Basic for a purpose, the Berkeley Rose Backyard is a scenic — albeit considerably steep and strenuous — 30-minute stroll from the Downtown Berkeley BART station. First, cease in North Berkeley for a chew to eat, just like the slice of the day at the Cheeseboard Pizza Collective, earlier than trekking as much as the amphitheater to admire the 1,500 rose bushes that showcase 250 kinds of flowers.
Tucked away within the hills, you can even carry a picnic to Codornices Park subsequent door and let children unfastened on the winding concrete slides and wooded trails.
Alcatraz Island
Sure, some would possibly say visiting Alcatraz is primary. However it’s value braving the crowds and reservation system to make the journey to San Francisco’s famed Alcatraz Island, to find its historic journey from a fort to a jail, which then turned a pivotal web site within the struggle for Native American civil rights.
The ferry journey will provide you with an opportunity to soak within the sights of the Bay, and when you’re there, the self-guided audio tour is included in your boat ticket. Whereas the daytime views of town from the island are value it alone, some advocate an evening tour for a special perspective. Keep in mind: make a ferry reservation forward of time as they usually promote out.
Mount Tamalpais and Muir Woods
Rising above Marin County is Mount Tamalpais State Park, with its limitless trails to wander and a peak — Mount Tam itself — that’s simply accessible from roads.
For a hike that provides you the total Marin expertise, tackle the famed Dipsea Path, identified for a path race that occurs there annually. This route will take you and your guests from the towering redwoods at Muir Woods Nationwide Monument all the best way to Stinson Seaside, the place you’ll be able to chill out, get a chew to eat and rejoice in your accomplishment. It’s a protracted path (round 10 miles a method), however you’ll be able to take Marin Transit bus route 61 again to your automotive on the Dipsea trailhead.
Golden Gate Park and Ocean Seaside
You would spend a complete day exploring these two San Francisco parks and nonetheless by no means see each nook and cranny. (Sure, Ocean Seaside is definitely a nationwide park throughout the metropolis.)
In Golden Gate Park, take a stroll down car-free JFK Promenade and hit any of town’s three iconic floral locations — the SF Botanical Gardens, Conservatory of Flowers or the Japanese Tea Backyard. Get pleasantly misplaced strolling Blue Heron Lake and Strawberry Hill, and don’t miss the world-famous bison paddock.
Proceed the journey by renting a motorcycle and using all the best way to Sundown Dunes park at Ocean Seaside to catch the sundown.
For return guests: Extra under-the-radar Bay Space days out (to impress even essentially the most jaded visitors)
Already checked off the entire traditional sightseeing choices for guests? Don’t fear: we now have much more suggestions under for the second, third and fourth visits from family members — damaged down by area, so you’ll be able to customise your itinerary any approach you want.
Subsequent-level sightseeing in San Francisco
Head to Angel Island by boat from the Ferry Constructing for a tranquil hike, bike journey or historical past lesson on California immigration. You’ll additionally give your guests a really totally different view of the Bay Space from the water, and even in case you don’t plan to hike an excellent deal, the ferry journey there’s value it alone.
