Our homes have increasingly become our places of work, study, and socialization. So now, more than ever, it’s important to be intentional about carving out space to step outside with the whole family to recharge. Being outdoors can bring us respite from our busy day-to-day life and has proven health benefits. We made this list based on sites where our Family Days happen. Get outside, the bay is waiting.
Point Reyes
Go north and leave the busy city behind and let yourself breathe in the fresh air where the forest meets the sea. This national shoreline offers an adventure for everyone. Explore the San Andreas fault at the Walk the Earthquake Trail, walk through a replica of a Miwok Indian village at the Walk the Kule Loklo Trail or go birdwatching at the Limantour Spit Trail.
Lands End
Visit San Francisco’s northwestern corner to get a glimpse of what the city looked like before high rises and trolleys. The trails wind their way through rocky cliffs towering over the ocean. Move through the cypresses and eucalyptus and find the breathtaking views of the shore, headlands, and the Golden Gate. Looking for a picnic spot? Set your blanket at the West Fort Miley batteries.
Marina Green
Sometimes all you need is a little bit of green. Bring your frisbee, a picnic blanket, snacks, your pet, and anything else that you might need for a day of grass fun by the bay. The Marina Greem, right in the picturesque Marina District, spans from Fort Mason to Presidio. Great spot for watching ships sail the bay, go bird watching, and get a good workout with a view.
Muir Woods
Only a few miles north of San Francisco, in an isolated canyon, grows the ancient coast redwood forest known the world over as Muir Woods. The park offers solitude, interpretive displays and programs, and numerous hiking trails. Come troll through 1,000-year-old giant trees towering 260 feet high and find out why famed naturalist John Muir called this… “…the best tree-lovers monument that could possibly be found in all the forests of the world.”
Mount Tamalpais
Just north of San Francisco, Mount Tamalpais rises magically from Marin County. Home to ecosystems of redwood forests, oak woodlands, open grasslands, and chaparral, Mount Tamalpais invites visitors to explore the biodiversity of the bay area. A great spot for camping, hiking, and wildlife watching.
Together Outside 