Day Trips from San Francisco

• What is the Golden Gate National Recreation Area?
  • The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is a protected 80,002 acres of historically and ecologically important landscapes in the San Francisco Bay Area.
• Where is the Golden Gate National Recreation Area located?
  • As one of the biggest urban parks in the world, it consists of a collection of smaller areas from southern San Mateo County to northern Marin County, with several areas in San Francisco.
• What famous attractions are within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area?
  • The park contains famous tourist attractions such as Alcatraz, Muir Woods National Monument, the Presidio of San Francisco, and the Nike Missile Site.
• What natural and historical features are found in the park?
  • The park has 1,273 species of plants and animals, covers 59 miles of ocean and bay shoreline, and includes a number of historic forts that witnessed centuries of California history, starting with the Spanish conquistadors.
• Why should visitors see the Golden Gate National Recreation Area?
  • The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is one of the must-see attractions in San Francisco.

California Hwy 1, San Francisco, California 94123, Phone: 415-561-4700, Map

If you are interested in history, watch this in-depth video about Alcatraz.

• Where is Sausalito located?
  • Charming and relaxed, full of history, and offering breathtaking views of the bay, Sausalito is located at the northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge, at the edge of the Bay.
• What is the best way to experience Sausalito?
  • The best way to get a feel for the city is by taking a ferry - with views of Sausalito's hills dotted with lovely homes and thriving marina on one side and the spectacular view of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge on the other, ferries offer more fun than any tour boat you might take.
• What is Sausalito's historical connection to the sea?
  • A rich shipbuilding center in World War II, the city is still closely connected to the sea as you can see by the number of boats in the marina, but its closeness to San Francisco made it a preferred home to many San Franciscans, especially the wealthy and artistic.
• What can visitors do in Sausalito?
  • Take a stroll along the water's edge to see some of the historic houses, walk to the north end of town to see more than 400 houseboats that congregate there, check out the famous Sausalito shops, and stop by one of the many seafood restaurants where the fish just came off the boat.
• What natural attractions are near Sausalito?
  • Take a stroll to the Marin Headlands, a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, where you will see some of the world's oldest coastal redwoods.

• Where is Muir Woods National Monument located?
  • Only about 12 miles north of San Francisco, visitors can enter the ancient world of giant redwoods, with roots in the cool Redwood Creek and crowns pointing high up towards the sky. These dense and mysterious redwood forests have been protected within Muir Woods National Monument since 1908.
• What activities are available at Muir Woods National Monument?
  • The park contains six miles of excellent hiking trails, but no bikes or horseback riding are allowed.
• What hiking trails are there in Muir Woods National Monument?
  • Besides shorter loops, a few trails extend into nearby Mount Tamalpais State Park. The trails are board-walked or asphalted, and those on the walls of the canyon are dirt.
• What should visitors expect when hiking in Muir Woods?
  • Wherever you go, you will be left humbled by the majesty of thousands of densely growing coast redwoods. The trails are narrow, steep, and filled with thick tree roots.
• What wildlife can visitors encounter in Muir Woods?
  • If you give yourself some time, you will realize that the silent, mysterious forest hides many elusive animals which call it home – from bobcats and deer to coyote and barn owls.

1 Muir Woods Rd, Mill Valley, California 94941, Phone: 415-388-2595, Map

• Where is Half Moon Bay located?
  • Less than an hour from San Francisco, Half Moon Bay is an idyllic small coastal town, famous for growing flowers, pumpkins, and Christmas trees, but also a lovely spot for a weekend break with its beautiful protected port.
• What beaches and outdoor activities are available in Half Moon Bay?
  • The town is home to some of the best Northern California beaches, some, like Mavericks off Pillar Point, popular among surfers.
  • For some wonderful hiking, be sure to visit Montara Mountain just north of Half Moon Bay.
• What unique attractions does Half Moon Bay offer?
  • There are many unique activities in Half Moon Bay, including world-class golf courses, the artist collective known as the "Colony of Coastside Artists," great art galleries, and restaurants.
• What historic sites can visitors see in Half Moon Bay?
  • The historic part of town has several spots worth checking out, such as the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Robert Mills Dairy Barn.
  • History buffs will enjoy visiting Purissima Village, or what is left of it, the only ghost town in the area.

• What is Yosemite National Park known for?
  • Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada mountains is an American icon, and when it was first protected in 1864, it became the first national park created in the world. Visiting Yosemite is on everyone's ‘bucket list' and is a one of a kind trip that no one should miss when visiting Northern California.
• What famous attractions can visitors see at Yosemite?
  • This national park is famous for its giant sequoia trees, the spectacular view of Bridalveil Fall, the Tunnel View, and the granite cliffs of Half Dome and El Capitan.
• What outdoor activities are available at Yosemite?
  • Yosemite is well known for its raging rivers, ancient forests, towering mountains, and wonderful hiking and biking trails.
  • It’s a chance to spend some time in this vast wilderness, alone with nature where visitors can maybe even spot a bear, a deer, or some other animal that makes the park its home.
• What amenities are available in Yosemite Village?
  • There is also Yosemite Village with restaurants, shops, hotels, museums, and galleries.

• What is Point Reyes National Seashore?
  • Located on the Point Reyes Peninsula, Point Reyes National Seashore is a 71,028-acre park preserve. It is home to some of the best beaches near San Francisco and stretches from the rocky headlands, where mighty waves crash, to miles of sandy beaches, scrub-covered hills, and wide open and forested ridges.
• What wildlife and plant life can be found in Point Reyes National Seashore?
  • This amazing park is home to more than 1,500 species of plants and animals and has been populated by several cultures for millennia.
• What geological significance does Point Reyes National Seashore have?
  • Point Reyes National Seashore is a place where the San Andreas Fault Zone separates the Pacific plate from the North American plate.
  • The Pacific plate is slowly moving northwest, at about two inches per year, occasionally making a dramatic shift like the 1906 earthquake, when the Point Reyes Peninsula moved 20 feet northwestward.
• Where can visitors see the San Andreas Fault Zone in Point Reyes?
  • The best place in Point Reyes National Seashore to see the San Andreas Fault Zone is the Earthquake Trail, near the Bear Valley Visitor Center.

1 Bear Valley Rd, Point Reyes Station, California 94956, Phone: 415-464-5100, Map

• Where are the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens located?
  • Located just outside of the city of Fort Bragg and one of the best things to do in the area, the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is a colorful jewel, spread out on 47 acres right on the edge of the ocean.
• What can visitors experience at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens?
  • Stroll through the shady forests, cool off by lively streams, get immersed in fern canyons, and enjoy the spectacular views from the bluffs.
• What types of plants can be found in the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens?
  • Plant diversity in the garden is astonishing. There are camellia, rhododendron, dahlia, roses, iris, ferns, and many other specialized gardens, and there is always something in bloom.
• When is the best time to visit the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens?
  • The wonderful climate makes this garden a delight any time of the year.
• What can visitors do at the Cliff House in Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens?
  • Stop by the Cliff House on the bluffs to watch for migrating whales and admire the majesty of the ocean as it crashes on the rocks.

18220 CA-1, Fort Bragg, California 95437, Phone: 707-964-4352, Map

• What makes Stinson Beach a great destination?
  • Miles of fine white sand, warm water, and plenty of good company make Stinson Beach one of the best places to visit in Northern California. You can walk the beach for miles, go for a swim (there is a lifeguard), or join one of the many beach volleyball games going on.
• What amenities are available at Stinson Beach?
  • Great picnic areas are popular for family barbecues, and dogs are allowed provided they are on a leash.
• What water sports can visitors enjoy at Stinson Beach?
  • The beach is also popular with windsurfers, especially when the northwesterly wind blows in the afternoon. Visitors can also windsurf, hang glide, or kayak.
• What can visitors do in the nearby town of Stinson Beach?
  • Stroll to nearby town Stinson Beach for a nice meal or to check out the shops.
• Are there rental and lesson options available for water sports?
  • Many local surf shops will be happy to rent out equipment and even offer lessons.
• What hiking opportunities are available at Stinson Beach?
  • There are some great hikes with trailheads that start at the beach, taking you to Mount Tamalpais State Park.

1 Calle Del Resaca, Stinson Beach, California 94970, Phone: 415-868-1922

• What is Carmel-by-the-Sea known for?
  • Carmel-by-the-Sea is a quirky, charming, and romantic beach city. There are many great things to do in Carmel, from its lovely European-style colorful streets and white sand beaches to great restaurants and interesting history. It has been inspiring artists for decades, and many celebrities call it home.
• What historical attractions can visitors explore in Carmel?
  • Located on Monterey Peninsula, Carmel is home to the historic Carmel Mission, with its fascinating museums and library, and the whaling museum in the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
• What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Carmel?
  • The Scenic Bluff Path will take you along the coast from Carmel Beach, popular among surfers, to the bird-watcher's paradise of Carmel River State Beach, which is also a scuba diving entry point.
• Why is Carmel a great destination for couples?
  • Perfect for couples, there are many romantic getaways in Carmel.

• Where are Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks located?
  • Located next to each other east of the San Joaquin Valley, in the southern Sierra Nevada, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are the worlds of giant trees, enormous mountains, deep canyons, and huge caves. They are some of the best Northern California day trips.
• What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks?
  • There are more than 800 miles of well-maintained trails through the 800,000 acres of wilderness where you can truly enjoy solitude, spend nights under starry skies listening to coyotes, dip your tired feet into icy cold alpine lakes, and breathe the air scented with pines, wildflowers, and a scent of freedom.
• What hiking and camping options are available in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks?
  • You can take short hikes on paved trails to enjoy the trees and wildlife, spend a week in one of many camps, take advantage of ranger-led tours, or visit the mysterious Crystal Cave.

47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers , California 93271, Phone: 559-565-3341, Map, Video