Beyond San Francisco: Small-Group City Tour including Muir Woods

Sightseeing  :  United States  :  California  :  San Francisco  :  Day Trips

Spend a day in San Francisco on a tour that tells the story of the Bay Area from natural, historical, and cultural perspectives. Explore the redwood forests of Muir Woods and rolling hills of the Marin Headlands, before returning to San Francisco to see highlights such as includes landmarks such as Golden Gate Park, Haight-Ashbury, and Fisherman's Wharf. Along the way, learn how natural history and influential cultural movements have shaped the Bay Area into the special place it is today.Start your San Francisco tour by crossing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and stop to marvel at this feat of engineering and hear captivating stories of its creation. Then head to Muir Woods for a stroll through an old-growth forest of massive redwoods, some of which have grown to nearly 300 feet.

After enjoying a Cascadian safari lunch, we’ll spend time in the Marin Headlands, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The park is an excellent spot to discuss the active geological fault lines that have produced the area’s uneven terrain. We’ll take time to walk gentle trails, watch birds hover over the waters of Rodeo Lagoon, and look for sea lions and seals congregating at the base of coastal cliffs. Positioned at the mouth of the San Francisco Bay, the Marin Headlands also served as a strategic military location. Many fascinating remnants of World War II and the Cold War can be seen in the Park today.

Once we’ve finished winding through the Marin Headlands, it’s back across the Golden Gate Bridge to explore San Francisco. When we return to the city, we’ll visit as many of the following San Francisco icons as time allows:

• Haight-Ashbury – the mecca of the 60’s hippy counter-culture
• North Beach – San Francisco’s “Little Italy” and a Beat Generation hangout
• The Mission District – hip neighborhood known for its funky murals, Central-American heritage, and bustling Dolores Park
• Golden Gate Park – large urban oasis of green spaces and gardens
• The Castro – one of the first gay neighborhoods in the country
• Fisherman’s Wharf – fishing hub teeming with seafood stalls and the famous sea lions of Pier 39
• Ocean Beach – scenic spot on the west coast of the city that is often frequented by fog and surfers

Throughout the tour your guide will weave a narrative of the city that covers topics from native ecology to California cuisine. We’ll escape our luxury vehicle frequently to experience the sites firsthand and immerse ourselves in this amazing destination.