Trips Beyond San Francisco

There’s little doubt that only a few travel destinations can rival the splendor that is San Francisco. From the majesty of the Golden Gate Bridge to the color of its characteristic neighborhoods, it’s a city that has plenty to offer for travelers from both near and afar. Whether you’re a longtime resident of the South San Francisco apartments or a wanderer rolling in from America’s East Coast, however, there might still be times where you want to see what lies beyond the city limits.

For you, brave adventurer, we’ve got something special. We’re going to take a look outside the hilly city, peeking into the other regions of the Bay Area that represent the perfect opportunity for a Spring getaway. We’ll cover areas that will get you near the water, deeper into nature, and even smack dab in the middle of wine country. When it’s all said and done, you should be more than ready to get out and explore.

Fun By The Water

For great views of the Bay, a trip to the City Of Sausalito, just north of San Francisco, provides just what you’re after. It’s beautiful enough to just enjoy yourself hanging out -- the lovely houseboats, the gorgeous hills -- everything comes together to create a picturesque tourist’s paradise.

If you consider yourself more of the action-oriented sort, though, there’s no need to fret, as Sausalito also provides plenty of things for you to do in between all that sightseeing. You could, for example, rent a boat and have some fun out on the water.

Cruising about on your own a seafaring craft is an adventure suitable enough for a day-long affair, but if you’d prefer a less expensive ride, you could always hop on the Sausalito Ferry (which holds the distinction of being the second most exciting ferry ride in the world).

For those that prefer to stay on dry land, there’s still plenty of fun to be had. Exploring the neighborhoods of Sausalito will reveal many a hidden gem -- eateries, art studios, the odd festival, and the like. You might even grab a bike and ride the hills -- great exercise, and a great way to see what the area has to offer. All told, Sausalito is a small-but-ample slice of the Bay that’s too good to overlook.

A Journey Into The Wilds

Perhaps you’d like to get closer to nature? For an option that’s none too far out the way, you can check out Golden Gate National Park:

“Experience a park so rich it supports 19 distinct ecosystems with over 2,000 plant and animal species. Go for a hike, enjoy a vista, have a picnic or learn about the centuries of overlapping history from California’s indigenous cultures, Spanish colonialism, the Mexican Republic, US military expansion and the growth of San Francisco.”

All well and good so far, and if you’d like a more detailed list of things you can do, you’re in luck, because the park provides. You can take a look at that list here, and some highlights include the wildflower walk at Fort Funston, the ranger-guided tour of Presidio, and camping at Kirby Cove.

While it might be one of the larger parks around, Golden Gate National Park is by no means the only one. You might instead head further north, to San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge, to take a look at the varied species that call the area home, in particular, the nesting and migratory birds:

“By May, most of the migrants have moved north to nest, while residents and visitors from the south nest on the refuge. Resident nesting species include mallards, gadwalls, and black-necked stilts. Those birds that migrate from the south to the refuge to breed are Caspian terns and barn swallows.”

During your time at the Wildlife Refuge, you can take part in all manner of bird spotting as you hike the many trails, or elect to take part in some boating, fishing, or hunting at your leisure. Be sure to check the Refuge’s visitor activities page for more details.

Relaxing In Wine Country

California is known for its wines, and the San Francisco area is famed for the Napaand Sonoma, the heart of the area’s wine country. You’ll find many wineries scattered throughout the region, and will likely enjoy a lengthy tour that takes you through the beautiful hills and grants an opportunity to sample some of the delightful reds and whites.

Beyond all that, though, you might also want to experience the magnificent Hess Collection, a private museum of art located at the winery purchased by Swiss entrepreneur Donald Hess. access is free to the public, and the collection is notable for the high level of talent on display:

“As is evident by the caliber of the collection, he collects with the uncanny ability to acquire works by lesser known artists who often go on to become well known and respected in their disciplines.”

Wine country is a sight to behold, and, being only an hour north of San Francisco, is one you have few excuses to miss.

Head East To Oakland

Just east of San Francisco lies beautiful Oakland, home of a thriving art scene and tourist paradise par excellence. You’ll enjoy the works of many skilled visual artists, if such is your fancy, and also be treated to the sultry sounds of amazing musicians, the masterful talents of performing artists, and booming nightlife that typifies this area of the East Bay:

“Oakland’s diverse population, hip arts scene, Mediterranean climate, world-class attractions, abundant parks and open spaces, vibrant waterfront and lakefront, historic architecture, palate-tempting restaurants, bustling nightlife, action-packed pro sports and varied recreation options make for an exciting destination.”

Be sure to check out all the things to do in this fantastic landscape. You can also view a list of notable locations here.

Plenty Lies Beyond The South San Francisco Apartments

With so much to do and see, you’ll have a splendid time outside of the city, but upon your return, you’ll want to make sure your abode is just as amazing as the places you visited. Carmel Rincon provides, with stunning luxury fit for a city as magnificent as San Francisco. Here, you’ll want for nothing, and be treated to the finest that the Bay Area has to offer.