San Francisco Bay Area Things To Do

Golden Gate Bridge. Clearly, one of the most recognizable sites in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge links San Francisco with Marin County. Rising 746 feet, the bridge’s two towers are nearly 200 feet taller than the Washington Monument. The 1.7 mile – long five lane suspension bridge, which crosses Golden Gate Strait, can be traveled via car, bicycle or on foot. For more information, visit www.goldengatebridge.org.

Point Bonita Lighthouse. Built in 1855, the Point Bonita Lighthouse is currently maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. It serves a very important role as a navigational aid to assist captains and sailors safely through the tricky and precarious waters at the mouth of the Bay. In heavy fog, two foghorn blasts are sent out every 30 seconds. For more information, visit www.sfbaywhalewatching.com/lighthouses.html.   [Top]

Marin County Civic Center. As one of the most creative architectural structures of all times, the Marin County Civic Center features many inspiring attributes. Including blue roofs, towering spires and dozens of arches resembling an aqueduct and striking. For more information, call 415–499–7009.

Sausalito. With its gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco, the charming waterfront community of Sausalito offers visitors lots to do. Enjoy strolling along the marinas, soaking up the local color in open – air cafes and checking out the quaint shops. Kids of all ages will take a shine to Bay Area Discovery Museum, home to fascinating interactive displays. For more information, visit www.sausalito.org.  [Top]

Muir Woods National Monument. This is one beautiful spot. The forest is dominated by the West Coast redwood tree. Those seeking to hike will encounter several trails that offer a variety of habitats and terrain. Not many animals live here. However, those that do feed at night, such as owls and bats, or in the early morning, like deer. The most common mammals are the Sonoma chipmunk and black tail deer. For more information, visit www.visitmuirwoods.com/index.htm.

Napa Valley. The very special vineyards of Napa Valley beckon both wine connoisseurs and newcomers alike. However, there are many more things to do in this northern California paradise than sip chardonnays or savor merlots, including hot air balloon rides, bike tours and spas galore. For more information, visit www.napavalley.com.  [Top]

Point Reyes National Seashore. In a word, the Point Reyes National Seashore is spectacular. Discover more than 1000 species of plants and animals. Experience everything from expansive sand beaches and open grasslands to brushy hillsides and forested ridges. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/pore.

Stinson Beach. Surfers, swimmers and sunbathers will have a field day at Stinson Beach, which features three –and – a – half miles of inviting sand and surf. A 51 – acre park, which is adjacent to the beach and offers more than 100 picnic tables (some with grills), is open until sunset. For more information, visit www.stinsonbeachonline.com.  [Top]

San Quentin Prison. California’s oldest and best known correctional institution, San Quentin State Prison was established in 1852 at Point Quentin in Marin County. Until 1933, the 432 – acre facility housed both male and female inmates. The state’s only gas chamber and death row are located here. For more information, visit www.corr.ca.gov/Visitors/fac_prison_SQ.html. To get update on prison prior to visiting, please call 415 – 454– 1460 Ext. 5811 to ensure that visitor will be able to gain access to the facilities.

China Camp State Park. An extensive inter – tidal salt marsh, meadow and oak habitats for deer, squirrels and numerous birds are some of the highlights of this popular park. Originally a Chinese shrimp – fishing village in the 1880s, the site was home to nearly 500 people who emigrated from Canton. At the time, there were three general stores, a marine supply store and a barber shop. For more information, visit www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=466.  [Top]

Infineon Raceway. The gateway to Sonoma Wine Country, Infineon is a year – round motorsports complex. Several nationally televised events originate here, including NASCAR NEXTEL Cup, National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) drag racing, American Motorcycle Association (AMA) Superbike tour and the IRL IndyCar Series. For more information, visit www.infineonraceway.com.

Shopping “Shop till you drop”. Marin County offers some of the best shopping for visitors. Sausalito features bayside shops, galleries and restaurants that will satisfy everyone’s tastes. Village of Corte Madera has an open air mall that offers a smorgasbord of shopping and dining. Northgate San Rafael features Sears, Macy’s, The Gap and Mervyn’s as anchors for this mall. It also has movie theaters and a generous food court.  [Top]