The BART system is one of the most reliable and convenient ways to get across the Bay Area. As a student without a car, my free BayPass has come in clutch for dozens of journeys, from San Francisco to Santa Clara. That’s why I was alarmed to hear about BART’s recent financial struggles, which might lead to the shutdown of stations with the lowest ridership. Reduced access to BART (alongside other services such as Muni) would be a devastating blow for anybody needing to travel around the Bay.
As I await further news, I want to celebrate our existing public transport infrastructure by exploring the possibly short-lived stations that I haven’t visited yet. If you feel similarly, here are some day trip itineraries from at-risk BART stations that you should try before it’s too late.
Orinda
Orinda is only a few stops eastward from Downtown Berkeley, but crossing over the hills is enough to feel like you’re somewhere completely new. This is the perfect place for some hiking at Siesta Valley or Tilden Regional Park — if you feel adventurous, you could even make the several-hour hike back toward the Berkeley Fire Trails. Alternatively, catch a movie at the iconic Orinda Theatre and grab some ice cream at Loard’s, both just a few minutes’ walk from the BART station.
Hayward
Traveling south, this suburban area provides access to a surprising array of green spaces. The tranquil Hayward Japanese Gardens and Garin Regional Park are compact enough for a quick stop before grabbing some delicious lunch in the small downtown. You might also learn something new at Sulphur Creek Nature Center, which is home to animals such as vultures and coyotes.
Pittsburg Center
Take a trip north towards the gorgeous Bay Point Regional Shoreline, an unassuming hotspot for birds and other wildlife – including views of the Bay’s smaller islands and estuarine wetlands. Depending on the season, you can also try some fishing or take a dip! For those who want to stay indoors, learn about the history of Pittsburg at the Pittsburg Historical Museum. You can then know everything there is to know when strolling the downtown area before heading back to Berkeley.
Warm Springs/South Fremont
Though it’s mostly surrounded by a suburban area, Fremont’s Warm Springs BART station is conveniently nestled at the base of Mission Peak. A challenging but rewarding hike, the mountain offers views all across the Bay. You can also travel further into Fremont and San Jose for some shopping.
Whether you are a Bay Area local, temporary resident or newborn, there is so much more to explore outside of Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco or Walnut Creek. California is famous for its landscape diversity, so if you have a weekend to spare, go and explore it for yourself. I know I will.