The Top 10 Things To Do And See In El Cerrito, San Diego

Robert Hunter and Willie K. Watson had a vision in 1920 to create a championship golf course in a setting with beautiful views. Their vision has been kept alive by generations of Bay Area golfers. Mira Vista has been around for almost a hundred years and the course has kept its original design and historical character. They recently refurbished the greens and surroundings, and the end result is a demanding golf course that tests any golf player’s skills. Whether you’re a pro or beginner, you’ll enjoy your experience at Mira Vista. Price: Mid-range Opening hours: M 6:30am-4pm & T-S 5:30am-7pm Watch out for: Mira Vista etiquette Address & telephone number: 7901 Cutting Blvd, El Cerrito, CA, USA, +1 510-233-7550

Napa Valley Aloft was founded in 1978 and is one of the original hot air balloon companies in the area. This tour agency is all the rave: it’s located near award-winning hotels and restaurants, and its hot air balloon baskets carry fewer passengers giving an open atmosphere to make hot air balloon rides more enjpoyable. Their pilots are among the most experienced in the world and their passion for hot air ballooning makes them the perfect company to take your balloon adventure to the next level. Price: High-priced Opening hours: M-S 9am-8pm Watch out for: the stunning views Address & telephone number: 6525 Washington St, Yountville, CA +1 707-944-4400 Hot Air Balloon Ride | © C.C. Chapman/Flickr

Playland-Not-At-The-Beach is a non-profit, family-oriented museum operated entirely by volunteers which offers plenty of amusements. They have numerous artifacts on display from the original Whitney’s Playland at the Beach, including the giant clown’s blue hat from the top of the Playland Funhouse. Thousands of historical items are present, from cases of never-opened books of Playland tickets to parts of rides and games. This museum provides fun for the whole family with over 30 pinball games, carnival skill games, dioramas celebrating Halloween and the Yuletide season, and miniature circuses. Price: Mid-range Opening hours: F-S 10am-5pm Watch out for: the wonderful entertainers Address & telephone number: 10979 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito, CA, USA, +1 510-592-3002

All-Outdoors California Whitewater Rafting has been in business since 1962, when founder George Armstrong began sharing his love for the rivers with his friends, family, and students. About 50 years later, the Armstrong family continues to welcome thousands of people each year to experience river rafting through California. All-Outdoors is a popular attraction and it’s the most experienced California rafting company, with professional and enthusiastic river guides, high quality rafts and river equipment. It also provides more rivers and trip options than other companies. Price: High-priced Opening hour: M-F 10am-4pm Watch out for: the deals and discounts Address & telephone number: 1250 Pine Street, Suite 103, Walnut Creek, CA +1 925-932-8993 Rafting the Merced River (CA) with All-Outdoors | © ashoe/Flickr

El Cerrito Swim Center strives to provide residents and visitors of El Cerrito the opportunity to experience a variety of water activities. This swim center offers a community pool and features a family area, water slide, and they also offer swimming lessons. There are also a variety of activities on offer, such as water polo tournaments and water aerobics.The pool is available for rent and is a great place for parties, friends’ reunions and other fun events. El Cerrito Swim Center is the perfect place to spend a warm day in California. Price: Mid-range Watch out for: the swim teams Address & telephone number: 7007 Moeser Ln, El Cerrito, CA +1 510-559-7011

The Solano Avenue Association is a non-profit organization founded in 1974 comprised of professionals, restaurateurs, retailers, organizations, and individuals. Its mission is to promote and improve the local community through events, marketing and aesthetic improvement. Solano Avenue Association offers events including Solano Avenue Stroll, a festival and parade, Halloween on Solano, which features costume contests and trick-or-treating, and Holiday on Solano, which includes entertainers, donations, gift certificates, and more. SAA is a great place to visit to experience a variety of activities all in one place. Price: Mid-range Opening hours: T-F 10am-6pm Watch out for: the restaurants, coffee, bars, and chocolate Address & telephone number: 1563 Solano Ave, Berkeley, CA, USA, +1 510-527-5358 Isma Khan of El Cerrito | Courtesy of Solano Avenue Association

Rialto Cinemas Cerrito is more than a beautiful theater, it’s a key destination and meeting point, and a place to relax the mind, body and soul. This theater features a great combination of first run movies and independent, foreign and classic movies. In addition to movies, this theater serves tasty food including pizza, sandwiches, appetizers, and meals for kids. They also serve beer and wine, and all these items are delivered to your seat. Rialto Cinema is like no other theater you’ve been to, so visit them on your trip to California and watch movies in a whole new way. Price: Budget Opening hours: The Box Office opens daily 15 minutes before to the first show time and closes 15 minutes after the last show of the day has started. Watch out for: the special events Address & telephone number: 10070 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito, CA, USA, +1 510-273-9102

Sonoma Canopy Tours offers an adventure completely unlike anything you’ve experienced before. The agency features two unique courses, each a Guided eco tour that include multiple zip lines, sky bridges, a majestic spiral staircase, and a rappel to the forest floor. During the tour, you’ll be immersed in the fascinating beauty of the world famous California Coastal Redwoods. With Sonoma Canopy Tours you’ll live the unforgettable experience of soaring from tree to tree. They provide a whole new way of experiencing nature with an adrenaline rush. Price: Mid-range Watch out for: the Night Flights Address & telephone number: 6250 Bohemian Hwy, Occidental, CA, USA, +1 888-494-7868 Sonoma Canopy Tours | © Steven Miller/Flickr

Bridges Rock Gym is a place for everyone to come and have fun. Whether you’re an experienced climber, slackliner and fitness enthusiast, or a beginner looking to try something new, Bridges Rock Gym is the place for you. Their climbing equipment ranges from gently sloped walls for beginners to 18-foot tall boulders. Bridges is the first and only gym in the world with a dedicated slacklining area. They also offer a variety of yoga and fitness classes, Pilates, Abs classes, and more. Price: Mid-range Opening hours: M-F 6am-10pm & S-S 9am-7pm Watch out for: the saunas and upstairs lounge area with free wi-fi Address & telephone number: 5635 San Diego St, El Cerrito, CA, USA

The Ivy Room has been in business since the early forties and is a neighborhood bar, a music venue and martini lounge. New owners took over the bar in 2012 and their goal was to turn the place into a cool neighborhood bar so that you won’t have to travel far. The setting is casual and the interior holds vintage fixtures and reclaimed materials. Price: Budget Opening hours: 1pm-2am Watch out for: the handcrafted cocktails and live music Address & telephone number: 860 San Pablo Avenue, Albany, CA, USA, +1 510-526-5888 Ivy Room | © Paul Sullivan/FlickrBy Sierra Brown