Regional parks differ on leash rules and cattle. Read the gate sign. The bay trails in Alameda, Emeryville, and Richmond, the Iron Horse through the central county and the valley, and the cooler redwood canyons are the reliable outings. Downtowns like Lafayette, Alameda, and Pleasanton have patios. Call ahead anyway.
Heat on Diablo, Lime Ridge, and the east county trails is a dog problem before it is your problem. Go early.
Towns
Inner East Bay
Alameda
An island of Victorians, beaches, and a main street that still works.
OpenLamorinda
Lafayette
A downtown you can actually finish walking, plus a reservoir.
OpenInner East Bay
Oakland
The bridge lands here, and so does dinner.
OpenBerkeley & the north hills
Berkeley
Campus, canyons, and a food culture that predates the trend.
OpenTri-Valley
Pleasanton
A historic downtown and a job base in the same city.
OpenSan Ramon Valley
Danville
A downtown main street with the mountain behind it.
Open