San Jose, Calif.gem in the west

The crown jewel of Hellyer Park is its Olympic-sized outdoor velodrome, a banked 333-meter oval-shaped bicycle track. It’s one of only six velodromes on the entire West coast. If you want to try it out, bicycles are available for rent every Saturday morning 8:30-11:30. Or, catch a race featuring professionals; see the full schedule at http://ridethetrack.com/. Other highlights of the 354-acre park are Coyote Creek Parkway, a paved trail that follows along the banks of Coyote Creek, and year-round fishing at Cottonwood Lake (mostly carp, catfish and bass). Keep your eyes open while you’re there—you might catch a glimpse of wildlife, like mountain lions, running through the park. There’s also a large disc golf course within Hellyer Park. Parking is ample.