DK Travel : San Francisco : Outdoor

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La Honda & Old La Honda Roads

Behind Stanford University (see Palo Alto and Stanford) is the quiet town of Portola Valley. From here, these picturesque switchback roads ascend to meet Skyline Drive. They are very narrow in places, and you can’t go more than 10 mph (16 kmph), but the timeless beauty of the Bay Area forests makes it worthwhile.
Lafayette Park

This is another of Pacific Heights’s double-blocked hilltop gardens – a leafy green haven of pine and eucalyptus. Steep stairways lead to the summit, with its delightful views. The city did not manage to set aside these oases without a fight. Squatters’ buildings occupied some of the land in the center of this park until as late as 1936, when they were finally pulled down, liberating the lush gardens for all to enjoy.
Land’s End

Although extremely beautiful in a wild, untouched way, this tiny, rocky beach is only for the hardiest nature-lovers. It’s quite a hike to get here, although taking the trail up above it is quite a bit easier than going by the lower, coastal trail. Many habitués have built little sun-traps for themselves, by piling up rocks to wall-in their patches of sand (see Oceanfront Parks).
Lombard Street

Called “The Crookedest Street in the World,” it isn’t too hair-raising, but the views of North Beach as you descend are charming.
Monterey

This town is renowned for its world-class aquarium, the Monterey Jazz and Blues Festivals, and Cannery Row, made famous by author John Steinbeck, who described it as a collection of sardine canneries and whorehouses. Established by the Spanish in 1770, Monterey was the first capital of California (see Spanish Control) some early buildings survive.
Mount Tamalpais

The road that leads up to the top of “Mount Tam” is appropriately called Panoramic Highway. All the way along, it provides you with dramatic views of the Marin Headlands, both on the Bay and ocean sides, and as you approach the summit, far-reaching views of the Bay Area.
Muir and Red Rock Beaches

These two beaches, just south of Stinson, are the most famous nude beaches north of San Francisco. Both are sandy curves within their own coves, protected from wind and prying eyes by rocky cliffs. The only caveat is that you’ll need sturdy walking shoes to get down the rough paths that lead to them from the parking lots.
Muir Woods

At the foot of Mount Tamalpais, this 550-acre woodland is home to one of the few remaining first-growth groves of redwoods. The oldest of these giants is at least 1,000 years old, and such trees once covered the coastal area of California. The woods are named in honor of John Muir, the 19th-century conservationist. The peace and beauty of the shaded habitat are profound.
Noe at 21st Street

At the heights bordering the Castro, Noe Valley, and the Mission, this impossibly steep street will also give you a few chills.
Oakland Athletics

Members of the American Football League, and historic winners in the 1970s.