SAUSALITO
This picturesque, Mediterranean-style town is just over the Golden Gate
Bridge. Stroll along scenic Bridgeway Blvd., overlooked by steep cliffs
dotted with rustic houses. Explore the many galleries and shops. Dine
peacefully by water's edge at a number of cafes and restaurants. Visit
the San Francisco Bay Model, 2100 Bridgeway, a 1.5 acre model of the
Bay, build by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to study the tides,
currents and sandbars of the Bay Area. Discover the Bay Area Discovery
Museum at Fort Baker, 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito, CA 94965; "the
kids' place by the Bay " at the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Hiking trails wind through the rugged 12,00 Marin Headlands, a part of
the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Near Sausalito, there are
trailheads at the Golden Gate Bridge, Rodeo Beach and Tennessee Valley.
Visit the Marin Headlands Visitors Center to plan your excursion (open
9:30am-4:30pm daily); take first exit (Alexander Ave.) north of the
Golden Gate Bridge, first left and follow the signs, or call
415-331-1540 for information. Fishing charters, bike, kayak, jet ski and
power boat rentals are available; Sausalito Visitors Center located at
the ferry terminal in the town square has information. Ferries serve
Sausalito all day; call Blue & Gold Fleet, 415-773-1188, or Golden Gate
Ferry, 415-923-2000.
POINT REYES/STINSON BEACH/SAN ANSELMO
You’ll pass through the town of San Anselmo; stop and explore the
various antique shops located there. Samuel Taylor Park, past Lagunitas,
is great for hiking and picnics. At Hwy 1, go north to Stinson Beach, a
popular ocean side resort, or go south to Point Reyes, to see the
historic Lighthouse with ocean views and a chance to glimpse migrating
whales.
LARKSPUR
Larkspur landing Between Mount Tamalpais and the Bay lies Larkspur,
with restaurants, stylish stores, unique shopping centers, and historic
landmarks, set among redwood groves, winding trails and waterways. Take
a ferry from San Francisco. Larkspur Landing, a short walk from the
Landing, is an outdoor shopping & dining complex with bay views. An old
western-style street of stores filled with antiques is just West of the
Ferry Terminal.
MOUNT TAMALPAIS and MUIR WOODS
15 miles north of San Francisco, Mount Tamalpais State Park offers miles
of hiking trails and overnight campsites. A winding drive to the top
reveals spectacular views. At the foot of Mount Tam, Muir Woods National
Monument is a 550-acre preserve with a grove of old growth redwoods and
miles of quiet walks. Open 8am-sunset; $2 per person entrance fee ages
17 and older. The Muir Woods Visitor Center is open daily 9am-5pm. Take
Hwy 101 north to Stinson Beach-Hwy 1 exit. Transportation via Golden
Gate Transit, Gray Line, Red & White Fleet and Blue and Gold Fleet.
TIBURON
This Bayside town is a few miles north of Sausalito. Stroll along Main
Street, with its unique shops and restaurants and even a winery.
Historic Ark Row has a collection of restored Arks. The adventurous can
take the scenic hiking and biking trails, and enjoy water-oriented
sports including sailing, power boating, rowing, kayaking, fishing and
swimming. 435-5633. Take the ferry from Pier 41.
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