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Natural Beauty

San Francisco Day Trips and Vacation Side Trips

Natural Beauty

Half Dome, Yosemite

© Betsy Malloy 2005
Day Trips Out of Town

  • Angel Island State Park, San Francisco Bay: Panoramic views, a rich history and a super-fun Segway tour are just a few of Angel Island's attractions.

  • Big Basin State Park, Santa Cruz Mountains: Some say it's just as nice as Muir Woods but a lot less crowded.

  • Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing: Birds and sea otters abound at Elkhorn. Kayak on your own or take a guided tour in a pontoon boat.

  • Mount Diablo, Danville: You can see more from here than almost anywhere else on the planet.

  • Mount Tamalpais, Marin County: You can see all the way to San Francisco from here on a clear day.

  • Muir Woods, Marin County: One of the easiest places to get to for a short walk in the redwoods.

  • Point Lobos State Reserve, Carmel: Rocky coastline, windblown trees and abundant wildlife help make Point Lobos one of the state's most beautiful coastal parks.

  • Point Reyes National Park, Marin County: Views are extraordinary, it's home to a herd of tule elk and a dramatically-situated lighthouse.

  • Go Bird-Watching: We're not talking about tiny things in a far-away trees here. This guide tells you where to find the big, beautiful Great Blue Herons and snow-white egrets.

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