Bay Area residents are undeniably blessed with a relative abundance of interesting ways to spend their free time; we serve as an art hub, have beautiful nature all around us, and boast a bustling bar/restaurant scene. When you add another Bay Area staple, cannabis, into the mix, each individual user is likely to have his or her own views on what kind of activity is most appropriate to spend their valued ‘high’ on.
With so many activities to choose from, it can occasionally get overwhelming for us Bay Area citizens — so we’ve done the leg work for you, by tracking down several locations around the Bay Area for you to partake in your favorite cannabis-aided pastimes. Enjoy! (Listed in no particular order)
1. HIKING: Possibly one of the most divisive activities we’ve included, hiking certainly isn’t for everybody. For some, lumbering up the side of a mountain or hill on foot for no apparent reason is an absolute no-go while high; for others, it’s serves as the escape and meditative experience needed to properly cleanse one’s mind, while getting in some valuable exercise. If hiking is the kind of thing you’re into, you’re in luck, because they Bay Area has a myriad of trails, long and short, steep and flat, for hikers of all skills levels — here are three of our favorites:
- Mission Peak: Located in Fremont, and probably the South Bay’s most popular hike. It’s a 6.2-mile trail from start to finish with an elevation gain of nearly 2,000 feet. Inexperienced hikers should set 4-5 hours aside to complete this course. It’s dog-friendly as well, which is always a plus!
- Mount Davidson Park: One of San Francisco’s favorite parks, Mount Davidson is what we’d call a casual hike, with an fantastic payoff of a one-of-a-kind view of SF. Near the peak, you’ll find the famous 103-foot-tall cross, which has become somewhat of a minor landmark for The City. Easy to fit in if you have a busy schedule — usually a 20-40 minute walk, round-trip.
- Steep Ravine Trail: Right next to Muir Woods in Mill Valley, technically included in Mt. Tamalpais State Park, is Steep Ravine Trail. One of the most unique trails we’ve experienced, most hikers start at the top to begin, and descend the trail down to Stinson Beach. Encountering scenic wooden bridges and even a ladder or two along the way, this trail is sure to keep you on your toes.
2. ART: For art appreciators out there, there’s arguably no better place to be in the United States than the Bay Area. Considering itself a hub for modern art, digital art, graffiti, photography, and much more, there seems to be an endless assortment of galleries and art spaces for residents to get their fix. Specific tastes aside, here are some of our favorite venues that have hosted some quality art exhibitions time and time again:
- Seeing Things Gallery: Based in San Jose, Seeing Things is an art gallery that displays all types of art, with an emphasis on South Bay artists. This cozy space hosts monthly art shows and stocks a plethora of DIY-style magazine and books that are regularly available at their location. Definitely recommended for those into edgier work and/or just want to get a grasp on the South Bay art scene.
- SFMOMA: The granddaddy of art museums in the Bay Area, SFMOMA has the name recognition to excite even those that are lukewarm art fans. The amazing interior architecture is enough to marvel at by itself, and will keep your non-art-appreciative friends occupied, while you enjoy the surprisingly thorough and interesting exhibits throughout the building. Exhibitions generally run for months at a time, giving you plenty of time to make your way over and check out a show. Bring your wallet with you to this one though — entry is $25 for adults.
- 111 Minna: A galley space doubling as a bar and gathering area, 111 Minna usually offers some great work from local photographers, painters, and more, while also providing a classy day or night out in San Francisco’s SoMa district. The only issue with this is that sometimes the drinking and partying can take precedence over the artwork being shown — great for many occasions, but maybe not for those seeking a place to quietly reflect on the work being shown.
3. MOVIES: Arguably the most agreeable activity on the list, it’s hard to find a cannabis user out there that doesn’t enjoy a good movie after a quality smoke. And, in case you missed it, we’ve already dug up the Top 5 Movies to watch while you’re high as well. But, if you don’t have Netflix, and/or are looking to get out of the house, the Bay offers several unique theatre experiences sure to entertain for the day or night:
