Marin Headlands and Muir Woods
The San Francisco Bay Area is home to stunning forests of giant redwood trees and native flora, as well as beautiful marine life. A Day in Nature tour company takes you out of the city for a four-and-a-half-hour tour of Muir Woods and the Marin Headlands. For $70 as of 2009 ($50 for seniors and kids under 12), you will cross the Golden Gate Bridge to enjoy bird-watching, flower-spotting and the spectacular redwoods at Muir Woods National Monument. Then you'll head down to the Marin Headlands, on the coast of San Francisco Bay. There you can look for seals and otters, hike the headlands trails and check out the fantastic views of the bay as you look back towards the city.
A Day in Nature
(415) 673-0548
adayinnature.com
Whale-watching
SF Bay Whale Watching will take you out on the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean, past the Golden Gate Bridge and into the open sea. The full-day tour goes to the Farallon Islands where you'll look for humpback whales, dolphins, pelicans, sea lions and orcas. This will not be a warm, lazy day on calm waters, so bring waterproof outerwear and plenty of layers, including a hat and gloves. You'll also need your own food and beverages.
SF Bay Whale Watching
(415) 331-6267
sfbaywhalewatching.com
Point Reyes National Seashore
About 30 miles north of San Francisco is the Point Reyes National Seashore, home to deer and elk on land, and whales and elephant seals in the Pacific Ocean. California Nature Tours offers a 10-hour nature tour (to and from San Francisco) to check out these wonderful creatures and the beautiful shoreline. Bring comfy shoes for a 5-mile hike. Lunch, which you'll enjoy at Tomales Bay, is included in the $69 price (as of 2009).
California Nature Tours
Tel: (415) 971-5201
californianaturetours.com
Article Written By Leah Still
Leah Still has written about travel, fashion and home design since 2003. Her work has appeared in various print and online publications, including "SKI" magazine, Southernaccents.com and Gusto.com. She has a journalism degree from the University of Missouri and broadens her education with both domestic and international travel.
