Enjoy a restful stay in nature, only a stone’s throw away from the city

Here's your plan for a luxurious staycation in nature near San Francisco:
Restful stay at Inn at the Presidio, visit Colibri for lively Mexican dinner

A Luxurious Staycation in Nature

Book your stay at Inn at the Presidio for a luxurious escape featuring a European breakfast buffet, evening wine and cheese, and complimentary bike usage.

Luxurious Staycation

✅ Before you go
• Make a reservation here: https://presidiolodging.com/inn-at-the-presidio/
• Price dependent on dates and some dates require 2 or 3 night minimum
• Prices based on double occupancy
• Additional guests over age 15 are an additional $25 per person

💪 Pro tips
 • I definitely recommend booking a suite
• European style continental breakfast buffet between 7am - 10am Weekdays and till 11am on weekends
• There is an evening wine and cheese reception between 5pm-7pm
• 2 complimentary bicycles are available on a first come first served basis
• Complimentary access to the gym at the YMCA-please bring a photo ID and room key when utilizing the gym
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Overnight parking is $13
• visiting https://presidio.gov/welcome to explore all that the park has to offer

Book your stay at Inn At the Presidio 

Savor delicious Mexican cuisine at Colibri Mexican Bistro, featuring a lively atmosphere and standout guacamole in the Presidio neighborhood.

Fine Dining

✅ Before you go
• https://www.colibrimexicanbistro.com/

Have Dinner at Colibri

I have found the perfect staycation in nature,

All just a stone's throw away from the city.

The Inn At the Presidio has recently undergone renovations

A cute inclusive perk at the Inn is its self-serve wine bar,

offering a collection of local wines and spread of appetizers

Take in the history and elegance of the communal 

Conveniently located a couple doors down is Calibri.

This Mexican bistro provides a lively atmosphere.

but be warned that the lolly has a kick to it.

The guacamole here is delicious and I had just enough room for the Torta Del 

After all that food, not only was bed calling

but the self serve European continental breakfast

provided a welcomed fresh and light spread

Located behind the Inn is the ecology trail.

You'll be surprised by just how much wildlife you'll find here.

Alternatively, utilize one of the Inn's complimentary bikes

and take in the iconic view of Golden Gate Bridge.

So whether you have friends or family visiting or need a vacation yourself,

The perfect last minute day trip = ZERO planning required (and only half a tank of gas)! This jam-packed itinerary complete- with gobsmacking views and fun surprises- satiates both the need for adventure as well as rest & relaxation.

Here's your plan for a spontaneous day trip to secluded beaches and coastal redwoods

Secluded Beaches + Coastal Redwoods

Start your adventure by stocking up on essentials at the Fort Ross Store, enjoying a scenic view with a coffee or grabbing a sandwich for later.

Grab Coffee/Sandwich

✅ Before you go
• Located right on HWY 1, but it’s easy to overlook and service is spotty. Prep directions beforehand and have your copilot(s) help keep lookout.

💪 Pro tips
• Parking is limited– on weekends try to avoid issues by coming before or after the lunch rush.
• The view from the backyard is amazing! If you’re not quite ready for lunch, grab coffee/juice/beer (they have it all!) to enjoy from there before hitting the road.

Fuel Up at Fort Ross Store

At Salt Point State Park, explore the dynamic tide-pools, rich with marine life. An $8 cash fee applies for parking/day use.

Tide-Pool Exploration

✅ Before you go
• Parking/Day Use fee is $8 cash.
• Cell service was spotty for us the whole day. Don’t plan on relying on your phone, but luckily these locations are pretty easy to find by following road signage.

💪 Pro tip
• Get a map from the parking attendant– this will cover any trails and beaches in the area.

Explore Tide-Pools at Salt Point State Park

Explore Stump Beach by walking the coastal trail at Salt Point, which offers stunning views and is perfect for relaxing on its pebbly shores.

Coastal Trail Walk

✅ Before you go
• It’s not really a swimming, but if you want to hang out here bring towels/blankets as it’s mostly pebbles.
• You can skip the walk and drive straight to Stump Beach instead. Parking in the Stump Beach lot or across HWY 1 is free!

Walk the Coastal Trail to Stump Beach

Experience a less frequented trail at Salt Point Trail - Northern Trailhead for a shorter, serene hike through picturesque settings with minimal crowds.

Hiking Trail

✅ Before you go
• Carefully run across HWY 1 to get to the trailhead! It’s just 2 lightly trafficked lanes, but as noted above you can drive to the trailhead instead– it is just north of the Salt Point State Beach parking lot, on the opposite side of 1.

💪 Pro tip
• My theory is this trail was empty because it’s past the main trailhead for Salt Point State Park. I recommend this route for a shorter and less trafficked hike, but the main parking lot more longer trails (both can be seen in Google Maps).

Hike Salt Point Trail

Enjoy a picnic at Black Point Beach with easy access, free parking, and a bit of a walk. Carry light due to the many stairs.

Beach Picnic

✅ Before you go
• There is free parking and an easy walk to the beach, but lots of stairs so pack accordingly.

Picnic at Black Point Beach

Visit the uniquely designed Sea Ranch Chapel, open sunrise to sunset. Explore its intricate architecture, though post-sunset access may be limited.

Chapel Visit

✅ Before you go
• Hours are “Sunrise to Sunset” daily, but if you want to go inside, err on the side of caution as we were there a bit before sunset but it was fully locked up.

Visit Sea Ranch Chapel

At The Sea Ranch Lodge, greet roaming sheep along Galleons Reach. No public parking; explore on foot for more sights and stunning beach views at sunset.

Visit Sheep

✅ Before you go
• We saw these sheep on Galleons Reach just off of HWY 1, but they roam and might not be there when you are.
💪 Pro Tip
• There’s no public parking on the Sea Ranch property. If you have the time, walk (or bike) to this location– there’s lots to explore here and epic beach/sunset views!

Say ‘Hi’ to the Sheep

I know I'm getting old because I suddenly think if

I haven't made plans at least a day in advance,

But that is simply not true because we live in California

so let me show you how you can sleep in until 11 and still do all this before sunset.

As all unplanned adventures start, grab the essentials and hit the road.

The first stop is an unassuming gas station

with an epic view and delicious sandwiches.

but if you left before noon, you can sip a coffee out back and take lunch for later.

The short coastal trail to Stump Beach has so much

marine life from the tide pools to the horizon.

There were even whales spouting off in the distance

and don't get me started on the ocean breeze. Oh my God. It smelled so good.

I wish I could bottle it up and take it back to San Francisco.

This trail leads to the most picturesque secluded beach.

So we headed towards the redwoods on the other side of the highway.

I feel like it's rare to be able to hop from ocean to forest this easily,

We saw no one else on the trail besides this majestic lady

Follow the same path back and drive to the best beach.

The clips say more than I can but the water, the sand, the lack of crowds(!!),

it is everything you want in a beach day.

Enjoy your lunch…dinner…whatever and maybe even take a dip.

Then we rounded out the day with some unique stops.

The Sea Ranch Chapel is a beautiful nondenominational

see this crazy intricate architecture up close.

And while in Sea Ranch you're bound to see some cute farm animals.

Sheep in the daylight are adorable but sheep at golden hour?? Oh my God.

Anyway, all the details are in the notes.

So the next time you don't have a plan, I really think you should try this one.

Step aboard for the perfect day on the water aboard an electric boat! Cruise the serene waters of Richardson Bay in Sausalito, soak in breathtaking views of San Francisco, vibrant houseboats, and an array of stunning sea life.

Here's your plan for a fun electric boat cruise in Sausalito with views and drinks

The Ultimate Boating Day in Sausalito

Depart from Clipper Yacht Harbor in Sausalito for an electric boat adventure with BAE BOATS, cruising around Richardson Bay with up to 10 friends.

Boating Adventure

✅ Before you go
• Book a reservation at https://www.baeboats.com/sausalito-boat-rentals/. It’s $350/hour excluding taxes and the boat holds up to 10 people.
• Complete your online waiver prior to arrival.

💪 Pro tips
• Arrive at least 20 minutes before the rental start time.
• Bring your own beverages & snacks – there is a Molly Stones Market conveniently located next to the Marina as well as a number of restaurants nearby.
• Bring suitable shoes, sunscreen, and dress in layers.
• The Bae Boat has a Bluetooth sound system, so make sure to have your favorite playlists on hand.

Meet at the Clipper Yacht Harbor sign

Set on an ultimate maritime adventure on an electric boat

with some of your besties or whomever can tolerate you.

We made our way to Sausalito where we pulled up to

the Marina before we parked and professionally greeted our friends.

one of the owners of Bae Boats gave us a rundown of

what to expect before we made our way to our Bae Boat!

I’m the King of the, what the hell are we doing?

Glide over the tranquil waters on Richardson Bay and enjoy

the views of San Francisco and its coastal views,

and if you're lucky, say hi to the otters.

Don’t forget to bring a bottle of champagne or whatever

your heart desires and drink up to celebrate life.

What a fun experience. Thanks so much for having us Bae Boats!

How to find a well hidden picnic spot with imo the best view in the bay.

Here's your plan for grabbing sandwiches at Lucca Deli and hiking to Engagement Hill's viewpoint

My Secret Lookout Spot 🤫

Grab sandwiches at Lucca Delicatessen in The Marina, San Francisco before hiking to a breathtaking lookout spot.

Grab Sandwiches

💪 Pro tips

• There can be a big line, so order online in advance

• My order is a soft sweet roll, house roasted turkey, havarti, mayo, yellow mustard, pesto, pepperoncini and avocado (not many veggies b/c I don’t want it to get too moist)

Grab sandos

Engagement Hill offers a stunning hike leading to an unparalleled bay view, featuring sights of SF, Oakland, and the Marin Headlands.

Hiking

💪 Pro tips

• Set your navigation from the city to Presidio Riding Club Trail Parking, or the Gerbode Valley Trailhead (same place)

• Take the trail away from the road > R on Rodeo Valley Trail > R on SCA Trail > the viewpoint is up a small path off to your left (it’s called Engagement Hill on Google Maps). Continue on the SCA Trail to do a loop back to your car

• Here is the loop on Google Maps (https://maps.app.goo.gl/6fg8iksGu93DdjKp8) and AllTrails (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/rodeo-valley-loop-and-slacker-hill?u=i&sh=zvj4hi)

Hike to the spot

Here's your plan to hike to my secret view spot where

you can see the best view in the entire bay.

First head to Lucca Deli. This is my favorite Italian Deli in the city.

You're gonna take one of the first exits right

after this place is super close to the city.

It's only about a mile hike up to the viewing spot.

This is one of those classic sf hikes where you're below a cloud, you're in a cloud,

Eventually you're gonna take a little turn off the main trail.

It's really easy to miss that will take you up to this beautiful spot where you can see

Sausalito, the East Bay, and then back to San Francisco.

So post up here, have that sandwich and enjoy your time.

Explore the only part of the CA coast that is untouched by humans.

Here's your plan for exploring the pristine Lost Coast through a scenic backpacking adventure

The Lost Coast 🐳

The Lost Coast Trail offers a rugged, untouched coastal experience through hiking or backpacking, ideal for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.

💪 Pro tips
• These pro tips are for doing the entire northern LCT as a backpacking trip (what most people do)

• It’s a 25 mile stretch of coast that you backpack through. Most do this in 3 days + 2 nights (more strenuous, less time to hang out) or 4 days + 3 nights (less strenuous, more time to hang out). I recommend 4+3

• FIRST, secure a permit by doing 3 things

1️⃣ Find a date with a permit available - you’re picking the date that you plan to start your trip https://www.recreation.gov/permits/72192

2️⃣ Confirm that the tides make all the dates of your trip possible. Click “Need to Know” on the permit website and don’t plan to go on any Impassable Dates

⚠️ This is important, as they let you book permits on days when you can’t pass

3️⃣ No dates that work? Permits are released 3 months out every day at 7AM PT

💡 Permits are only $6 - lock in a date before you get caught up in all the other planning

• SECOND (now that you have a permit), you need to book a shuttle that will take you from your car to the other end of the LCT (so you end at your car). Book one here https://lostcoastadventures.com/book-now/

• THIRD (now that your logistics are booked), familiarize yourself with the details of this trip by reading this guide: https://www.lilymtang.com/blog/guide-to-the-lost-coast-trail

• The LCT has 12 campsites along the 25 miles. The thing you’ll want to plan is which campsites you plan to spend your 3 nights at (we did Sea Lion Gulch > Big Creek > Gitchell Creek and it was perfect), and therefore when you need to hike each day to get to your next campsite considering the tide schedule. For example, maybe on Saturday you need to get from Sea Lion Gulch to Big Creek, and part of the route is impassable after 4PM. You’ll then want to get started well before this so you get through the impassable section before 4PM

• This site has an interesting interactive guide for planning campsites and tides. I found it a little confusing but maybe I’m just dumb https://outdoorstatus.com/guides/lost-coast-trail/tide-chart/

• Gitchell Creek has a secret campsite if you go inland from the beach, it’s awesome

• If you’ve never backpacked before I won’t cover all those details, but here’s a good overview on what you’ll do https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YScCCGbnIIk. And here’s a good checklist from REI https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-checklist.html. You can rent everything you need from Sports Basement or REI, and the staff there should be well acquainted with the LCT and help you get set

👇 My specific LCT and backpacking pro tips on what to bring

• Wear leggings or pants so you don’t have to worry about poison oak

⚠️ Absolutely bring trekking poles with snow, sand or mud baskets. Otherwise your pole will go deep into the sand and not help you

• Make old fashioned cocktails and bring them in this https://www.rei.com/product/152028/platypus-platypreserve-portable-wine-bottle-27-fl-oz (we had 1 full container for 3 people on the trip and wished we had double). It was truly divine to cap off a day of trekking with a cocktail and the sunset 

• Download the AllTrails route and/or Google Maps of the area so you have a good offline map

• Bring portable chairs. You can sit on logs/bear canisters but after a long day those chairs are 🤌. I have these, kinda expensive but you can also rent a chair https://www.rei.com/product/231932/big-agnes-skyline-ul-chair

• My favorite water filter system by far https://www.rei.com/product/866422/platypus-gravityworks-water-filter-system-4-liter

• My favorite camp food by far is Peak Refuel, it’s so bomb (biscuits and gravy, beef stroganoff, homestyle chicken and rice, cookie bites)

• I think it’s worth extra weight to have a comfy sleeping pad (go for the “comfort plus” and not the “ultra superlight” option) and pillow (https://www.rei.com/product/170456/nemo-fillo-pillow)

The Lost Coast Trail

There is only one part of the California coast that is untouched by humans.

So there's a coastline a few hours north of San Francisco that

is so rugged and so wild that they couldn't develop it.

This place is aptly named the lost coast.

Imagine this 30 miles of the coast with not a single beach house,

Wilderness has completely taken over and the only way you

can see this is to hike or backpack through it.

We ended up doing a three day backpacking trip and saw the entire thing

and all the details you need to do that are in the notes, but

you can also head up and hike part of it on a day trip.

I saw more animals while we were there than any time I have ever spent in nature.

So all you gotta do is think of that one friend

who you think would be down to do this with you