The Shaggy Dog Statue, located in Central Park in San Mateo!!…read more It's located on the southern end of the park, right when the paved path forms a Y split. He's obviously very sturdy, kids can't walk by him without jumping on him. Even adults can't just walk by without stopping and staring, or taking a picture. He stands upright, as if he's alerted to something. And he seems very well maintained, cool local flavor in San Mateo!!

Central Park has a statue of an exotic animal with it's Leon the Giraffe statue by the Fifth Street…read moreentrance. So why not a statue of one of the planet's most common domesticated and beloved animals? No worries, the park's got that covered too. You'll find it near the 9th Street entrance, near the gazebo and rose garden. The cast-iron dog statue is standing and looks alert, staring straight at you. He is somewhat shaggy and looks a little like a Labrador. The top of his head is worn smooth, the result of thousands of people petting his head. The dog was imported from Italy in the 1870's by William Kohl who once owned the property that is now Central Park. I wonder how many photos of people posing with the dog have been taken over the years?

The first of many new urban "parklets" in San Francisco has landed outside of Mojo (one of my…read morefavorite coffee shops in the city!). Taking up some disposable city parking property, these miniature parklets are public spaces for any ol' person to park their bikes, bring a bagged lunch, tie up the pup, or any other activity you'd imagine doing with a park all to yourself. Much like the privately owned public open spaces that you'll find scattered throughout the city, you'll begin to see more and more of these little areas popping up around town! Being the first, Mojo is quite literally making history in San Francisco http://www.flickr.com/photos/sfbike/4422275197/

No. Parklets are just plain stupid…read more And, of course, Golden Gate Park (or the Panhandle) and Alamo Square Park are soooooo far away.

It's ridiculous that I live within two blocks of both the Divisadero Street and Fulton Street…read moreParklets, that I walk by them all the time (the Divisadero one literally three or four times a week), and that I love the idea and the execution of parklets in San Francisco. Why is it ridiculous? Because I've never actually spent time in either of them. Yet the 18th Street Parklet in Potrero Hill? The first time I saw it, I told myself that I should eat my lunch here, and about two hours later, that's exactly what I did. Yes, it has AstroTurf. (It might be some other faux grass, but it's definitely not FieldTurf.) Despite the higher likelihood of sports-related injury, I don't mind the fake grass; it's clean, and it adds a funny element to what can be a sceney and obnoxious part of Potrero Hill. OK, I don't really think of Potrero Hill like that, but it has more than its fare share of obnoxiously out-of-touch rich people, so you have to be careful sometimes. Anyway, there are cute and mismatched and funny places to sit, and since 18th Street really isn't that busy, you'll actually enjoy sitting in the middle of the street. This is a very strategically located parklet, as Hazel's kitchen doesn't have any indoor seating, and neither it nor Farley's is wheelchair accessible while the parklet is, so if a wheelchair user were actually able to put an order in at either place, she could enjoy the nice day and try to forget that almost every business on 18th Street seems to have an annoying (and discriminatory) front step. Yea, parklets!

Unadorned, unsigned, and unmissable, this collection of wood sculpture is a gem. Lozada not only…read morecreates these artistic, contemplative pieces, but he also maintains the grounds--I met him when he was raking wild grass, and we chatted while watching a trio of adorable kittens playing among the art. The sculpture garden appears to be in the parking lot next to a day spa and across the street from a coffee shop. It's on the north side of the bridge (the oldest concrete bridge in San Mateo County, build around 1900) and is a nice place to take a break from your touristing.

This garden is an extension of Ken and everyone he has touched. He is a seer and it's very well…read moreworth the time to stop by, if you can manage.

Oregon Expressway/Embarcadero Road Overcrossing is a pedestrian / bike bridge that connects Palo…read moreAlto, with the Baylands. It crosses US101 and in the winter is the only dedicated pedestrian / bike path in Palo Alto to do so (the Benjamin Lefkowitz Undercrossing, is further South, but closed during the winter rains). years back the bridge underwent earthquake retrofitting, but I still would not want to be on it during the big one. The bridge runs from Serra Court alongside Oregon Expressway in the West and East Bayshore Road in the West. The bridge is somewhat narrow and has a two blind curves on the Eastern end. The bridge actually has decent views as its in completely enclosed in a cyclone fence material. It is also lit during the night. Its pretty cool to traffic watch and kids will love to sit above the cars watching them streak by (adults too). Recently the gates on the East side were removed and now tandem bikes, bikes with trailers etc can now pass with ease Bikes are supposed to be walked, but most don't. You should be careful however, as traffic is going in both directions and people are walking so slowing down is advised. Complicating things is on the Eastern end which has two blind curves and people pick up alot of speed on the down slope so again slow down and mind your lane manners. This is a great way to access the Baylands, East Palo Alto, and the Bay Trail. it is prime commuting route as well so expect both pedestrian and bike traffic around traditional commute times. Both Palo Alto (to the South) and East Palo Alto (to the North) are planning to build additional bike bridges so it should reduce the load on this one. Trail: paved Suitable For: Hiking, Mountain bikes, Road Bikes Services: none Length: 0.3 miles

The overpass was put in a longtime ago , not like Embarcadero , which used to be a intersection…read morewhen Bayshore was a two lane road. There is a bike bridge and two overpasses that are right next to each other crossing 101. Embarcadero goes over and out to the Baylands. Oregon goes to 101, either north or south. Lucky we have both!

Divisadero Street's newest parklet (there aren't even any signs on it yet) looks annoying from a…read moredistance. When you get here, though, I think you'll like it. The iron fence is quaint, if not reassuring. The plants are a nice touch, and the planters are sturdy and situated just so. I don't know how pleasant it would be to spend a significant amount of time this close to a bus stop, but it seems like a perfect place to bring your pizza-by-the-slice from nearby Bus Stop Pizza. I hope someone decorates it for Christmas.

"Balancing Act" is a very cool piece of public art located in Downtown San Carlos, right as you…read moreenter Frank D. Harrington Park on Laurel Street. It's a slim, tall figure, I think it's made of wood, balancing 3 balls, holding them very high with one arm. Surrounding this sculpture and park are lots of restaurants and all types of different shops up and down Laurel Street. This seems to be the centerpiece of the downtown area, it definitely stands out!!

"Balancing Act" is a public art installation located at the enterance of the Frank D Harrington…read morePark, in the City of San Carlos, California. It is the work of artist James Moore. Moore a native of Oakland California and has an original background in economics and worked as a banker. Unlike many artists, he was self taught and eschewed traditional art schools in favor of a self taught approach. He began with wood but soon switched to metal. He eventually left the business world to devote himself fully to art. "Balancing Act" stand well over 7 feet tall. It is a contrast of straight rectangular blocks in human form holding 3 brightly covered spheres up overhead. The structure as a whole shows the interplay of geometry and art. There is a nice flow to the sculpture and it is a bit whimsical. The figure is in fact very reminiscent of another work of his I have reviewed called 'Bliss in the Moment" that is located in the Palo Alto Bayshore. Balancing act as noted is located int he heart of Downtown San Carlos. As such there is literally hundreds of excellent restaurants and shops easily within walking distance. It can easily be part of a luch outing or other trip. THere is pleanty of street parking but finding a spot during lunch time hours can be all but impossible.

Serra Mall is a pedestrian and bike boulevard that cuts through the main part of the Stanford…read moreCampus. Running from the corner of Galvez Street and Serra Street (Near the Hoover Tower) the mall is primarily a North to South thoroughfare. However at its northern end it loops West and finishes at the Turing Auditorium. The walk takes you past many Stanford University landmarks including The Hoover Tower, The Hoover Institution, The Main Quad, The Memorial Chapel, The Burghers of Calais, the Stanford Oval etc. The path is transected by multiple East to West pathways throughout its length. It is also very close to the Cantor Art museum and the Arboretum. Along its one mile length are multiple art installations along as well. many fo the turning circles have fountains as well. This walk is one of the best ways to get to know the campus especially if your first time here. You can access the main attractions, there is various spots for parking and enough variation to keep groups interested. Care should be exercised however. There is alot of bike traffic and its moving fast. Especially around the junctions with other pathways. In addition the tourist factor is high and the selfie stick crowd is not known for its situation awareness so keep an eye out for them as well. Bus's that are part of the free on campus transport system can occasional access the mall and there are stops along the way Trail: paved Suitable For: Hiking, Mountain bikes, Road Bikes Services: Multiple Length: 1 mile