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Things to See and Do
Muir Woods National Monument
Commissioned by President Teddy Roosevelt and named for conservationist John Muir, these woods are a tribute to the enchantment of redwood trees. For anyone who's encountered California redwoods, you know of what we speak. For those who haven't, Muir Woods National Monument is the perfect place to experience these majestic wonders for the first time. When you enter the park, you're treated to flat... (read more)
Nature Friends Tourist Club
A members-only club which opens to the public on most weekends, the Tourist Club is nestled in nature overlooking Muir Woods. The lodge looks very much like it did in the 1920's and is accessible via a couple of rambling trails. It's also possible to drive. Enjoy a pint or a pitcher at the communal picnic tables, and bring a picnic if you're hungry - they only sell a few snacks like beef jerky, pi... (read more)
Tennessee Valley Trail
This popular trail not only provides easy access to a beautiful beach, but also is the trailhead for many longer and hillier jaunts around the spectacular Marin Headlands. Mountain bikes are allowed on all wider trails (fire roads, not singletrack). Horseback riding is available from the stables near the trailhead, and there are campsites nearby. You may be lucky enough to spot bobcats in the brus... (read more)
Marin Headlands Loop
Accessible via a long bike ride from the city over the Golden Gate, but starting from Tennessee Valley Rd. cuts to the chase. This mega-loop (which can be broken up into two separate loops, one with two variations) is the definitive Marin Headlands experience, containing two of the only legal singletrack sections left in the area (one uphill only). Ride up from the east edge of the parking lot at ... (read more)
Muir Beach
Heading north on Highway 101, from the Golden Gate Bridge, the small southern Marin "town" of Muir Beach is just 6 miles from the Highway 1 exit but feel a world away. It's comprised of around 150 homes of mainly full-time occupants, who are lucky enough to enjoy the 2 beaches, the surrounding Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Mt. Tamalpais, nearby Muir Woods National Monument, Green Gulch Far... (read more)
Mount Tamalpais State Park
From its exposed 2,751-foot peak boasting panoramic views of the Bay Area to the redwood-, fir-, and oak- sheltered hiking and mountain biking trails meandering down to its base, Mount Tamalpais State Park is a paragon of Northern California natural beauty. Home to over 73 native plant species and a host of wildlife, Mount Tam is the ideal place to bask in the great outdoors. After all, visitors c... (read more)
Steep Ravine Loop
This loop, starting in the town of Stinson Beach, exposes you to some of the many diverse habitats characteristic of the California coast. Beginning on the Dipsea Trail, you pass through moss-covered oak forests before emerging onto hillsides that are are carpeted with wildflowers in the spring, with views up the coast over Stinson Beach. Continuing upwards, you meet the aptly-named Steep Ravine T... (read more)
Stinson Beach
Let's face it. For 10 (or sometimes 11) months out of the year, San Francisco is not a beach-weather destination. However, Marin County to the north tends to have warmer temperatures and sunnier skies than the fog-blanketed city—and so heading to Marin's idyllic Stinson Beach is where all the locals go to soak up some rays. The drive there alone, on gorgeous coastal Highway 1, is worth the cost ... (read more)
Map of Things to See and Do
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Best of San Francisco Outdoors
San Francisco is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Not only does the city boast a treasure trove of green spaces, beaches, and outdoor activities, but it also serves as a launching point for amazing nature attractions in its environs, many of which are under an hour away by car. In the city, explore the wonders of Golden Gate Park, take in unparalleled views of the Golden Gate Bridg... (read more - PDF guide)
Top San Francisco Free Attractions
There are plenty of free things to see and do in San Francisco. There are tons of neighborhoods to explore, from the country’s biggest Chinatown to the mural-lined alleys of the Latin-flavored Mission District (Balmy Alley, Precita Eyes, and Women’s Building are the best) to the former hippie enclave of Haight-Ashbury, which happens to be perched on the edge of the natural wonderland of Golden... (read more - PDF guide)
Family Fun in San Francisco
San Francisco has plenty of fun-filled family adventures in store, ranging from the cultural to the natural to the nighttime entertainment variety. And the best part? These family-friendly attractions are guaranteed to delight people of all ages.
read more about Family Fun in San Francisco (read more - PDF guide)
First Time in San Francisco
The best thing about visiting San Francisco is that the city has a little something for travelers of every stripe. World-class museums and performing arts? Check. Glorious, gorgeous nature? Check. Outstanding food? Check. Cool neighborhoods to explore? Check. Fun for the whole family? Check. And if you’re the kind of traveler who likes it all, taking in the following sights is a surefire way to ... (read more - PDF guide)
San Francisco on a Budget
Trying to see San Francisco on a budget? Luckily there are many fantastic attractions and activities that hardly—or don’t at all—cost a thing! Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors, taking advantage of affordable cultural attractions, or sampling the city’s best cheap eats, you’re guaranteed to have a top-notch visit that rivals any luxury vacation.
read more about San Francisco ... (read more - PDF guide)
Green in San Francisco
San Francisco is known for its many famous landmarks but also for its long history of activism, which can currently be seen in the city-wide investment into sustainable living and tourism practices. The city's taxis are or soon will be hybrid vehicles, the convention center is solar-powered, and many of the city's restaurants are sustainably and locally sourced, which are just a few reasons why SF... (read more - PDF guide)
Best San Francisco Budget Attractions
San Francisco has many affordable attractions and outdoor activities to thrill people of all ages. Golden Gate Park has tons of nooks and crannies to explore, aside from its paid attractions. Muir Woods has a nominal admission fee and boasts hours and hours of nature walks and challenging hikes that extend to Mt. Tamalpais and Stinson Beach. Visiting Angel Island is free; you only have to cover th... (read more - PDF guide)
San Francisco: Best Hidden Gems
Get away from the crowds at these low-key San Francisco Bay Area attractions
Want to know where the San Francisco locals go? Look no further! To explore San Francisco’s cultural heritage, check out the Asian Art Museum’s fantastic collection or go on a mural walk of the Mission District (check out Balmy Alley, The Women’s Building, and Precita Eyes for the very best), which features public w... (read more - PDF guide)
