What to do in Northern California: September

ALAMEDA

CATCH INDIAN SUMMER IN THE EAST BAY

Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach still feels like summer under the September sun, because the 2 1/2 miles of sandy beach, bike path, and bird sanctuary are largely protected from sand-hurling winds. Help keep the beach pristine on California Coastal Cleanup Day September 16; a DJ spins while volunteers comb the sand. Or come any other early fall day to beachcomb and enjoy a warm blast of summer. Eighth St. at Otis Dr.; find more beach cleanup sites at www.coastal.ca.gov--JESSICA HILBERMAN

GUERNEVILLE

TAKE ME TO THE RIVER

For this month's ultimate weekend gig, head to Johnson's Beach for world-class jazz by the Russian River. Surrounded by towering redwoods, you can lie back on a rubber raft and float with the music, the September sun humming above you. Sway to the legendary Etta James, then funk it up with the Original Superstars of Jazz Fusion (both appearing Sunday). Between sets you can take a cooling dip or sample wines from local vineyards. Jazz on the River festival, Sep 9-10; from $48; Johnson's Beach, First St. at Church St.; www.jazzontheriver.com or 510/655-9471.--JULIE TOMASZ

MILL VALLEY

A FRESH VIEW OF THE COAST

On Mt. Tamalpais, where trail signs often ban mountain bikers, a new bike-friendly stretch of multiuse single-track is a great addition--especially when it features sweeping ocean views. The roughly 5-mile out-and-back Coast View Trail starts at Pantoll Station for an easy downhill cruise to meet State 1 north of Muir Beach; it's a moderately challenging climb back to Pantoll. Parking $6; 3801 Panoramic Hwy. at Pantoll Rd.; www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=471 or 415/388-2070.--H.M.

SACRAMENTO

CAPITAL-CITY SLEEK

Before autumn puts a chill in the air, check out the Park Downtown. What was a mini mall parking lot is now an open-air casbah, with banquettes and curtained seating areas. Flanking the outdoor space is the modern Ultra Lounge and Ma Jong's (Chinese fare) as well as Mason's, where chef Philip Wang creates sophisticated menu items such as Sonoma artisan foie gras and local sturgeon caviar. 1116 15th St.; 916/492-1960.--H.M.

SAN FRANCISCO

BEST BARBECUE BRUNCH

It's not hard to find an excuse to visit award-winning Memphis Minnie's Bar-B-Que Joint. But we'll give you one anyway: brunch, a weekend-only treat Minnie's started offering a year ago. It's already a favorite among barbecue fiends, serving smoky chicken hash with poached eggs, red beans and rice, South Carolina-style shrimp and grits, and amazing corn hoecakes hot from the griddle. Consider yourself warned: this may become a Saturday morning habit. $; closed Mon; 576 Haight St.; 415/864-7675.--ABIGAIL PETERSON

SONORA

PEDAL THROUGH FALL IN THE FOOTHILLS

Visions of golden hills, empty backroads, and a tasty reward of freshly baked apple pie are fabulous reasons to take your road bike out for a spin now. Plus, from a bike seat, you can smell the pines, the flowers--and the pie. This 16-mile route is moderately difficult, with one climb. Finish with a treat at Devon's Delectables (closed Mon-Wed; 11256 State St., Columbia; 209/588-8130). Park at State 108 and Old Wards Ferry Rd. in Sonora, bike 3 miles south on Old Wards Ferry, then turn right on Wards Ferry Rd. and continue south 4 miles. Turn right at Algerine Wards Ferry Rd. to cruise 3 miles before turning right at Lime Kiln Rd.; go 6 miles to State 108, then turn right and ride 1/2 mile back to the starting point.--DAVID HANSON

RELATED ARTICLE: SAN FRANCISCO

A new surf shack

A fresh wave of beach style has hit the Bay Area's surf scene with the recently opened Mollusk Surf Shop. When not hanging out at nearby Ocean Beach, surfers wander in, wet-haired and wetsuited, to flop on the couch and talk waves. Owner John McCambridge sells handcrafted boards, colorful beachwear, and cool surf art. He also hosts monthly art openings and music night. "I'm living my dream," he says with a smile. That's rad. 4500 Irving St.; 415/564-6300.--HARRIOT MANLEY

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