edu

Secure tix for Lady Gaga’s Chromatica Ball summer stadium tour. Tickets are on sale now for her September 8th stop at Oracle Park. // ticketmaster.com

Catch a Norah Ephron double feature at Balboa Theater. Get an extra dose of romance with back-to-back screenings of When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle; Tuesday, 7pm to 11pm. // Balboa Theater, 3630 Balboa St. (Outer Richmond); tickets at balboamovies.com

Thelma and Louise. Romy and Michelle. Trixie and Katya. Don’t miss this comedic musical drag show homage to the classic girls’ road trip comedies of the ’90s to 2000s starring Trixie Mattel and Katya Zamolodchikova; Tuesday and Wednesday at 7pm. // The Warfield, 982 Market St. (Tenderloin); tickets at axs.com

Raise funds for World Central Kitchen (WCK) and their support for Ukraine by purchasing a new piece of artwork. At this special benefit exhibit at SHOH Gallery, Bay Area artists and the gallery itself will be donating up to 80 percent of the proceeds from sales. With art beginning at $200, this is a fabulous way to support Ukraine; Wednesday to Saturday, 11am to 6pm. // SHOH Gallery, 700 Gilman (Berkeley); details at shohgallery.com

Be a critic for the night at Art Battle’s Regional Championship, where artists have 20 minutes to transform blank canvases into works of art before you help pick the winner. Plus, you’ll have the chance to take the art home. This time, past winners from SF, Monterey, and Oakland return for their chance to become the 2022 regional champion; Wednesday, 7pm to 10pm. // The Great Northern, 119 Utah St. (Mission); tickets at eventbrite.com

Taste the best the season has to offer at the opening of Pomet. The first restaurant from K&J Orchards owner and second-generation farmer Aomboon Deasy, opens on Piedmont Avenue this Wednesday. Enjoy a menu of seasonal California-inspired dishes created by chef Alan Hsu (of three-Michelin-starred Benu and New York’s two-Michelin-starred Blue Hill at Stone Barns) and an approachable wine list by sommelier Paul Einbund (The Morris); open Wednesdays to Sundays, 5pm to 9pm. // Pomet, 4019 Piedmont Ave. (Oakland); reservations at pomet-oakland.com

Catch one of the most thrilling snow sport competitions in the Sierras. Red Bull Raid, the only event in the world that combines uphill skill with downhill mastery, takes over Palisades Tahoe this week; Wednesday to Friday. // Palisades Tahoe, 1960 Olympic Valley Rd. (Tahoe); details at redbull.com

Raise a toast to four days of St. Patty’s celebrations at Sláinte Oakland. With 100 different kinds of Irish whiskey, authentic grub, Irish dancing, music, and plenty of outdoor seating; Thursday to Sunday, 12:30pm to midnight. // Slainte, 131 Broadway (Oakland); details at slainteoakland.com

The Irish Bank’s annual St. Patrick’s Day block party makes a triumphant return! Live music, bangers and mash, drink specials…you know the drill; Thursday, 1:30pm to 11:30pm. // The Irish Bank, 10 Mark Ln. (FiDi); details at theirishbank.com

Get a first taste of Occitania, the upcoming French restaurant from the Duende team expected to open later this spring. For those who can’t wait, two pop-up dinners ($65; March 17 and April 13) will offer a preview via four-course menus with optional beverage pairings; Thursday at 6:30pm. // Duende, 468 19th St. (Oakland); limited number of reservations available at duendeoakland.com

Charles Blackwell pays homage to SF jazz culture with an evening of live painting, music, poetry, and performance art. Tenderloin Museum will host Blackwell’s work across several mediums for the Sounds of the Tenderloin series, funded by Hardly Strictly Bluegrass; Thursday, 6pm to 7:30pm. // Tenderloin Museum, 398 Eddy St. (Tenderloin); tickets at tenderloinmuseum.org

Wipe your tears, or don’t—Crybaby, a new nightclub, is opening in the former Uptown Nightclub location in Oakland. The music and events venue opened this past weekend and already has shows booked through May. This week, catch Machinedrum on Friday and an Afrobeats soca rave on Saturday night—carnival attire encouraged. // Crybaby, 1928 Telegraph Ave. (Oakland); details at instagram.com

You could say Bahamas has a “Way With Words.” The Finnish-Canadian singer/songwriter/guitarist brings his songs about sunsets, love affairs, and making out with crooked smiles to The Fillmore; Friday at 8pm. // 1805 Geary Blvd. (NoPa); tickets at livenation.com

Ladies and gays, John Mayer is coming to town. His appropriately named Sob Rock tour takes over Chase Center for two nights; Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm. // Chase Center, 1 Warriors Way (Mission Bay); tickets at chasecenter.com

Arguably the greatest Pixar film ever made, and made even better by acclaimed composer Randy Newman’s score,Toy Story will be accompanied by the SF Symphony orchestra. You can cry to You’ve Got a Friend in Me, IRL; Friday at 7:30pm and Saturday at 2pm. // Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave. (Hayes Valley); tickets at sfsymphony.org

Celebrate the end of Prohibition quarantine at the 36th Annual Art Deco Preservation Ball. As if you needed yet another excuse to put on a costume, this party will re-imagine the urban glamour of San Francisco circa 1930. In addition to live music from the Royal Society Jazz Orchestra, the ball will also award folks who have shared in the preservation of Art Deco’s historic legacy; Saturday at 7pm. // The City Club of San Francisco, 155 Sansome St. (FiDi); tickets at artdecopreservationball.com

Embrace the spring equinox with legendary jazz singer Paula West, live at Saint Joseph’s Arts Society. Consider going VIP for exclusive access to a private wine bar and caviar service from CaviarCo; Saturday at 8pm. // Saint Joseph’s Arts Society, 1401 Howard St. (SoMa); tickets at eventbrite.com

No need to leave your better half at home, Wilder is now offering Yappy Hour. You’ll find discounted punch bowls, half-off bottles of wine, chef-made bark bites, puppuccinos, and more; Saturday and Sunday, 3pm to 6pm. // Wilder, 2154 Fillmore St. (Marina); details at wildersf.com

Get schooled by Dominique Crenn. The multi-award-winning chef brings her techniques and unrivaled innovation to MasterClass for a crash course in modern vegetarian cuisine. // masterclass.com

Who will be crowned SF’s Drag Superstar?So You Think You Can Drag is a competition fundraiser for the Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy. In addition to some of the Bay Area’s best queens, the top five fundraisers from the community will be put in drag to compete for the crown; Saturday at 5pm. // The Cafe, 2369 Market St. (Castro); tickets at eventbrite.com

A free, all-day music marathon celebrating local musicians is coming to SF. Now in its 14th year, SF Music Day will host more than 100 artists ranging in style from classical to global and to modern jazz; Sunday, noon to 7pm. // War Memorial Veterans Building, 401 Van Ness (Civic Center); details at intermusicsf.org

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Video House Tour: San Francisco's original Painted Lady is for sale, asking $5.75 million

If you’re longing for a quintessential experience of classic San Francisco, this is it: a home inside one of Alamo Square’s picture-perfect Painted Ladies, picnics in the neighboring park, coffees from the too-cute Lady Falcon truck, and walks to dinner on Divis.

Steiner Street’s seven Painted Ladies are known the world over for their signature Queen Anne Victorian architectural style—steep roofs, ornamented gables, bay windows, an abundance of pattern, and decorative spindlework. But the home at the corner of Grove Street stands apart from the rest: Not only is she the eldest of the coterie, she was also home to the Ladies’ original builder, Matthew Kavanaugh.

Built in 1892, all four levels of the historic six-bedroom home underwent an extensive, fully permitted remodel in 2015. But before you get all verklempt, rest assured this beauty retains many of her exquisite 19th century features.


A colorful leaded glass exterior door marks entry to a vestibule designed for ducking out of the weather. To enter the home itself, you’ll pass through an additional pair of heavily carved wood doors into a small parlor that will carry you easily into the formal living room and dining room. Original details here include gas-lit glass chandeliers, a marble gas-burning fireplace, and elaborate crown moldings that have been beautifully restored.

Also lovingly refreshed is the intricate wainscoting in the hallway that leads from the foyer to the rear of the home, which has been reconfigured to accommodate an open kitchen—with an oversized island, dual sinks, and a glass wall that opens to the patio—plus an adjacent family room.

The private quarters are made up of large bedrooms each with sizable closets and remodeled bathrooms. The primary suite is an ode to tranquility, with a spa-like bathroom that includes a soaking tub and steam shower, and a custom walk-in closet. The top floor has been updated to take the form of a media area and home office endowed with abundant storage and its own full bathroom.

The home also has a separate legal unit downstairs, accessible from the main level or from the garden in the back of the home. Ideal for guests, a home office or even an Airbnb rental, the one-bedroom space is equipped has an open living and dining area, full bathroom, and kitchenette. There’s even a view.

Additional amenities in the main residence include a full Sunrun solar system, Tesla battery, garage for one car, and an additional space for storage or workshop.

Bedrooms: 6

Bathrooms: 5

Size: 4,831 sq. ft.

Asking price: $5,750,000

// 722 Steiner St. (Hayes Valley); for more information, visit 722steinerst.com.

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Discover the manga world of Mission tattoo artist Mimi-Sama

The Bay area continues to attract many talented tattoo artists from all over the world and, for a few months, Mimi-Sama is one of them.

The specialist of manga and blackwork styles is now a resident artist of the tattoo parlor Black Serum.


Tattoo artist Mimi-Sama.

Tell us about your work?

“I am a manga tattoo artist, so I base a lot of my work on the original manga drawings to create my tattoos. Most of my tattoos come from manga panels or scenes and are done in fineline and black ink with the obsession of keeping the final tattoo as close as possible to the spirit of the original. It can mean changing details to adapt it to the body and respecting the overall aspect.”

What is Mangala?

“Mangala (manga plus mandala) is a blend of manga themes with a graphic treatment that can remind you of mandalas. Mangala pieces are for ones seeking to fulfill their commitment with a manga or anime but also want something more ornamental than a replica of the original design. The designs are shaped to fit the body and create a unique graphic manga tattoo.”

What’s your story?

“I was born in Portugal and grew up in France. I started to tattoo because I needed to breathe again. I quit my previous job in the hostelry in Paris, and I needed to reconnect with my passion for drawing, So I entered a tattoo shop owned by a friend to kill some time, and when the shop closed a few months later, I have done my first tattoos. After some good and bad but always valuable learning occasions, I started my own studio in Paris near the Pantheon. It was by myself at first, but I started to have some recurring guests. I was working hard and it was rewarding to build a business, but it didn’t allow me to get better technically and artistically. So I chose to close the shop and travel. My plan was to tattoo and travel. In five years, I tattooed in more than 15 countries over four continents. During this journey, I stopped by Tokyo for almost a year, and as a big fan of manga, it will always be a special place for me.”

Why are you coming to San Francisco?

“After visiting many countries, I chose to come to the US, in San Francisco. This area is gifted with many tattoo talents, vibrant cultural life, and a great lifestyle. It’s a wonderful city to create art and meet amazing people. I am so grateful for how I have been accepted by the clients and the team at Black Serum. I am only here for a few months and I really feel at home after many years of travel.”

Which manga do you prefer to tattoo?

“I like too many mangas to have two or three preferences, but lately I really like working on Dorohedoro, Chainsaw Man, and Demon Slayer. They are all very different but share strong contrasts in their drawings. I am always happy to tattoo some classics from Akira, Dragon Ball, Berserk, or Naruto. I hold my first manga 25 years ago, it’s a huge source of inspiration!”

(Courtesy of Mimi-Sama)

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American Giant debuts new cotton athleisure + more local style news

San Francisco brand American Giant’s new collection of leggings and tanks are super comfy and, obvi, work great with the label’s signature hoodies.

Plus, Huf honors late skateboarder Pablo Ramirez with a capsule collection and Van Cleef & Arpels sets up a sparkling experience in Silicon Valley.


American Giant goes all Sporty Spice with new Cotton Sport collection.

(Courtesy of American Giant)

Local closet staple American Giant isn’t resting on its laurels hoodies. Cue the new collection of buttery smooth, breathable leggings ($80) and tanks ($40) made of premium American cotton. Cotton Sport is AG’s first take on true athleisure and, unlike so many run-around-town styles, these babies move with you (phew!). Along with the major comfy factor, the tops and bottoms have minimal seams and come in a range of eye-catching colors. They also flatter lots of figures so, yeah, we know what we’re wearing on our next coffee date.

// American Giant has three Bay Area locations; american-giant.com.

Huf celebrates the legacy of skateboarder Pablo Ramirez with new capsule collection.

(Courtesy of Huf x PRF)

It drops tomorrow, March 10th: Huf x PRF (Pablo Ramirez Foundation) is a melding of the beloved SF skate brand and the beloved SF skateboarder/artist/musician for whom the foundation is named. (ICYMI: Pablo Ramirez, a man who oozed talent, passion and spirituality, died in an auto accident in 2019.) The curated collection of cool hoodies, tees, socks and more features Pablo’s artwork and writings. Proceeds benefit PRF, whose mission is to help promote a positive lifestyle for kids and young adults through skateboarding, art, and music.

The capsule is part of the larger Power of Pablo, a celebration including a series of fun events around town, from March 10th to 13th.

// The capsule release party takes place at 6pm at Huf SF, 968 Valencia St. (Mission), hufworldwide.com;pabloramirez.org.

Van Cleef & Arpels celebrates spring with fresh florals at Westfield Valley Fair.

(Courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels)

Apparently, trendy immersive experiences aren’t just for famous dead artists and ice cream: Fine jeweler Van Cleef & Arpels recently transformed the center court of Silicon Valley’s Westfield Valley Fair into a floral sketchbook. Designed by French artist Alexandre Benjamin Navet, the installation will be in bloom through the last day of March.

The multidisciplinary artist is known for various techniques a la Japanese watercolor and pencil, as well as his use of bright colors, objects, and architectural forms that allow him to tell stories in a simple and playful language. They’re all at work here—bringing the vitality of nature to life.

Of course, the dreamy exhibit includes plenty of sparkle and shine—showcasing VC&A’s flora- and fauna-inspired gems and timepieces. Best part? You get to try on select pieces as part of the experience. Special orders of your favorites are available, too.

In other good news, the French jeweler will be opening a San Francisco boutique in April (stay tuned for more deets).

// 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd. (Santa Clara), vancleefarpels.com

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The Best Camping Spots on the Northern California Coast

California’s coastal camping options are nearly limitless.

So go get cozy around a campfire and enjoy the outdoors every month of the year.


Jedediah Smith Campground

Located on the banks of the Smith River, Jedediah Smith Campground may be the most picturesque of the Redwood National and State Park campgrounds. The campground offers 106 sites nestled among old-growth coast redwoods, about a dozen of which lie adjacent to the Smith River.

PROS: Smith River access. Old-growth redwoods.

CONS: Summer crowds.

REGION: Redwoods + Del Norte Coast

CONGESTION: High

CAMPING FEE: $35

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: Not Required

TENT/CAR SITES: 106

TENT/WALK-IN SITES: 5

GROUP SITES: 5

PICNIC TABLES: Yes

DOGS ALLOWED: Yes

Albion River Campground

Albion River Campground sits along the mouth of the Albion River. It’s next to the lofty wooden truss structure supporting the Albion River Bridge that crosses Highway 1. The campground caters to RV camping with partial to full RV hookups available, including WiFi, for all of the 117 campsites. Tent and car camping is also available, but the fee is the same regardless of whether you have an RV, car, or tent. The campground layout is split into 4 groups: A, B, C, D. The A group with full RV hookups is nestled against a Eucalyptus covered hillside and offers a bit more privacy. Showers are provided in the camp restrooms. Two boat launches are available for on-site use, as is a fish cleaning station. The Flats Café, a wonderful campground amenity, shares space with the campground office. Try the corned beef hash. It’s fantastic.

PROS: Great river access for recreation and fishing.

CONS: Can get crowded with RVs in spring and summer.

REGION: Mendocino Coast + Clear Lake Area

CONGESTION: High

CAMPING FEE: $35

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: Not Required

FULL HOOK-UP RV SITES: 17

RV SITES: 90

TENT/CAR SITES: 90

PICNIC TABLES: Yes

Anchor Bay Campground

A local favorite, this campground is ideal for those who want to spend time on the beach. The northwest wind protection is key for sunny days, and it helps to keep the beach much warmer than nearby options. The speardiving, kayaking, abalone diving, fishing and crabbing are some of the best in NorCal. The Stellar Sealion rookery just offshore on the island of Fish Rocks is a sight to see and hear by kayak. Hundreds of sealions gather here to haul themselves out of the water and loaf on the rocks. In the recent years a few elephant seals have also been spotted in and amongst the other pinnipeds.

PROS: One of the best beaches in the area. Perfect wind pertection. Surfing, fishing, crabbing, and abalone diving.

CONS: Lots of trailers. Located on Highway 1.

REGION: Mendocino Coast + Clear Lake Area

CONGESTION: Moderate

CAMPING FEE: $40

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: General Day Use Fee ($3)

FULL HOOK-UP RV SITES: 52

RV SITES: 45

TENT/CAR SITES: 40

PICNIC TABLES: Yes

Gualala Point Campground

Gualala Point Regional Campground is a great example of the amazing redwood forests that used to dominate the coast of Northern California. It is a very peaceful campground with a relatively small number of campsites. Great hiking trails lead along the scenic Gualala River and link to Gualala Point Park on the west side of Highway 1. It is also possible to hike from the campsites to the Gualala Point Park and then connect south onto the Sea Ranch Coastal Trail System for a much longer beach and cliff hike, an excellent locale for whale watching. During the whale watching season, a hike to the beach might earn the breathtaking sight of the great migration in progress. Try waiting until sunset when whale spouts become a backlit exclamation mark in the sea, making for easy spotting. With amazing access to sunny river banks, swimming holes, beaches, hiking trails, and the nearby town of Gualala, this campground is a great spot for all those interested in relaxing in the redwoods and enjoying the awe of the northern California coast.

PROS: Quiet, beautiful, and serene. Huge redwoods in most campsites. Swimming holes and beach access.

CONS: Shady and cold in the mornings due to large trees.

REGION: Sonoma Coast + Napa Area

CONGESTION: Low

CAMPING FEE: $32

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: General Day Use Fee ($7)

TENT/CAR SITES: 20

TENT/WALK-IN SITES: 6

PICNIC TABLES: Yes

Gerstle Cove Campground

Gerstel Cove Campground in Salt Point State Park has 30 drive-in sites located on the ocean side of Highway 1. While other campgrounds are available in the park, Gerstle Cove Campground offers the nearest ocean access and remains open year-round. As the name suggests, the campground is adjacent to Gerstle Cove, a State Marine Reserve that hosts a healthy underwater kelp forest. The rich marine ecosystem makes Gerstle Cove a popular spot for divers staying at the campground.

PROS: Easy access to Gerstle Cove. Exploring Salt Point State Park

CONS: Can be booked weekends March through October.

REGION: Sonoma Coast + Napa Area

CONGESTION: High

CAMPING FEE: $35

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: Not Required

TENT/CAR SITES: 30

PICNIC TABLES: Yes

Reef Campground

Reef Campground is a cozy little coastal campground located within Fort Ross State Historic Park, that is open between April 1 and November 30 each year. The 21 campsites lie adjacent to the ocean coves near Fort Ross, extending up a narrow, redwood-lined gulch. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can accommodate vehicles up to 18 feet; there are no hookups.

PROS: Small and cozy campground. Ocean access. Fort Ross.

CONS: Closed in winter. Some sights unshaded.

REGION: Sonoma Coast + Napa Area

CONGESTION: Moderate

PREFERABLE SEASON(S): Summer, Fall

CAMPING FEE: $35

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: Not Required

TENT/CAR SITES: 21

PICNIC TABLES: Yes

DOGS ALLOWED: Yes

Bodega Dunes Campground

Tucked away in the dunes behind the sand and crashing surf, Bodega Dunes Campground offers a beach access and a tranquil camping option for visitors to Bodega Bay and the surrounding area. The campground is a couple of dunes away from South Salmon Creek Beach, a picturesque setting for beach combing, kite flying, and picnics. There’s also a few surfing spots nearby, such as North Salmon Creek Beach a mile to the north.

PROS: Beach access. Shaded campsites.

CONS: Sounding of a foghorn througout the night.

REGION: Sonoma Coast + Napa Area

CONGESTION: Low

CAMPING FEE: $35

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: Not Required

TENT/CAR SITES: 98

TENT/WALK-IN SITES: 1

GROUP SITES: 1

PICNIC TABLES: Yes

Doran Beach Campground

Surrounded by the waters of Bodega Bay and Bodega Harbor, Doran Beach Campground offers visitors a beautiful beachside setting and both car/tent sites and RV sites (although with no hookups). It’s a great camping spot for beachcombers and kayakers, with Doran Beach just a stone’s throw away.

PROS: Direct access to Mount Tamalpais’ best hiking trails.

CONS: Limited number of sites.

REGION: Marin

CONGESTION: Moderate

CAMPING FEE: $25

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: State Park Fee ($10)

TENT/WALK-IN SITES: 16

PICNIC TABLES: Yes

Bootjack Campground

After over 40 years of closure, a renovated Bootjack Campground reopened in the fall of 2013, offering an additional 15 historic campsites within Mount Tamalpais State Park. The campground provides walk-in sites adjacent to the parking and day use area and two sites that meet ADA standards. In an effort to preserve the historic character of the campground, campsites feature grills suspended over rock fire rings that are reminiscent of the Civilian Conservation Corps era.

PROS: Quiet campground. Access to hiking trails.

CONS: Limited number of sites.

REGION: Marin

CONGESTION: Low

PREFERABLE SEASON(S): Spring, Summer, Fall

CAMPING FEE: $25

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: State Park Fee ($10)

TENT/WALK-IN SITES: 15

PICNIC TABLES: Yes

Sempervirens Campground

The Sempervirens Club was started by the original founders of Big Basin Redwoods State Park. This campground was a gathering place for the club to host events and meetings. These grounds hold a lot of important history, for if it was not for the actions of this group, these old-growth redwoods may not exist today. Grateful are the many who come to see California’s first state park!

PROS: Camping in old-growth forest.

CONS: Close to Highway 236.

REGION: San Francisco Peninsula + Santa Cruz

CONGESTION: High

CAMPING FEE: $35

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: Reservation Fee ($8)

RV SITES: 7

TENT/CAR SITES: 27

PICNIC TABLES: Yes

DOGS ALLOWED: Yes

Trail Camp Walk-in Campground

Trail Camp is Andrew Molera State Park’s one and only campground. As a walk-in environmental camp with 24 sites located about a third of a mile from the trailhead, this is more of a gear haul than a backpacking trip. The campground has limited shade and privacy, although a handful of sites are tucked up against sycamore and oak trees that offer some respite from the sun. Sites are limited to four people and have a maximum duration of seven nights.

PROS: Waking up within the park. Easy beach access.

CONS: Hauling gear.

REGION: Big Sur Coastline

CONGESTION: Moderate

CAMPING FEE: $15

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: State Park Fee ($10)

TENT/WALK-IN SITES: 24

PICNIC TABLES: Yes

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Located in the heart of northern Big Sur on the forested floor of the Big Sur River Valley, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is one of California’s best kept state parks and an ideal base from which to explore the Big Sur coastline. The park is home to Big Sur’s largest public campground, diverse hiking trails, the rustic yet comfortable Big Sur Lodge, and over 3 miles of Big Sur River access, including the swimming holes of the Big Sur River Gorge.

PROS: Centrally located for exploring Big Sur. River access. Redwoods.

CONS: Campground can get crowded.

REGION: Big Sur Coastline

CONGESTION: Moderate

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: State Park Fee ($10)

PICNIC TABLES: Yes

Sykes Hot Springs

What better way to relax after a strenuous 10-mile hike than to take a dip in a soothing hot spring? Sykes Hot Springs in Big Sur is one of the most famous and popular backcountry hot springs in California, and it is easy to understand why. Sykes in nestled deep in the Ventana Wilderness, a 234,000-acre protected area that was first established in 1969. Sykes became popular during the counter-culture movement of the 1960s, and it has since has become a favorite destination for backpackers and locals alike.

PROS: Beautiful canyons and forests. Relaxing hot springs. Good introductory backpacking.

CONS: Can be extremely crowded. Trash is an issue. No group restrictions.

REGION: Big Sur Coastline

CONGESTION: High

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: General Day Use Fee ($5)

Limekiln State Park Campground

Reopened in 2010 following two years of closure after the Chalk Fire, Limekiln State Park’s campground offers a cozy camping experience along a quieter section of the Big Sur coast. A good overnight midway point for those passing through Big Sur country, the park itself is a worthy destination, home to historic limekiln furnaces hidden in a redwood forest, Limekiln Beach, and beautiful trails that explore the creeks and canyons above the campground. The beach offers good fishing access and, when ocean conditions are calm, a put-in spot for kayaks.

PROS: Ocean access. Nearby trails.

CONS: Limited parking.

REGION: Big Sur Coastline

CONGESTION: Moderate

CAMPING FEE: $35

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: Not Required

TENT/CAR SITES: 28

PICNIC TABLES: Yes

Kirk Creek Campground

Perched on a bluff along Big Sur’s south coast, Kirk Creek Campground is arguably one of the most beautiful coastal campgrounds in California. The campground sits 100 feet above the ocean, and this perspective offers stunning views of the Santa Lucia mountains as they run toward the Pacific.

PROS: One of coastal California’s most scenic campgrounds. Ocean access.

CONS: Difficult to get a reservation. Noise from adjacent Highway 1. No water.

REGION: Big Sur Coastline

CONGESTION: High

CAMPING FEE: $25

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: Not Required

TENT/CAR SITES: 34

TENT/WALK-IN SITES: 5

PICNIC TABLES: Yes

DOGS ALLOWED: Yes

Plaskett CreekCampground

Set within a grassy, park-like meadow shaded by Monterey pine and cypress tress, Plaskett Creek is a well-kept and comfortable campground along Big Sur’s south coast. Located across Highway 1 from scenic Sand Dollar Beach, the main attraction of the area, the campground is popular with beachgoers and surfers.

PROS: Nearby Sand Dollar Beach. Grassy, park-like camping setting.

CONS: Reservations are needed most weekends.

REGION: Big Sur Coastline

CAMPING FEE: $25

DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: Not Required

TENT/CAR SITES: 37

TENT/WALK-IN SITES: 3

GROUP SITES: 3

PICNIC TABLES: Yes

DOGS ALLOWED: Yes

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Level up your fitness with a personalized training routine by Sunset Strength

The best fitness routines begin with intention.

On January 1st, every gym is full with new members seeking health and fitness in the new year. But did you know that 88 percent of New Year’s resolutions fail? That’s what happens when your intentions aren’t clear.

If you want to improve your health through fitness, you first need to discover your why. Do you want to lose weight? If so, why? Do you want to climb Half Dome, or test your limits on the PCT? Maybe you want to chase your pup or play with your kids more easily, or just look better in a bathing suit? (We feel you.) There’s no right or wrong reason to begin a new fitness routine, but your motivation should be clear in order to achieve that elusive stick-to-it-ive-ness.

A good coach can design a program that properly aligns with your personal intentions.

Coach Tyler Reese, founder of the Bay Area’s Sunset Strength and Conditioning, believes that lifelong fitness is defined by physical challenge, mental acuity, and a full life outside the gym. (When he’s not in the gym, he’s exploring nature with his family.) Reese is certified in NASM Personal Training, NASM Performance Enhancement, OPEX CCP, USA Weightlifting Sports Performance, Crossfit Level 1, and Precision Nutrition. He has also trained Olympic weightlifters.

But you don’t have to be an Olympic weightlifter to work with Reese; you don’t even need to be an athlete. All you need is an interest in movement and a goal to work toward.

At Sunset Strength and Conditioning, it starts with intention-setting. At your initial consult, they’ll help you unpack the why before they prescribe the how. When your intentions are clear and aligned with your workouts, you begin to move toward true fitness, health, and longevity. Nutrition and lifestyle plans are available too.

Request a free consult, then follow up with ongoing weekly and monthly check-ins. Your plan will be adjusted to adapt to the progress you’re making or to any regressions (don’t sweat it, it happens). Individual fitness services are available in person and virtually.

// Email tyler@sunsetstrength.com to request a free consult; sunsetstrength.com

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