Sometimes we need a reminder of just how beautiful it is in the Bay.
San Francisco is full of awesome things to do, but the city can be a bit fast-paced for those of us who like to take it easy. And if you’re a nature lover, you know how much a breath of fresh air can change your perspective when things get too stressful.
Whether you want to go for an intensive Saturday morning hike, or you just want to drive out and catch the sunset over the ocean, consider these 5 places when planning your next trip across the bridge.
1. Gerbode Valley
Gerbode Valley is an absolutely spectacular place to go hiking, and it takes less than half an hour to get there. If you’re looking for a challenging hike, be sure to try the Gerbode Valley Loop Trail. With 900 feet of climbing, you’ll work up a sweat while enjoying expansive views of the surrounding greenery.
2. Muir Woods
We’re extremely lucky to live so close to the largest and tallest trees in the world. If you don’t make it out to see them once in a while, then what are you doing in California? These old growth coastal redwoods are breathtaking, and most have been there between 600 and 800 years.
3. Cataract Falls
Marin County is home to some of the best hikes in the Bay Area, and Cataract Falls doesn’t disappoint. The entire hiking route is dotted with cascading waterfalls, so you’ll make a new discovery around every corner.
4. Alamere Falls
This lesser-known gem in Bolinas is a real treat. The 40ft fall is a beautiful creek that cascades over the bluff and onto Wildcat Beach below. During its heaviest flow, it can sometimes reach up to 25 feet wide.You’ll need to hike 7 miles (so it’s 14 miles roundtrip) but it’s mostly flat, wildly scenic, and, of course, well worth it. The trail starts at Point Reyes National Seashore where you can park free of charge and begin the hike at Palomarin Trailhead.
5. Drakes Beach
Drakes Beach at Point Reyes is about an hour and a half outside of the city. It’s beautiful on its own, but made even more special with the arrival of elephant seals in February and March, which may be viewed from the Drakes Beach parking lot Friday through Monday from 9am to 5pm. Drakes Beach is closed during elephant seal season, so if you’re hoping to frolic in the sand try to get there in April. If you’re willing to watch elephant seals do it for you, now’s the time!
[Featured Image: @livalittlelot via Instagram]