While San Francisco pulsates with vibrant energy, the treasures awaiting just beyond its borders are a symphony of adventure and natural splendor. Here are five extraordinary experiences that beckon you to expand your horizons and delve into the captivating allure beyond the City by the Bay.1. Sonoma and Napa County - Wine Country Embark on a journey to Sonoma and Napa County, a utopia where vineyards weave tapestries of green and gold under the California sun. Here, award-winning wineries await, offering not just wines but a narrative of terroir, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance. Delight in the symphony of flavors, relish gourmet delights, and immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of California's wine culture. 2. Yosemite National Park - Nature's Magnum Opus Escape to Yosemite National Park, an opulent canvas where nature paints with grandeur. Stand in awe as towering waterfalls cascade like liquid silk, granite cliffs carve poetry in the sky, and ancient forests whisper tales of resilience. Traverse scenic trails that lead to hidden wonders, encounter wildlife in their natural habitat, and lose yourself in the ethereal beauty that has enraptured hearts for centuries. 3. Point Reyes - Coastal Enchantment on the Pacific Highway Embark on a coastal odyssey along Highway 1 to Point Reyes, a realm of rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and sentinel lighthouses standing watch over the Pacific's endless embrace. Wander along trails that offer panoramic vistas of the ocean's vastness, encounter a menagerie of wildlife in their coastal habitat, and bask in the enchanting allure of California's coastal magic. 4. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - A Carnival of Sun-Kissed Delights Venture south to Santa Cruz and revel in the sun-soaked delights of the historic Beach Boardwalk. Here, laughter dances on the ocean breeze as thrilling rides paint the sky with adrenaline-fueled excitement. Stroll along sandy shores, collect seashells as treasures, and indulge in the timeless allure of a classic beachfront adventure. 5. Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey - Coastal Charms Discover the idyllic charm of Carmel-by-the-Sea and the seaside marvels of Monterey. Meander through streets adorned with art galleries and boutique shops, each a testament to creativity and inspiration. Wander along coastal trails that whisper tales of maritime adventures, and delve into the depths of wonder at the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. Whether you're a seeker of natural wonders, a connoisseur of fine wines, or a soul captivated by coastal serenity, these outdoor odysseys beyond San Francisco promise moments of pure enchantment and boundless exploration. Ready to set sail on your next great adventure? Contact SF Excursions to craft a bespoke journey and unlock the treasures of Northern California's untamed beauty.
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You’ve spent months planning a vacation to San Francisco and, with good reason, Muir Woods is on your list of places to visit. The pocket of old-growth redwoods a short drive from San Francisco is one of the top tourist attractions in the area. But the National Park Service announced that Muir Woods will be closed indefinitely starting Monday, January 7. Parking lots, restrooms and visitor services will be shut down due to the government shutdown.
Oh no, you say, how am I going to see the majestic redwood trees? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Check out our top five places to see towering redwood trees while Muir Woods is closed. A few options are within a 10-minute drive of Muir Woods, including a secret back door entrance to the monument. 5. Armstrong Redwoods A beautiful and mostly flat area of redwood forest with wide, accessible trails just minutes from the Russian River. Make a giant loop from San Francisco, driving along Highway 1 past Point Reyes and Bodega Bay, then come back to the city on Highway 101 for a faster return. 4. Santa Cruz Mountains For another day trip from the city, head south to either Big Basin or Henry Cowell State Park. For a bonus, the creeks through both of these parks will be spectacular following the heavy rains. For a longer but very worthwhile detour, include the popular and hip beach town of Santa Cruz. 3. Samuel P. Taylor State Park This is one of our favorite summer camping spots, located about 45 minutes north of the city. It has some great hiking through stately redwoods, too. Pay the day fee at the front gate and pick up a trail map. You’ll be surrounded by redwoods before even leaving the parking lot! 2. Golden Gate Park Believe it or not, you don’t ever have to leave the city to bathe in a grove of gentle giants, though they aren’t as tall in the park. Head to Hoover Redwood Grove with plenty of parking off of MLK Drive or Aids Memorial Grove, one of our favorite hidden spots situated on the eastern side of the park near the Conservatory of Flowers. 1. The Back Door into Muir Woods If you’re intent on trying to get into Muir Woods and you have the stamina for a 5-mile hike with elevation changes, this is your best bet. Find the Panoramic Trail across from the Mountain Home Inn on Mount Tamalpais and follow signs for Muir Woods. You might encounter trail closures before making it all the way down to the forest floor (i.e. the main paved trail through Muir Woods), but you will be immersed in redwood forest long before. An alternative lies a few miles further on Panoramic Highway. Hop on the challenging 4.6 mile Dipsea-Steep Ravine Loop starting from the Pantoll Campground parking area. Big news! We’ve got a new logo to unveil and couldn’t be more excited to show it off. We’ve matured a little — don’t worry, you’re guide Brendan is still as funny as ever — and thought the time was right to create a logo that gives people a taste of our San Francisco tour company.
Showcasing the vibrant city of San Francisco and some of the highlights of our tour was the easy part. But to boil down our core mission and personality into one image took much more time. Our design goal was to create a logo that captures the spirit of SF Excursions with a nod to a few of our favorite places. Instead of hiring one designer, we pitched our idea to several and waited to see what they would come up with. Here is the design brief we gave them: “San Francisco Excursions is a 100% family-owned and operated tour company based in San Francisco, serving visitors who are looking for a fun and informative experience of the city and the surrounding area, including landmark attractions and local, under the radar sights.” The truth is, we’re obsessed with our city and wanted to show off some of the most popular stops on our tours. From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to colorful victorian houses, majestic redwood trees of Muir Woods and the heart of downtown, the logo brings it all to life. Oh, and of course our van, which visitors love cruising in as they experience the city and Marin County like a local. And last but not least, we chose the font. This step was a little tricky, and required our nerdy side to come out, but we finally landed on a custom font that’s clean, modern and fun. We’re thrilled with the result! What do you think? Send us your feedback, and better yet, book a tour to see how the fun look and feel of our logo is an extension of our one-of-a-kind tours. |