Bay Area Day Trips

1. Santa Cruz

• Where is Santa Cruz County located?
  • Santa Cruz County is located seventy miles south of San Francisco.
• What natural attractions does Santa Cruz County offer?
  • The area is known for its surf, sand, and redwood forest-covered mountains.
  • It is home to fourteen state parks, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
• What is Santa Cruz known for besides nature?
  • The county is famous for its organic farms, beer and wine scene, and a variety of farm-to-table restaurants that offer some of the best cuisine in California.
• What beach attractions are popular in Santa Cruz?
  • Many attractions revolve around the water and beaches.
  • One of the most famous is the Beach Boardwalk, which was used as a filming location for cult classic movies like “The Lost Boys” and the horror thriller “Us”.
• What historical attractions can visitors explore?
  • Roaring Camp Railroads offers a unique glimpse into Santa Cruz's history.
  • Visitors can take a scenic steam engine tour through the redwood forests.

2. Gilroy

• What is Gilroy known for?
  • Gilroy is famously known as the "Garlic Capital of the World."
  • The town is recognized for its Gilroy Garlic Festival, held annually on the last weekend of July.
  • This festival is one of the largest food festivals in the United States.
• What attractions and activities can visitors enjoy in Gilroy?
  • Visitors can explore:
    • The wine trails and local farmer's markets
    • Vibrant nightlife and restaurants
    • The only horticultural theme park in California, Gilroy Gardens
    • Shopping at Garlic World and The Garlic Shoppe for gourmet garlic-themed gifts and edibles
    • Picnicking at one of the local wineries
• What outdoor activities are available in Gilroy?
  • The town offers many outdoor activities, including:
    • Spending time at the lake
    • Hiking the Mummy Mountain Trail at Harvey Bear Ranch County Park
    • Attending outdoor festivals that take place all year long

3. Alcatraz Island

• What is Alcatraz Island?
  • Alcatraz Island is one of the most notorious places in the United States.
  • It is located within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
• What was Alcatraz originally used for?
  • In 1850, the island was designated as a military reservation.
  • By 1859, troops were permanently garrisoned on the island.
• Why is Alcatraz famous?
  • Alcatraz is most famous for its use as a U.S. Penitentiary from 1934 to 1963.
  • The prison was built in response to the high rise in public crime during the Prohibition era.
• What is the significance of the Native American occupation of Alcatraz?
  • From 1969 to 1971, a group of Native American tribes’ members occupied the island and laid claim to the land.
  • Their protest led to changes in federal law that helped protect tribal culture.
• What can visitors do on Alcatraz Island?
  • Visitors can take self-guided tours of the prison.
  • Free educational programs are available, covering topics such as:
    • Escapes from Alcatraz
    • The military history of the island
    • The Native American occupation
    • The natural history of the Bay Area
• How do visitors reach Alcatraz?
  • Ferries depart every half hour during daylight hours.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area, B201 Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA

4. Angel Island State Park

• What is Angel Island State Park?
  • Angel Island State Park is the largest island in the Bay Area.
• How can visitors access Angel Island?
  • The island can be accessed by ferry or private boat from 8 AM to sunset.
  • Ferries depart from:
    • San Francisco
    • Alameda
    • Tiburon
    • Oakland
  • Ferry service is limited during the winter months.
• Are there any restrictions on Angel Island?
  • Dogs are not allowed on the island.
  • Roller skates, skateboards, and scooters are also prohibited.
• Is camping available on Angel Island?
  • Yes, campsites are available for overnight camping.
  • Campers must use charcoal grills as food fires are not permitted.
• Is swimming safe around Angel Island?
  • The waters surrounding the island are choppy and hazardous, making swimming dangerous.
  • Visitors should exercise caution as there are no lifeguards on duty.
• What is the most popular activity on Angel Island?
  • Most visitors come to the island to hike to the summit of Mt. Caroline Livermore.

5. Armstrong Redwood State Reserve

• What is Armstrong Redwood State Reserve?
  • Armstrong Redwood State Reserve was opened to the public in 1936.
  • The land was originally owned by the Armstrong family since the 1870s.
• How large is the reserve?
  • The reserve spans 805 acres of protected redwood forest.
• What are some notable trees in the reserve?
  • The Colonel Armstrong Tree is one of the most famous trees, estimated to be 1,400 years old.
  • The Parson Jones Tree stands at an impressive 310 feet, which is taller than a football field in length.
• What hiking trails are available?
  • Visitors can hike several interpretive trails, including:
    • The Discovery Trail – Features a Tree Hugging Platform and is wheelchair accessible.
    • The Armstrong Nature Trail – Paved and includes interpretive exhibits in Braille.
  • While individual trails are short, they can be combined to create a 5.5-mile hike.
• Does the reserve connect to other parks?
  • Yes, one of the trails connects to Austin Creek State Recreation Center, which is adjacent to the reserve.
  • Austin Creek offers an additional 20 miles of trails for visitors to explore.

17000 Armstrong Woods Road, Guerneville, CA, 95446, Phone: 707-869-2015

6. Big Sur

• What is Big Sur?
  • Big Sur is a stunning coastal region in California, perfect for a scenic drive along Highway 1.
  • The route is approximately 90 miles long and stretches from Carmel-by-the-Sea through the redwoods and waterfront to Hearst Castle.
• What scenic stops can visitors enjoy along Highway 1?
  • Travelers can pull over at several spots to admire:
    • The gorgeous ocean views
    • The phenomenal Bixby Bridge
    • Wildlife such as the California Condor (endangered), whales, and sea otters
• Are there accommodations along the route?
  • Yes, visitors will find campgrounds and hotels along the highway.
• What towns and attractions can be found in Big Sur?
  • The Santa Lucia Mountain towns feature:
    • Iconic restaurants and boutiques
    • Art galleries and popup showcases
    • The Henry Miller Memorial Library
    • The Sur House, a Japanese-style bath and restaurant
• What wellness activities are available?
  • The Esalen Institute offers:
    • Massages
    • A hot springs spa
    • Dance classes

7. Carmel-By-Sea

• What makes Carmel a unique travel destination?
  • Carmel is a charming European-style village located along the sandy beaches of Northern California.
  • Visitors can explore art galleries, boutiques, inns, and shops while mingling with people from all over the world.
  • It has been named a Top 10 Travel Destination and is the perfect getaway for a quiet day in the Bay Area.
• What is unique about the accommodations in Carmel?
  • The hotels and inns in the area emphasize sustainable practices.
  • There are no flashy neon lights and no national chain hotels, preserving the town's distinctive atmosphere.
• What activities can visitors enjoy in Carmel?
  • Carmel offers a variety of experiences, including:
    • Perusing wineries
    • Spending a day at the spa
    • Shopping in unique boutiques
    • Visiting art galleries
    • Attending special events throughout the year
• What special events take place in Carmel?
  • Carmel hosts a variety of events, such as:
    • Holiday markets
    • The annual city Birthday Party and Parade
    • Cultural and arts events
• Are there wellness and fitness opportunities?
  • Many of the spas and inns in Carmel also host retreats and fitness events.

8. Gold Country

• What is Gold Country?
  • Gold Country is located in Central California, along the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.
  • It is historically significant as the place where the discovery of gold sparked a national migration of people seeking fortune in the foothills.
• What activities can visitors enjoy in Gold Country?
  • Visitors can experience the Old West by:
    • Exploring historic towns
    • Panning for gold
    • Going white water rafting
  • Additional activities include:
    • Dining at gourmet farm-to-table restaurants
    • Wine tasting at local vineyards
    • Shopping in the surrounding towns
• What is the best way to explore Gold Country?
  • One of the best ways to experience Gold Country is by cruising along the Golden Chain Highway.
  • The route follows historic Highway 49, where travelers can stop at:
    • Local boutiques
    • Restaurants
    • Inns

9. Half Moon Bay

• What makes Half Moon Bay a unique destination?
  • Half Moon Bay, located on the San Mateo County Coastside, offers both sandy, golden beaches and an iconic redwood forest.
  • The area spans 300 acres of scenic countryside.
• Where can visitors hike in Half Moon Bay?
  • Visitors can enjoy hiking in:
    • Año Nuevo State Park
    • Half Moon Bay’s Main Reserve
    • The surrounding redwood forest
• What outdoor activities are available?
  • Visitors can:
    • Horseback ride along the coast
    • Charter a boat for fishing
    • Hike through scenic trails
• Are there wellness and relaxation options?
  • Yes, visitors can spend the day at one of the many spas in the area.
• What other attractions does Half Moon Bay offer?
  • Visitors can also:
    • Explore local art galleries
    • Shop in unique local stores
    • Cruise along the wine trails
    • Attend festivals year-round

10. Los Gatos

• What makes Los Gatos a great destination?
  • Los Gatos is a charming, pedestrian-friendly, historic small town.
  • It is known for offering some of the best shopping and dining in the Bay Area.
• Why is Los Gatos popular during the holiday season?
  • Visitors love shopping in Los Gatos during the holidays because:
    • There is free valet parking downtown with no time limits.
    • Frequent holiday events create a festive atmosphere.
• What kind of shopping can visitors expect?
  • The town is home to many locally owned boutiques offering:
    • Specialty and gift items
    • Beauty brands
    • Toys
    • Art
    • Home furnishings
• Are there accommodations in Los Gatos?
  • Yes, there are four hotels, all within walking distance of Downtown Los Gatos.
  • These provide a convenient stay for visitors who want to extend their trip beyond a single day.