Marin Headlands

For the most spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay, drive north across the Golden Gate Bridge, take the first exit and head up the Marin Headlines. As you drive straight up the narrow road, you will be hugging the cliffs, and you will be eye level with the north tower of the Golden Gate Bridge, it will seem close enough to touch. With a view of the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco Skyline, and the sparkling sun, it's one of the most beautiful places in California. Here, too, are miles of hike trails to beach and cliffs. Take a stroll down to the headline to beaches like Kirby Cove, and Black San Beach, which are excellent fishing and relaxing areas. Continue down the winding road to Point Bonita and its spectacular cliff-hanging lighthouse.

Sausalito

Today Sausalito can once again be reached by ferry, look for wildlife while you are on your way from San Francisco Ferry Building. As you approach the town, Angel Island lies to the east, and the rows of white and pastel-colored Sausalito rose above the shoreline to your left.

The views are similar to what you would see off the coast of Italy, in the Mediterranean sea. In the past ten years, Sausalito has become a substantial tourist destination, which can get a bit overwhelming at times. Along its waterfront, you will find most of the restaurants and shops, but what makes Sausalito so unique are the hidden back roads deep in the cliffside. These roads are where you will find most locals who are naturally tiring to get out of the well-beaten path.

China Camp

To reach China, Camp turn east off US 101 onto North San Pedro Road at the Marin County Civic Center. The road curves through a suburban development before winding through marshes and headlines to a pristine landscape of meadows, low cliffs, and coves, Point San Pedro.

Near the cove are shacks and other vestiges of the Chinese settlement, which flourished here from the 1870s to the 1950s. The men who lived here harvested San Pablo Bay shrimp. China Camp was one of the 27 fishing villages that prospered in the area and sent 10 million pounds of the dried shellfish to Asia.