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Youth hiking in Milagra Ridge
Parks

Milagra Ridge

San Mateo County
On the windswept coast south of the City, Milagra Ridge boasts views to the edge of the Pacific horizon. This scrub-covered ridgeline is critical habitat, home to Red-tailed Hawks and the endangered mission blue butterfly. It is the site of intensive restoration by Park Stewardship staff and volunteers.
Running up the stairs at Mori Point
Parks

Mori Point

San Mateo County
See what wonders restoration work creates at this rugged coastal promontory in San Mateo County. Thanks to community volunteers the 32-acre wetland park now has trails, red-legged frog ponds, and a revived habitat for the San Francisco garter snake, once North America's most endangered reptile.
Taking in the sunset from Mt. Tam's East Peak
Parks

Mount Tamalpais

Marin County
It is awesome atop this 2,500-foot high mountain in Marin with its 360-degree view from San Francisco Bay to the Pacific. But anywhere on "Tam" you can find nature at its most glorious. Miles and miles of trails ribbon the mountain, crossing redwood valleys, creeks, waterfalls, and wide-open grasslands. It...
Walking the dog in Oakwood Valley
Parks

Oakwood Valley

Marin County
On a clear day you can see as far as Point Reyes from this park adjacent to the Marin Headlands. Trails loop through groves of eucalyptus and bay laurel. In the spring you will find lupine and California poppies. In summer, the grasses turn golden, and by late summer you...
Fire pits at Ocean Beach
Parks

Ocean Beach

San Francisco
Picture a 3.5-mile stretch of white beach with few tourists and no highrises. It's just you and the waves and the seabirds at Ocean Beach, on the westernmost border of San Francisco, adjacent to Golden Gate Park. Great for strolling and flying kites, but the water is frigid and the...
Welcome to Olema Valley
Parks

Olema Valley

Marin County
You're in another world here, a picture-perfect rural valley bordering both the Golden Gate National Parks and Point Reyes National Seashore. This pastoral landscape stretches for nine miles, its ribbon of Highway 1 unspooling between the slopes of Bolinas and Inverness Ridge. Here you have an opportunity to experience two...
Redwoods in Phleger Estate
Parks

Phleger Estate

San Mateo County
See a verdant redwood forest reborn here at the southern tip of the Golden Gate National Parks. This tranquil park was once severely logged and century-old redwood stumps and remnants of steam mills are still in evidence.
Tour at the Point Bonita Lighthouse
Parks

Point Bonita

Marin County
Yes, this lighthouse at the southwest tip of the Marin Headlands is still active and maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. Getting there is a challenge. Parking is limited and the 0.5-mile walk is steep and precarious. This spot, at the "world's end," is ruggedly beautiful. Nearby, old army buildings...
Wildlife of Point Reyes National Seashore
Parks

Point Reyes National Seashore

Marin County
Endlessly explore the vast wilds here, one of the most stunning oceanfront parks in the world. This 70,000-acre peninsula north of San Francisco stretches from the wild and wind-chilled great beaches on the northwest side (where Sir Francis Drake landed in 1567) across forested ridges to the south. Find plentiful...
Presidio
Parks

Presidio of San Francisco

San Francisco
Visitors keep discovering new pleasures in this jewel of a national park. From eucalyptus-lined ridges overlooking the City to its restored wetlands and beaches, it is both a place of tranquil seclusion and unique activities. Transferred from the Army to the National Park Service in 1994, the Presidio offers forests...