There are plenty of well-publicized parties you can enjoy this weekend. But we wanted to give you some alternatives, events for singles and families, that will (mostly) step away from the horn-tooting at 11:59:59 p.m. on Saturday night.
-Half Moon Bay: First Day hikes, sponsored by America's State Parks to get folks outside on the first day of the year. Two are being held in the area: Pescadero and Ano Nuevo.
-San Bruno: Join the Peninsula Velo Club for their New Year's Day tradition -- the San Bruno Hill Climb, a grueling bicycle ride up to a spectacular view of the Bay Area.
-Pacifica: Welcome the New Year with rock, rhythm and blues and funk from the on New Year's Eve.
-San Carlos: Hiller Aviation Museum is hosting "Noon Year's Eve" for the wee ones to celebrate at lunchtime, complete with balloon drop. Adorable.
-Menlo Park: Spend New Year's Day with the kids at Alien Story Time at Kepler's Books.
-Portola Valley: A Fresh Start is an annual New Year’s Day hike that "offers fabulous views, sweet ocean air, and the regenerative silence of the wild" at the Russian Ridge Preserve.
-Redwood City: in downtown Redwood City, where the price of admission will get you free rental of a pair of skates.
-South San Francisco: Host a party at home with lobsters from South San Francisco's own New England Lobster Company.
-Millbrae: Singing at the Millbrae Karaoke House on New Year's Eve, which features songs in both English and Asian languages. Call them at (650) 589-6070.
-San Mateo: CuriOdyssey at Coyote Point allows you the chance on Saturday to watch bobcats and river otters chow down on special delicacies during their afternoon feedings.
Also in San Mateo, karaoke will be in full swing New Year's Eve at the Swinging Door.
-Burlingame: Park at the Caltrain station and head up to San Francisco for the annual New Year's Eve fireworks show.
-Belmont: You could start the new year on Sunday morning with some healthy food found at the weekly down at the Caltrain Station on El Camino.
-Foster City: Jump in the car and head to Amapola Avenue in Pacifica to see the holiday house display Mary Ellen Forest put together, one of 24 national winners in Patch's Deck the House contest.
