More than a hike

Most of the hikes that I write about offer walks on long trails, up hills, and through forests. Let’s do something a little bit easier. This option offers short walks, good views, and more variety. You can be inside and outside. You can drive rather than walk from location to location. If you don’t like a stop, you can easily move to the next one. You can get exercise, some enjoyment, and see something different.

Getting there is easy. You drive down Highway 17, then turn north on Highway 85 toward Highway 101. Watch for signs that direct you to North Shoreline Blvd. Just past the intersection with La Avenida Street, turn right to visit the Computer History Museum.

If you were alive in the ’70s or ’80s, you may remember playing Pong. You can play Pong at the museum. You may remember Steve Wozniak, a cofounder of Apple who once lived in our mountains. See a circuit board he built that became an early computer.

The museum has a room devoted to Apple. You may find a computer you once used. If this doesn’t interest you, continue on North Shoreline Blvd. A left turn takes you to Vista Slope. You can also visit the Shoreline Amphitheatre where you may hear music, even between shows. To the south, you can park at the Dog Park and walk up Crittenden Hill. These walks offer views, including seeing unique, interesting architecture.

If and when you are tired of climbing hills, continue on N. Shoreline Blvd. through the gates and past the golf course to the end of the road where you see the historic Rengstorff House, a boathouse, restaurant, beautiful lake, and a lakeside trail through Shoreline at

Even if you skip the other stops, this is a calming walk in the park. You can walk along an easy path by a quiet blue lake and grassy, green fields dotted with lovely trees. Several benches along the trail offer rest while you take in the view. You share the walk with wildlife, including geese, smaller birds, and inquisitive ground squirrels that may eat out of Several couples were sharing the lake views from the green hills. I saw a few boats and one man floating across the lake balancing on a small board with a large sail. I met an old man who was a good talker and listener. He reminded me of my days on a farm in Missouri. I remember old farmers sitting for hours talking Want more? From this park or Stevens Creek Trail, you can walk out on the Stevens Creek East Trail alongside the Whisman Slough to the bay, (0.9 miles). You can also walk the Bay Trail north a mile to an observation platform, or south past Moffett Field.

Some caveats. Although the park was not crowded, road traffic in the Shoreline area is busy all day. Many of the parking areas are crowded. The restaurant at the Shoreline Park is undergoing restoration. (It was a good place to eat. It should be again.) Amphitheatre parking may be inaccessible. The historic Rengstorff House is only open to tour on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. A wedding costs from $240 to $2,100 (150 people capacity).

Your choice. Every hike is different, but this one offers a wide range of experiences. Which one will you like best?