Only twelve miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge grows an ancient coast redwood forest, Muir Woods National Monument. One thousand-year-old giant redwood trees tower 260 feet into the sky, providing a forest canopy, which shelters numerous hiking trails. Muir Woods National Monument, named after naturalist John Muir, is one of the last uncut stands of old-growth redwood in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Golden Gate Park (San Francisco)
Golden Gate Park is where visitors will find a serene Japanese Tea Garden, an 1879 Victorian Conservatory of Flowers, a children’s playground and carousel, and so much more! This lush park landscape sprawls over 1,013 acres and has over one million trees, nine lakes, formal gardens, and recreation facilities. Golden Gate Park is where ‘something for everyone’ truly does exist.
San Francisco Botanical Gardens at Strybing Arboretum (San Francisco)
Over 16,000 plants are grown and conserved at the San Francisco Botanical Gardens, a 55-acre sanctuary. The San Francisco Botanical Gardens has a documented collection of plants from around the world. Over 7,500 varieties of plants are now thriving in the landscaped gardens, open spaces, and natural habitats of the San Francisco Botanical Gardens.
Lake Merritt (Oakland)
Lake Merritt, a jewel shining in the heart of Oakland, is the nation’s oldest wildlife refuge, established in 1870. Visited by runners, walkers, and rowers, and also by bird watchers and nature lovers, Lake Merritt supports thousands of resident and migratory waterfowl. A visit to Lake Merritt will be a serene and educational experience.
