A mix of high art, low-brow theater, oddball music, and gladiator combat. And it's cheap!

All the slams are fun and inexpensive. Check out the Oakland show, too! http://www.myspace.com/oaklandslam

One of my favorite places in the world! Just a few minutes from urban madness, you can be ALONE in the woods. Or feel like a kid and eat cotton candy and ride the carusel or the mini steam trains. I can't believe how many of my friends haven't been yet

It's an architectural gem, a cheap romantic date, an education, and a dreamy trip to another world all rolled into one.

I can happily spend hours in even the most banal commercial bookstore, and really, you don't have to spend a dime!

Georgeous spot, stunning architecture, perfect for a picnic, and if you go late at night, you can climb up halfway to a small platform with a great view of the city... the ultimate make-out spot.

If you want the real deal, classical hatha yoga, plus many other enlightening activities, this is IT.

In Toulouse-Lautrec's Absinth-poisioned dreams of erotic masquerades, this was the band playing atmosphere music

OK, if you want REAL ice cream, this is the spot. My favorite is avocado (*$#& YES! Avocado!), but all the tropical flavors are the SHIZNIT!

Poetry Slam taken to its most illogical, grotesque, purient extreme. It's a riot (that means fun)! Be prepared for a full frontal assault on your family values! Held the 1st Tues monthly at the Oakland Metro: 201 Broadway.

You like to go dancing, want lots of rooms to wander around in, mixed up with a tast of Burning Man-esq mayhem?

This is a lovely walk (though it can be cold) out onto the Bay, with a fantastic view of the city. Another great cheap date.

These guys are a thinking man's jesters. Or a pervert's clowns.

Yes, on paper! Then send it. In the mail! It's fun! You can get creative! Whover gets it will be delighted, I guarantee it!

Forget your old-fashioned ice cream. THIS shit is addictive. And they have dairy-free options!!!

One of the benefits of living in NorCal is being near the wine country. It's an easy day trip! Skip Napa and the crowds. Go to Sonoma or Antelope Valley or even further!

Got an extra hour? This is a gargantuan garage sale with everything imaginable, usually in bulk, with an eye toward creative or artistic application. It's the kind of place where you'll find a barrel of wine bottle corks. Fun for the whole family!

You can pay for one, or just ask someone you care about to knead your feet. Raw Sesame oil is so lovely!

It's like the ultimate garage sale, on steroids. Everything from clocks to plates, to light fixtures, doors, and even the kitchen sink! It's easy to lose hours here...

This is so simple, silly, and fun. Pack lots of food in a WATERPROOF container. Wear your swim suit. Put on lots of sunblock and wear a hat. Then relax.

Yeah, I said, fly a kite! You can get one at most any drugstore. Just grab a blanket and a snack and someone you want to be silent with.