Exploring the Great Outdoors via San Francisco

From the Redwood Forest Floor to Rocky Oceanside Cliffs

Words by Ashley Bowling & Jerod Morales

Flight Deals: SFO, OAK, SMF, SJC
Good Deal Alert:  $80-160 for a round trip flight from AUS

Numerous breathtaking stops on this road map can be savored over an entire summer or compacted into one action-packed week. The journey through this lush land is yours for the making.

No trip to San Fran is complete without a stop at the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Both the well-manicured trails above and the ocean park below give beautiful, yet different, vantage points for perfect photo ops.

Patrick’s Point State Park by Eric Morales

Bay Area Discovery Museum is a good second stop to stretch the legs as you leave San Fran traffic in the rear view mirror. The best place to spend the second half of the day is at Wing & Barrel Ranch. This is a place to truly bask in the finer things in life: indulging in delicious food and enjoying some of the best sport clay shooting in the country. Their clubhouse and facilities are second to none, and the staff will take care of your every need while also teaching you a thing or two about this historic way of life they so passionately preserve. Leave in time to capture the gorgeous sunset over the rolling hills while driving the winding road to The Stavrand Hotel at Russian River Valley for the night.

Beat the crowds and take an early morning hike through Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve before check out. Wander through 805 acres of ancient coastal redwoods, strolling next to 1,000-year-old giants creaking as if they’re divulging their wisdom on creatures who walk below.

Phillips Gulch Waterfall at Salt Point State Park by Eric Morales

Next stop is Sonoma Coast State Park. Take the short hike to Sunset Boulders and peek at the vastness of the deep blue ocean. About three miles away is Goat Rock Beach where the Russian River meets the ocean and where seals snack on fresh water fish conveniently landing in their playground. Take the short narrow trail past the bluffs to Blind Beach where Arch Rock and beachcombers rest. There is nothing like the sound of the waves in the mornings while breathing in the chilled Pacific Ocean breeze.

At Salt Point State Park, grassy terraces quickly turn to sandstone cliffs. In fact, Salt Point boasts six miles of rocky bluff hiking where tide pool beds are teeming with marine life. This place is best explored in low tide for up close views of protected sea life and in high-tide for dramatic waves spraying the air as they collide with rocks as they make their grand entrance. 

Glass Beach at MacKerricher State Park by Joanna Fuller

Continuing on Highway 1, Fort Bragg is sure to put a sparkle on your list with their famous glass beaches, MacKerricher State Park, and an adorably quaint historic downtown. A glass beach may not sound very relaxing; however, this is no ordinary glass.  It appears on shore like tiny sparkling pebbles of varying shapes beaming with vibrant whites, emeralds, and ambers. After soaking in the sun, head downtown for the evening to get a taste of Overtime Brewing for a much needed meal and a refreshing cold brew.