Muir Woods is located just 17 miles northwest of San Francisco just off Highway 1. The park was named after naturalist John Muir who was instrumental in establishing the National Park system. This National Monument is made up of over 560 acres of redwood forest. Cathedral and Bohemian Groves contain the largest Coast redwoods–up to 252 feet tall and 14 feet across. Today the Sequoia sempervirens can be found only in the damp and cool coastal belt that runs from Monterey to Oregon.

Visitors are invited to explore the paved main trail which offers educational exhibits on the majestic redwood trees– some known to be 1,000 years old. There are six miles of walking trails and no cars are allowed in the redwood grove. The park is home to 50 species of birds, black-tailed deer, steelhead trout and hundreds of other "wild inhabitants."

With its wild, rocky coastline and brick cannery buildings, Monterey still maintains much of the flavor of John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row. Boutiques, restaurants and antique stores line historic Cannery Row and the wharf area. Steinbeck fans will enjoy a stop at the Steinbeck Museum located near Cannery Row or the new National Steinbeck Center in nearby Salinas.

At the end of the stretch is Monterey’s biggest attraction, the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The aquarium is home to more than 6,500 specimens of marine life indigenous to the Monterey Bay including playful sea otters, graceful sharks, elusive octopus and fierce wolf-eels.

The natural beauty of the Monterey Peninsula can also be explored at one of the area’s state beaches. Here tidepools, filled with anemones and starfish, are hidden among the rocks.

17 Mile Drive is the scenic route between Monterey and Carmel. The road winds along the rugged coast and curves through groves of Monterey Pine and Gowen Cypress trees past the famous Lone Cypress and Pebble Beach Golf Course. An admission to the route is charged but the scenic views are well worth the price.

South of Monterey is Carmel, perhaps best known as the town where actor Clint Eastwood was once mayor. The seaside scenery has a calming effect on this quaint village. The main shopping district is located on Ocean Avenue (between Junipero and Monte Verde). Carmel resembles an 18th-century European village with narrow streets lined with antique shops, art galleries, boutiques and restaurants.

Just a four-hour drive from San Francisco is one of the most beautiful spots on earth, Yosemite National Park.

Nowhere else in the world are there as many big falls in such a small area including the 2,425-foot Yosemite Falls, the highest fall in North America. The granite building blocks of the Sierra Nevada, El Capitan, Cathedral Rock, Three Brothers, Royal Arches, Half Dome and Clouds Rest are among the state’s most spectacular treasures.

South of San Francisco is San Jose, "The Capital of Silicon Valley." Named after the silicon chip that was invented here, the Silicon Valley is home to leaders in the high-tech industry. San Jose is centrally located between San Francisco to the north and Monterey/Carmel to the south.

San Jose, California's third largest city, offers museums, dining, shopping, cultural events and attractions such as the Winchester Mystery House. The house was built by Sarah Winchester, heiress to the rifle fortune, who believed that she could amend past wrongdoings and live forever by continuously building onto her house 24 hours a day. The result of Winchester's occult beliefs is a house made up of narrow passageways, doors that lead nowhere and zigzag staircases.

During the tour of this historical landmark, visitors have the opportunity to explore both the bizarre and the beautiful found in the 160-room mansion.

One of the oldest college campuses in California, the University of California, Berkeley, is also among the highest academically ranked universities in the country. The campus ambiance has certainly changed since the 60s; Young Republicans are one of the largest student groups, but passionate rallies are still held on the steps of Sproul Hall. The Campanile, a 300-foot tower, offers a spectacular view of the Bay Area from atop. Tours of the campus are offered daily.

Just 200 miles from San Francisco is Lake Tahoe, a beautiful glacial carved lake divided in half by the Nevada/ California State Line. Drive around Lake Tahoe’s 72-mile shoreline and enjoy its beauty from the many vistas.

South Lake Tahoe (in Nevada) is home to several large hotel-casinos while North Lake Tahoe has preserved the tranquility of a mountain community.

With so much to see and do year round, Lake Tahoe is a very popular weekend destination for Bay Area residents. Summer activities include hiking, swimming, and water skiing; while winter brings alpine and cross-country skiing enthusiasts to the area.

And, of course, many people visit Lake Tahoe solely for the indoor activities, gambling in the luxurious casinos of South Lake Tahoe where the lure of the tables and slot machines draw those willing to take a risk for a chance at fortune.