Rugged coast and mountain terrain, abundant wildlife, ocean fog, agriculture and spectacular scenery blended with a respect for nature and appreciation for physical and spiritual well-being make the San Francisco Bay area in California a paradise for outdoor activities. Whether you're into cycling, golfing, hiking, horseback riding or kayaking, the San Francisco Bay Area has to something to help you enjoy a healthy lifestyle.
Bike in Wine Country
When visiting the California wine country in the San Francisco Bay area, you will be treated to clear mountain air permeated with the smell of fresh fruit on the vine punctuated by the occasional whiff of fermenting wine. Exploring California's Napa Valley or Sonoma County by bike, on mostly flat roads, is a fun and unique way to visit wine country. Tour options include off-road riding through vineyards, more strenuous mountain biking on trails around vineyards and cruising on road bikes from winery to winery.
Golf in Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay Golf Links offers two 18-hole, bluff-top courses overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Both courses are highly rated by golf resource and scheduling website, Golf Link. Located about 5 miles south of downtown Half Moon Bay, the adjacent courses provide a picturesque view and world-class golfing. The 2010 U.S. Open qualifier was held on The Old Course, which was designed by Arnold Palmer.
Hike or Run the Dipsea Trail
The Dipsea Trail traverses a little over seven miles of rugged and spectacular North Coast terrain and serves as the course for one of the oldest trail races in the United States --The Dipsea. The Trail can be picked up a quarter mile from downtown Mill Valley at Old Mill Park and up the 50-plus steps that begin the trail. The course continues over trails named "Dynamite" and "Cardiac" and, finally, plunges downward toward Stinson Beach. The trail can be accessed at various points for hikers who would prefer a shorter outing.
Kayak Tomales Bay
Tomales Bay, a sliver of water cutting into the land mass called Point Reyes, is a dynamic ecosystem with a wide range of flora and fauna about 40 miles north of San Francisco. Wildlife that lives in the area includes elk, Harbor Seals, bobcat, fox and a wide variety of shore birds. Two shoreline towns--Inverness and Marshall--offer facilities for kayak rental and tours, Hikers can park at Heart's Desire beach at no cost to explore the area.
Explore the Marin Headlands
The journey begins with a winding, 2-mile drive on Bunker Road along the rugged coast to the Marin Headlands Visitor Center. Vista points offer spectacular photo opportunities of the Golden Gate and the surrounding area. Access hiking trails from the visitor's center, roadside parking near the Rodeo Lagoon and Rodeo Beach at the end of Bunker Road, less than a mile from the visitor's center. Trails can also be accessed from Tennessee Valley Road and Donahue Street in Marin City off Highway 101. Tennessee Valley is a favorite among local runners.
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