Top Rated Attractions in San Francisco

A hidden gem in Belmont, the Twin Pines Park offers a great spot for picnicking and relaxation. The park houses a museum, a community center and a recreation center, along with multi-purpose sports fields and playgrounds. Find a quiet spot for an intimate creek-side picnic, or take a leisurely walk amidst nature’s beauty. The park also plays host to a number of local and private events around the year.

Located close to Francis Beach, Half Moon Bay State Beach Visitor Center gives us a peek into the history and geography of the entire Half Moon Bay area. Visitors can hike along the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail and revel in the scenery. Lined with beaches like Wavecrest Beach, Poplar Beach and Elmar Beach, the Half Moon Bay offers a variety of facilities like restrooms, picnic areas and ample parking space.

The Filoli house was built in 1915 and its large formal gardens have since become well-known. The 654-acre (264-hectare) estate is a historic landmark, and visitors can enjoy a walk through the beautiful gardens, including the Sunken Garden and Lower Lawn Terraces, the Gentleman's Orchard, and the Bonsai Collection. The Filoli house also exhibits 17th-century and 18th-century British antiques and the library has an especially impressive collection of botany books. The estate regularly hosts several events, including a monthly afternoon tea and jazz concerts.

Mare Island Preserve Trail is located in the city of Vallejo. This place offers a beautiful four mile (6.43 kilometers) walking trail in the hidden lands of the bay. You can discover expanded views of the bay area, the mountain ranges of Mount Diablo and Tamalpais with the splendid Napa Valleys adding to the beauty. On your short walking experience, you are sure to spot some impressive birds in the wetlands that span the boundaries of the bay.

Dillon Point is a part of a particularly marshy region of the Benicia State Recreation Area, with a scenic beach and a short trail to reach it. While the point itself offers panoramic views of the verdant landscape, it is also famous among anglers, who love to try their luck here, hoping for a great catch.

The brainchild of Forrest Deaner, this botanical garden is a must visit for its lush greenery, sheer size, and of course, the wonderful indigenous plants that dot the landscape. The specialty of Forrest Deaner Native Plant Botanic Garden are plants native to California, so be sure to keep an eye out for Sycamores, White Alders and other unique plants.