Muir Woods

Located 12 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Muir Woods is a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Declared a National Monument in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt and named for conservationist John Muir, the 560-acre park contains the only large stand of ancient redwoods in the Bay Area, with some individual trees over 1,000 years old. There are 6 miles of walking trails, 50 species of birds, black-tailed deer, steel head trout and hundreds of other "wild inhabitants."

Close to Muir Woods are the quaint villages Sausalito and Tiberon, where we recommend a stop for Lunch or shopping.

Monterey/ Carmel

Travel south along scenic Highway 1, viewing emerald-green Monterey Bay from the beach-and-boardwalk town of Santa Cruz to the Monterey Peninsula. Explore the historic, Spanish-colonial city of Monterey, including Cannery Row, immortalized by author John Steinbeck, and Fisherman's Wharf.

While in Monterey don't miss to visit its world famous aquarium located on Monterey's historic Cannery Row. There are more than 6,000 strange and colorful creatures that call Monterey home, and you will see them eye to eye at the Aquarium. Don't miss the new "Outer Reef" wing, featuring deep water creatures and beautiful jellyfish. The kids will love the petting pool with sleek bat rays.

Take the world famous 17-Mile Drive from Pacific Grove - with photo stops, including the Lone Cypress and Pebble Beach- to the storybook village of Carmel. Here you can browse the charming galleries, boutiques and shops of this one-square-mile town.

Lake Tahoe Ballooning