The Coastal Trail is a superlative way to see many of the highlights of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The entire trail is 730 miles and passes through 15 counties. On the San Francisco side, Sutro Heights Park is a good place to pick up the trail. From Sutro Heights, the trail follows the crest above the ocean through the Presidio and then crosses Golden Gate Bridge into the moody Marin Headlands.

Bike Across Golden Gate
Golden Gate National Recreation Area includes what is more commonly called the Marin Headlands. These hills are home not only to the ruined battlements, but also to the many trails and fire roads that meander across the hills and through the canyons of this public-use land. After crossing Golden Gate Bridge, the route takes you up the main paved road toward the bunkers at the top and then down the other side to Fort Cronkhite and Rodeo Beach. After a short stop at the beach, you hit the trails, climb over a hill on fire roads, and then descend into Tennessee Valley, a major jumping-off point for visitors to the area. Another climb on Marinchello Trail leads to panoramic views toward Sausalito, Angel Island, and Richardson Bay before dropping down yet again near Fort Cronkhite.

Kayak Stinson Beach
Stinson Beach is a sandy outpost of Marin County mellowness, a place where people surf, bird-watch, and laze. The three-mile beach stretches beneath steep hills rising to Mount Tamalpais with vistas out to sea. To the north is Bolinas Lagoon, a nature preserve hopping with wildlife. But the best way to get some perspective is to venture (a little way) out to sea. From the open water, you can really appreciate the exuberant slope of Mount Tam, the gentle curves of the foothills, and the broad, sandy arc of Stinson Beach itself. Since this is the open Pacific, weather can be variable. If the going is too dicey, take advantage of the hundreds of miles of hiking trails in the area, or just look at the Bolinas birds.