Get outdoors, relive your youth and fly a kite. Here are our favorite Bay Area spots for taking your kite for a spin.

Linda Mar

South of the city in Pacifica is a mostly-empty beach (with plenty of surfer eye candy, an added bonus), proffering a steady offshore breeze and wide open spaces. Parking is convenient, and you can grab a bite to eat at the famed beachside Taco Bell when you're through.

Crissy Field and Marina Green

Along this bustling waterfront area, you'll catch locals and tourists alike sharing air space, particularly on weekends. This time of year, the wind along the Bay picks up mid-afternoon, creating ideal kite conditions and a great release (pre-happy hour, of course) for when the work day is long over.

Ocean Beach

The city's most popular stretch of sand is also great for playing: With its ever-present strong winds and ample space for running, you're pretty much ensured a pleasant flight. If you get chilly--and this time of year, it's likely you will--stake claim to a pit and strike up a bonfire to keep warm. (Just don't forget the hot chocolate and s'mores.)

Berkeley Marina

Home to the annual summer Kite Festival each July, this East Bay haven for kite enthusiasts is rarely devoid of a mix of kiterunners and stunt fliers. Keep your eyes peeled: You might even spot a kite "celebrity" or two (not to mention, some spectacular, artistic creations taking flight) preparing for next year's competition.

Need supplies? Head to Chinatown Kite Shop or Highline Kites in Berkeley for everything you might desire by way of kite gear. If you're not so keen on flying one yourself, fear not: Kite flying is a great spectator sport, so bring a blanket, sweater, camera, and binoculars and simply observe from the sidelines.