The San Francisco Bay area is composed of the cities of Oakland, San Jose, Sausalito, Berkeley, Angel Island, San Francisco and Tiburon. There are numerous places to explore when visiting this area. There is an abundance of wildlife, including forests, beaches and meadows in the San Francisco Bay area to discover when visiting Northern California.
Water
The San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean are great places to explore by sailboat or kayak. Plan to spend a few hours out on the water taking in the views of the Northern California coastline and the abundance of native wildlife. Several companies, including Outback Adventures, provide lessons and guided tours of the San Francisco Bay area for individuals of all fitness and skill levels.
Cycling
Spend an exciting day out on two wheels viewing many of the magnificent sites of the San Francisco Bay area. There are great cycling rides in this area, from road biking to mountain biking excursions. Contact the Bicycle Trails Council of the East Bay for daily-guided rides throughout the San Francisco Bay area. Bikes can be rented at Blazing Saddles or Bay City Bikes for daily or weekly rates.
Forest
The Muir Woods, which are part of the Golden Gate National Recreational Area, are located just north of San Francisco. Here visitors will find a handicap accessible 2-mile trail that crosses streams, past ferns, azaleas and through the incredible redwood groves.
Famous locations along this trail include Bohemian Grove and Cathedral Grove. For a more strenuous hike, head to the Dipsea Trail in the Recreational Area for a challenging climb from the forest floor into the hilltops. From here, you can view the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean.
Seashore
The Point Reyes National Seashore is one of the most spectacular and popular treasures of the San Francisco Bay area. This is the only national seashore on the West Coast. The Seashore is composed of a 66,500-acre park that includes secluded beaches, grasslands and chaparral.
From the hills and cliffs, visitors can obtain magnificent views of the rugged coastline. Make sure to stop at the Point Reyes Lighthouse, which has been in operation since 1870.
Farmer's Market
Enjoy some of the fresh produce grown in the San Francisco Bay area by visiting a farmer's market. In this area, there is a farmer's market open six days of the week. Here you will find fresh, seasonal produce, cheese and meats.
On Saturdays, visit the Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market in San Francisco, on Sundays, stop by the San Rafael Civic Center Certified Farmers' Market and during the week, visit any of the numerous markets in Sausalito, Corte Madera and Novato.
Member Comments