More than 1 million people visit Muir Woods National Monument each year, and for good reason. The grove of coast redwoods has been protected for a century, and the amazing specimens rank among the tallest trees in the world. Some reach 252 feet, are 14 feet across, and are more than 1000 years old! Paved trails promise about an hour of strolling, while unpaved trails can occupy hikers for a full day or more. If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, take a quiet stroll in lovely Muir Woods and get back to nature.
Recommended for Sightseeing because: Of all the area's natural wonders, Muir Woods is the Bay Area's cathedral of Nature.
Tom's expert tip: Muir Woods has become so popular that it's accessible only by shuttle, a convenient "park and ride" system that many National Parks have had to adopt.
Although Point Reyes is farther than Ocean Beach or Stinson, most would agree it's well-worth the drive. If you're looking for smaller crowds and a more rugged beach day, be sure to include Point Reyes National Seashore in your trip. As the name implies, this is miles and miles of pristine and protected beaches. And, with less people, you have a much better chance for viewing wildlife, which can even include grey whale sightings. If you have the time, include a visit to the Point Reyes lighthouse, which is only accessible on the weekends by bus because of its remote and protected location.
Recommended for Sightseeing because: The stunning natural beauty of Point Reyes National Seashore is too close to San Francisco to pass up.
Tom's expert tip: Check out the Point Reyes Hostel for a centrally located place to stay in this area.
One of the great things about San Francisco is its treasure-filled bay. Angel Island, only a short ferry ride from San Francisco, Tiburon or Vallejo, is perfect for either a short or long excursion. Bring a picnic lunch and idle the time away amid cool breezes and great views. If you feel ambitious, Mount Livermore, the island's 781-foot anchor, provides plenty of opportunities for hiking, beginning with a five-mile perimeter trail. From April to October, enjoy the Cove Cafe, and rent a bike to get around more easily. Camping is available, too, but the sites fill up quickly, so book early.
Recommended for Sightseeing because: Angel Island offers fantastic views of the bay and a fascinating history of California.
Tom's expert tip: If you're up for a short ferry ride, this is a fantastic park.
During Alcatraz's 34 years as a prison, most of its inmates were simply high-risk escapees and troublemakers. Still, the prison plays strongly in national memory thanks to infamous residents like Al "Scarface" Capone and Robert "Birdman" Stroud. An average stay on "The Rock" lasted five years, and although liberties were abbreviated, prisoners were afforded magnificent views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. Tours of the island focus largely on the desolate prison itself, including cell blocks, the cafeteria and the prison yard. Spring for the audio version of the tour, and get tickets in advance if at all possible. Booking windows and departure docks can be found at Pier 33.
Recommended for Sightseeing because: Alcatraz, with its long and fascinating history, is almost synonymous with San Francisco Bay.
Tom's expert tip: Alcatraz tours book really fast, so plan your trip as early as possible.
The dramatic curves of Lombard Street help make this area one of San Francisco's most photographed sites. Within the beautifully landscaped, one-block descent from Hyde Street to Leavenworth Street are eight switchbacks, which have given Lombard the title of "crookedest street in the world." At the intersection of Hyde and Lombard, a cable car route provides spectacular views of Alcatraz, Angel Island, Coit Tower, Yerba Buena Island and the Bay Bridge. If you're on foot, you can safely watch cars negotiating the crazy switchbacks without actually having to do it yourself. Whatever mode of transport you're using, it's definitely worth a visit.
Recommended for Sightseeing because: Lombard Street is a part of San Francisco history that shouldn't be missed.
Tom's expert tip: If you want to drive this busy street, be prepared to wait in line.
This brand new visitor's center is worth the drive or bus fare to the end of Geary Boulevard. Besides framing unforgettable views of the Pacific Ocean, the center offers great gifts and mementos, as well as a small but impressive cafe stocked by local produce. If the wind, fog and rain happen to be working against you on your trip, head to Lands End Visitor's Center for all the beautiful glory of the Pacific and no take-home sniffles or flu. Although the iconic Cliff House restaurant nearby is now closed, there are plenty of cozy cafes down the hill on Ocean Beach if the fog rolls in.
Recommended for Sightseeing because: Lands End is fast-becoming one of the most popular parks in all of San Francisco.
Tom's expert tip: Leave time to hike around the area for some gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean.
In San Francisco, a cable car ride is a must! The city's signature mode of transport is perfectly equipped to tackle steep hills, and since their premiere in 1873, cars have run the same way - by gripping huge loops of steel that constantly cycle underground. The system, declared a National Historic Landmark in 1964, has 40 cable cars that operate on the Powell-Mason, Powell-Hyde and California Street lines. The California Street line is usually less packed than the other lines for those who might be crowd-phobic. Purchase tickets at one of the end-point turnarounds or from the onboard conductor at any stop along the route.
Recommended for Sightseeing because: The cable cars are the most unique - and romantic - way to see San Francisco.
Tom's expert tip: If you're not into crowds, choose the California cable car start as opposed to the always busy Powell Street hub.
Although it's called a "peak," there are actually 64 acres to this park that has been called San Francisco's "Marin Headlands, the more famous natural area across the bay. Covered by grassland and coastal scrub, Twin Peaks offers visitors an understanding of what the entire Bay Area looked like before development. Although there is hiking, the star attraction is the enormous view from this 922 foot peak, second to only Mt. Davidson in San Francisco. Plan for gusty winds, no matter what time of year you visit. If you don't have a car, most downtown tour buses chug up Twin Peaks and make it a regular stop.
Recommended for Sightseeing because: Twin Peaks is regularly awarded "best viewing spot" in all of San Francisco.
Tom's expert tip: A fun San Francisco day: hiking around Twin Peaks and then grabbing a drink on Haight Street afterwards.
Newly restored Point Bonita Lighthouse hangs right over the Pacific. Offering thrilling views and a fascinating history, this lighthouse is a quick but steep drive from the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge. The steepness doesn't end once you leave the car, though; visitors should be ready for a steep, rugged half-mile walk through a tunnel and over a walking bridge to reach the lighthouse itself. For those brave enough to venture out to the edge of the continent, the reward will be a spectacular, unbroken view of the entire expanse of the Pacific Ocean and miles and miles of California coast.
Recommended for Sightseeing because: Point Bonita is newly restored and offers grand views of the Pacific Ocean.
Tom's expert tip: Visitors can only access the lighthouse on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 12:30-3:30.
One of the world's most famous bridges, the Golden Gate spans 6450 feet and links San Francisco to Marin County. Completed in 1937 at a cost of $35 million, the "Bridge That Could Not Be Built" is now a landmark visible from many points around the Bay. Automobile access is available from US-101 or Lincoln Boulevard; pedestrian access, from the east sidewalk (5am to 9pm daily). A newly re-designed visitor center and gift shop are located on the San Francisco side, while scenic overlooks and parking can be found at either end. Direct public transportation from downtown and from most parts of San Francisco.
Recommended for Sightseeing because: The Golden Gate Bridge never gets old as far sights to see.
Tom's expert tip: Be sure to check out the Golden Gate Visitor's Center on the south side of the bridge.