Seize the Day: Celebrating the Summer Solstice in Bay Area
/The Summer Solstice, Friday, June 20, 2025 | 5:54 AM – 8:18 PM, marks the longest day of the year and the official beginning of summer. That’s 14 hours, 23 minutes of sunshine and the perfect time to embrace the vibrant energy of the season. Start your day by welcoming the sunrise over the Bay, then on to solstice fun until sunset:
For an unforgettable family-friendly evening of music, movement, and connection in nature on June 20, 5-9pm. Bring a dinner picnic to enjoy on our stunning coastal land, while the sunset paints the sky in pinks or the fog shrouds us in watercolors of greys and blues! Slide Ranch will provide delicious desserts as you dance under the open sky, relax by the fire, and soak in the beauty of the Ranch. Brief opening circle at 5:15pm, sunset is 8:36pm. Please carpool to accommodate as many participants as possible!
Spend an afternoon of ritual to honor the Solstice, community, food BBQ feast (bring something to share), and optional overnight camping under the stars in the beautiful Chabot Regional Park to honor the longest days of the year with joy, intention and togetherness. Email for ReclaimingEastBay@gmail.com and welcome the height of summer in sacred, joyful community!
Sail on the San Francisco Bay
Take advantage of the longest day of the year with the East Bay Regional Parks:
Saturday, June 21, 8-10 a.m. Summer Solstice Hike at Coyote Hills in Fremont
Saturday, June 21, 6-7 p.m. Summer Solstice Walk at Big Break in Oakley
Saturday, June 21, 8:30-9:30 p.m. Solstice Celebration Campfire Program at Dumbarton Quarry Campground in Fremont
Sunday, June 22, 1-3:30 p.m. Celebrate Summer Solstice at Del Valle in Livermore
Unwind with an evening walk along the peaceful trails of San Geronimo Park (5800 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard). As the sun sets behind the hills, enjoy a relaxed pace, scenic views, and light nature interpretation from our Rangers. This gentle stroll is perfect for winding down the day and connecting with nature. Appropriate for all ages. Weather or air quality may cancel. Check the calendar or call (415) 446-4424 two hours before the event.
Watch the Sunrise and Sunset
The San Francisco Bay Area has some spectacular spots for watching the sunrise and sunset, with options ranging from coastal cliffs to hilltop vistas. Here are some of my favorite places in the Bay Area:
MARIN
Hawk Hill (Marin Headlands) Just north of the Golden Gate Bridge offering panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline and the Bay.
Battery Spencer (Marin Headlands) it’s better known for sunsets but this is fantastic for sunrises behind the Golden Gate Bridge, especially on clear mornings.
Mount Tamalpais East Peak at over 2,500 feet, offers one of the most sweeping views.
SAN FRANCISCO
Twin Peaks in the heart of SF has a 360° view of the city and the bay.
Bernal Heights Park is less crowded than Twin Peaks plus it’s a short hike that rewards you with a stunning view of downtown and the Bay.
Lands End / Sutro Baths beautiful coastline and cliffs with dramatic early light with ocean views.
Treasure Island has great views of downtown San Francisco silhouetted against the rising sun.
EAST BAY
Grizzly Peak (Berkeley Hills) offers views of the bay, bridges and SF skyline.
Tilden Park (Inspiration Point) is a great combo of trails and views over the East Bay hills.
SOUTH BAY
Mission Peak (Fremont) is a rigorous hike (3-4 miles up), but the views from the summit are stunning.
Windy Hill Open Space Preserve overlooks the entire Bay Area, including Silicon Valley.