Point Isabel Regional Shoreline is an idyllic recreational area that covers approximately 23 acres and offers a diverse range of activities for visitors of all ages. The shoreline features a panoramic view of the San Francisco skyline, making it an excellent spot for photography and sunset watching. This is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, as it provides a habitat for migratory birds and waterfowl. Those interested can indulge in activities like picnicking, kayaking, biking and surfing as well. Ample parking is available, and public transportation options are nearby, making it a popular destination for day trips.
Lying close to the remarkable Golden Gate Bridge, it is no wonder that the Presidio of San Francisco offers some delightful views of the landmark. One of the best spots to admire the bridge is from the vantage point afforded by the Golden Gate Overlook, a scenic destination that delights all ages. Bask in the spellbinding sight of the Golden Gate Bridge and whip out your cameras to capture it for posterity. Apart from its unparalleled views of the bridge, the overlook also offers the opportunity for surveying the surrounding natural features.
In the late 1800s, California's first state engineer, William Hammond Hall, and his assistant, a Scotsman named John McLaren, transformed more than 1000 acres (405 hectares) of sand dunes into a wondrous haven in the midst of the city, christened Golden Gate Park after the eponymous strait nearby. Stretching over 50 blocks from Stanyan Street to the Pacific Ocean, the lush landscape is etched with numerous trails for walking, jogging, biking and horseback riding, alongside a golf course, bowling greens, a lake with paddle boats, soccer fields and a baseball diamond. From the Japanese Tea Garden and the Conservatory of Flowers to the California Academy of Sciences and the de Young Museum, San Francisco's Golden Gate Park encompasses a wealth of scenic beauty and cultural intrigue within is expansive embrace. There are also several playgrounds, a quaint carousel, an aquarium, a buffalo reserve and an outdoor bandshell where open-air concerts are hosted each summer.
The neighborhood of Jackson Square is a quaint place to shop for antiques and art, as well as a historic landmark. On the edge of San Francisco's Financial District, near Chinatown, this area is one of The City's oldest examples of commercial architecture and holds its own collection of reputable art dealers. Find galleries that feature Oriental rugs, antique domestic and imported furniture, vintage posters, fine art, silver, china, and more. Stroll around and enjoy a tranquil piece of San Francisco tucked away in the heart of the action. Credit card acceptance varies by store.
Muir Woods National Monument is a breathtaking natural sanctuary that is renowned for its stunning old-growth coast redwood trees, and some of the tallest and oldest living organisms on Earth. The towering trees, some reaching heights of over 250 feet (76 meters), create a serene and awe-inspiring environment. It is interesting to note that some of these towering redwoods have survived for over 1000 years. The monument is named after John Muir, a renowned naturalist, and conservationist who played a pivotal role in the preservation of wilderness areas in the United States. Trails are set out for the casual stroller and the avid hiker looking for a challenge in the cool stillness of this 554-acre (224-hectare) National Park. While visiting Muir Woods, visitors can also learn about the ecology, history, and significance of the redwood forest through interpretive displays and guided walks.
This imposing Byzantine-style structure is crowned with five onion domes, each covered in 24-karat gold leaf. On a bright day with the sunlight hitting the Holy Virgin Cathedral, the view is absolutely dazzling. Inside one gets a glimpse of a period back in time. The interior, consecrated in 1977, could just as easily date from 1577. Through the incense gleams the gold of more mosaics, these depicting various saints, and the precious metals of the icons that are everywhere.