Nestled twelve miles north of San Francisco, lies an ancient forest that consists of majestic Redwood trees that area thousand years old and stand over two hundred feet tall. Welcome, to Muir Woods National Monument. The forest was declared a national monument in 1906, by President Theodore Roosevelt. The park is open every day, including holidays, from 8:00am and closes at sunset.

Things To Do

Besides enjoying the sheer magnificience of the Redwood Trees, there are eight different trails that all offer splendid views of the ocean, fauna, and wildlife. Many of the animals that may be spotted during a hike through the trails include owls, bats, chipmunks, deer, and numerous reptiles, mammals, and amphibians.

There are many rules and regulations that you must follow when visiting the national monument. There are no bicycles allowed on the trails, and no picnicking is allowed in the forest. Dogs are not permitted on the premises and campers are not allowed either. The maximum length for vehicles is 35 feet long. Parking is limited so it is best to arrive at the forest early. Additionally, there is no public transportation that travels to Muir Woods, however there are scheduled tours that you may take that provide a wonderful view of the woods.

Location

Muir Woods is located twelve miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. To access the Woods follow Highway 101 until you reach the Highway 1/Stinson Beach Exit. There you will see signs leading the way to Muir Woods National Monument.

Entrance Fees

Adults (16 years and older): $3.00

Children (birth to age 15): Free

Annual Pass to Muir Woods: $15.00

As of October 1, 2007 the fees will increase. The increase will be as follows:

Adults (16 and over): $5.00

Children (birth to 15): Free

Annual Pass to Muir Woods: $20.00

 

Those who live in San Francisco can enjoy the beautiful Golden Gate Park. With 1,017 acres, Golden Gate Park is larger than New York’s Central Park and receives more than 13 million visitors each year. The park has plenty of rich history that dates back to the Native Americans as well as the California Gold Rush. Today, the park has wonderful educational programs and activities that help bring the region’s great history to life.

Things To Do

Golden Gate Park features numerous activities and like Central Park of New York is an essential location for multiple cultural activities. When you first visit Golden Gate Park you may want to make a point to visit the exquisite Rose Garden or Conservatory of Flowers. The Conservatory features many beautiful tropical flowers and has been deemed as a historic landmark.

You’ll also enjoy the fascinating Japanese Tea Garden, where you’ll be able to enjoy a cup of tea and take a break while you overlook the beautiful scenic garden view. With nine lakes, there are numerous water activities available for everyone, regardless of age. Stow Lake provides plenty of boating fun and the park also has boat rentals available. There are a number of scheduled and planned tours available that will ensure that you visit all of the wonderful sites available at the park.

Golfers will enjoy playing a game on the 9-hole Golden Gate Golf Course. There has been an enormous renovation project underway with the children's playground. The playground has a new name, and is now referred to as the, "Koret Children's Quarter". There is a beautiful carousel that has also been recently renovated, and in a fascinating tidbit of history, the children's playground at Golden Gate Park is the oldest playground in the entire nation. It was first designed in 1888.

Location

You can enter Golden Gate Park from Fulton St & 36th Ave or from Lincoln Way & 41st Ave

If you are looking for a breathtaking view of the gorgeous San Francisco skyline, then you will want to make a trip to Angel Island State Park. Steeped in cultural history, the park was once used by the Miwok Native Americans as a primary spot for fishing and hunting. Once the Spanish came, they claimed the land and gave it its new name. In fact, the very spot where the Spaniard Juan de Ayala dropped his anchor is now referred to as Ayala Cove.

Things To Do

There are many activities to engage in at Angel Island State Park. Tram tours are available and are a great way to enjoy the scenic beauty of the park as well as hear the educational and historic details of the island.

The Ayala Cove is a wonderful place for boats to dock - and for a fee, they can stay overnight in the boat mooring. There are plenty of bike trails as well as hiking trails that allow for hours of enjoyment while viewing the beauty of the park in its splendor. Additionally, there are many great places to fish from and there are also plenty of educational programs and exhibits to enjoy. These vary according to season, and special exhibits may be provided for school groups, clubs, and seniors.

Getting There

You can reach Angel Island State Park by ferry or private boat. Bicycles may be brought by ferry to the island, but roller blades, skates, and skateboards are forbidden. For Ferry Information call 415-435-2131.

Note: It’s important to realize that Angel Island State Park does not recognize the Annual State Pass.

This little city by the bay is well-known for beauty, style, and elegant romance. Romantic date ideas abound and the charm of this busy, yet beautiful city will help love take root and blossom.

Situated between both virgin forests and the San Francisco Bay, the natural world plays a strong part in the city’s culture. Also, as home to the sort of quality establishments one would expect of such a fine city, San Francisco is ideal for all manners of romance.

Aquarium

The Aquarium of the Bay is located by Pier 39 and houses some of the most beautiful underwater displays in the world. Take your date and let the beauty and serenity of the sea creatures surround you. The Aquarium offers not only an opportunity to see the bay and its creatures, but also a chance to help save the bay. Nothing is more special than trying to save the world together. This is the most beautiful and philanthropic of the romantic date ideas you may ever have.

Winery

Grab your girl and head out of the city into the hills to experience the Sonoma and Napa Valley wineries. Share this romantic date idea with your girl as you head out to sample some of the finest wines in the world and see the wine making process from start to finish. Stroll through the vineyards and enjoy the rolling hills and bright California sun. Smile as you watch the wine bring warmth to your dates rosy cheeks and to your heart.

Twin Peaks

For a romantic overlook head out to Twin Peaks. This point is above the city and you can see for miles. Listen to soft songs on the radio while you gave out at the Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge. Whisper sweet nothings in her ear and share a kiss above all of the hustle and bustle of the city below.

Golden Gate Park

For a lushly romantic date idea, take your date to Golden Gate Park. Broad expanses of green call out for picnics or quiet strolls. Visit the Japanese Tea Garden for quiet serenity or take a ride on the carousel for a quaint throw back to more peaceful times. Golden Gate Park is also adjacent to the striking Golden Gate Bridge which is a classic destination for tourists and San Francisco residents alike.

So you managed to survive the first date and now you want to plan something fun for the second. What do you do on those in between dates, anyway?

The weather is breezy and the day is perfect to take your date out for a day of fun. Fun date ideas are easy to come by in San Francisco, and the exciting urban activities blend well with the surrounding natural world.

Fisherman’s Wharf

Experience all of San Francisco in a single place. The Wharf is chock full of street performers, novelty and eccentric shops as well as some of the best clam chowder and sourdough bread the city has to offer. Add Fisherman’s Wharf to your list of fun date ideas and you won’t be disappointed. Go for the food, the fun, and even the smells. The sea lions on Pier 39 will entertain you for hours before you head over to Ghirardelli square for a sundae. Yes, the Wharf is a bit touristy, but that is all part of the fun!

Alcatraz Island

Do you want to see a true piece of American history? If your girl is up for unusually fun date ideas, take her to Alcatraz Island and sample the life led by some of the nation’s worst criminals. Al Capone and other famous wrong-doers existed for years in this dank location. Tours are led by well-versed guides, some of whom were residents of the Rock before it was shut down. Envision yourself behind bars together or plan an escape attempt. If nothing else, the cool breeze will encourage you to huddle together for warmth, and that is always a good thing.

Chinatown

San Francisco has the largest Chinatown outside of Asia. For a dose of history and a strong ethnic flavor, head over the Chinatown for some fun date ideas. Browse through the unique wares of traditional Chinese shops, or stop over for authentic cuisine. Festivals and events are frequent to celebrate important days in the Chinese year or for the fun of it. Take the famous cable car through Chinatown for an overall sample, and hop off to explore the area more thoroughly.

Muir Woods

Experience the ancient world by standing or hiking beneath the virgin redwood trees in this forest just north of the city. Famous for not only beauty, but for a history riddled with political and diplomatic figures, Muir Woods is perfect for naturally fun date ideas. Take a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike with your girl as you marvel and the majestic scenery and completely escape from the busy city you’ve left behind for the day.