From the rolling hills of Moraga to the vibrant nightlife of San Francisco, there's plenty of adventure to be had within minutes of Saint Mary's. / Photo by Francis Tatem
What to Do Near Saint Mary’s? Here Are Five Favorite Adventures to Get You Started
For Gaels, the San Francisco Bay Area is our backyard. Redwood forests, pristine beaches, vibrant cities, world-class dining and shopping—all that opportunity can get overwhelming! Here are a few ideas to get you started exploring.
Don’t let our serene campus fool you—at Saint Mary’s College, there is always plenty afoot. Just ask any Gael who has attended an electrifying basketball game at the University Credit Union Pavilion, joined a glow-in-the-dark spin class at the Joseph L. Alioto Recreation Center, or belted it out during a karaoke night at the 1928 Pub.
While there is always fun to be had on campus, Saint Mary’s also has one of the world’s best backyards: the San Francisco Bay Area. That means incredible food, diverse culture, beautiful beaches and forests—all just a short ride or stroll away. (Dozens of miles of hiking trails into the rolling hills of the East Bay begin right on campus.)
All that opportunity can be overwhelming. But fear not! We’ve put together a list and video introduction to some great nearby places to begin exploring during your time at SMC. This list, like the Bay Area, has a little something for everyone. Most spots are easily accessible by bike, bus, train, and ferry. And by car, everything is less than an hour away.
Here are five areas you need to explore during your time at Saint Mary’s.
Lamorinda
Look for Lamorinda on a map and you probably won’t find it. That’s because it’s actually a mash-up of three city names: Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda. Nestled in rolling, tree-carpeted hills, Lamorinda has a warm, small-town feel with natural beauty all around. It also may feel a bit like Saint Mary’s; as the communities were built, many buildings adopted our white adobe walls and terra cotta roofs.
For a perfect Sunday, start off at the Moraga Farmers’ Market, where over 40 local farmers and gourmet food trucks arrive each week. Once you’ve stocked up on fresh and healthy produce and gotten your fill, head down the road to the trailhead for the King’s Canyon Loop Trail. A moderate 6.7-mile hike, the trail offers sweeping views of the surrounding hills and the San Leandro Reservoir.
Walnut Creek
If you’re searching for a city that’s even more bustling than Lamorinda, look no further than Walnut Creek. Just a few minutes’ BART ride or drive away, the city offers all the shopping, dining, and mini-golfing a college student could crave.
For many Gaels, the biggest draw to Walnut Creek is Broadway Plaza, the premier open-air shopping center that features 80 nationally-known and boutique retailers and restaurants. Grab a boba from Bober Tea and wander through the shops and squares. Ready for a hike? Be sure to make some time for Shell Ridge Open Space, too. In the spring, the expansive park is the perfect spot to witness a wildflower “superbloom.” And there, from the foothills of Mount Diablo, you can hike, ride, or drive to one of the tallest peaks in the Bay Area.
Oakland
One of California’s most vibrant and diverse cities, Oakland is just a few BART stops away. It’s the city that gave the world MC Hammer and Tom Hanks, the Black Panther Party and—yes, really—“the Wave.” Plus, Oakland was recently ranked the best food city in the US, so if you’re visiting, you’ll definitely eat well.
A great intro to the city is First Fridays, a downtown street fair that takes place on the first Friday of each month. Check out the live music, performances, and art galleries. Or wander over to sparkling Lake Merritt, beloved by joggers and picnickers alike. Getting hungry? Swing by Mama, the Michelin-celebrated Italian spot that offers a three-course tasting menu for only $39.95.
Marin
While Marin County is the farthest spot on our list, there’s so much to explore. Roam redwood-lined canyons and sandy beaches, or take in freshwater lakes and towering peaks. For just about every outdoor adventure—cycling, running, kayaking, surfing, backpacking—Marin is paradise. If you just want to peruse cute shops and eat great seafood, it’s pretty great for that, too.
For an indulgent Marin day, start by driving on Highway 1 to Point Reyes National Seashore, a massive stretch of protected coastline with plenty to see and do. Where else can you see elephant seals, tule elk, and bat rays all in the same day? Around lunchtime, head south to the artsy little town of Sausalito. Walk the boardwalk and grab some fish and chips from the appropriately named bistro Fish. Finally, head for the hills: the Marin Headlands, to be specific. There, you can capture some of the most iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
San Francisco
We’re ending with San Francisco, but it’s hard to know where to start with this world-class city. The parks? The beaches? The music venues? The bakeries? The history? The self-driving cars? There’s so much to love about San Francisco, and fortunately for Gaels, it’s only a 30-minute BART ride into the iconic city.
If you want an unforgettable commute, take a ride on the San Francisco Bay Ferry. For just $4.70, you can take in the city’s iconic skyline from the water. Once you hit land, mosey over to North Beach, a neighborhood known for its Italian trattorias and the legendary City Lights Bookstore. Or head over to Chinatown, one of the oldest and most extensive in the US, or the Mission District, a neighborhood with deep Latino roots, vibrant street art, and truly substantial burritos.
If you’re looking to keep the party going past sundown, definitely check out the Church of 8 Wheels: a former Catholic church that is now the city’s most popular roller disco. That’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to San Francisco nightlife, too. Although one final practical bit of advice: The last BART train back to Lamorinda leaves at 12:30 a.m.
