Explore the Golden State on a journey from San Francisco to Kings Canyon
California is huge. But it’s the diverse landscapes, not just size, that make California so attractive to anyone who loves the outdoors. The short list: nine national parks (more than any other state); 840 miles of coastline with more than 1,150 public access points; and 12 distinct regions, each with its own flavor. From desert terrain to coastal mountains that plunge into the Pacific Ocean, from fertile valleys to the alpine wonderland of the Sierra Nevada, California is really one giant playground. I’m all about playing outside, so naturally I was super excited for a midsummer road trip from San Francisco, down the Central Coast, through the Central Valley, and into Kings Canyon.
Stop 1: San Francisco
San Francisco will make a city person out of anyone. It has all the perks of a world-class city, plus world-class access to the outdoors. That’s why I have a soft spot for this city—and why I started my road trip there. Here’s what I recommend.
Paddle the San Francisco Bay.
Views of the bay from the shore are stunning, but to truly experience San Francisco Bay, you have to get out on the water. My trusty paddleboard made the trip, so I decided to put her seaworthiness to the test with a morning SUP sesh in the bay. Launch from McCovey Cove, near Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants, for views of downtown San Francisco and Treasure Island. This launch area is known for having calm waters, but you can tip the scales in your favor by getting out in the morning before afternoon winds pick up. I wasn’t the only one enjoying the great weather and calm morning waters—I enjoyed a visit from a curious harbor seal while I was out and about. If you don’t bring your board with you everywhere in summer like I do, you can rent a kayak instead. Or, if you’re visiting Friday to Monday, opt for a 1.5-hour guided paddle with City Kayak.
Explore nature art around the city.
To see just how intertwined San Francisco is with nature, head to Wood Line in the Presidio to check out the nature art constructed by Andy Goldsworthy, whose work is featured around the city. Want to get your hands dirty with your own nature art experience? Sign up for a wild clay class at Artillery Ceramics. This local pottery studio offers clay foraging workshops at local nature reserves. Learn about gathering clay and then shape it into your own masterpiece right on the beach.
Bike the Golden Gate Bridge.
Touristy? Yes, and totally worth doing. Rent a bike and pedal all or part of the bridge. From the Presidio to the Marin County line and back is about 3.5 miles. Weekdays before 3 p.m., the pedestrian path is open to both bikes and foot traffic. After 3 p.m. and on weekends, the west side pedestrian path becomes bikes only, which makes navigating easier if you’re like me and not used to biking in cities.
Catch classic San Francisco sunset views.
Every San Francisco local has their favorite sunset spot. Lucky for me (and you), a local friend was willing to share hers. For prime sunset views of the Golden Gate Bridge, hike the Batteries to Bluffs Trail on the west side of the Presidio. This short but steep 2.3-mile hike runs along the cliff and offers multiple lookout points to see the bay, bridge, and Point Bonita Lighthouse across the water. On your way back to the trailhead, keep an eye out for banana slugs. These bright yellow slugs like to hang out on the stairs that lead down to the water at dusk.
Travel Tip:
Book a room at the Lodge at the Presidio. This boutique hotel is the closest lodging to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, so you’ll be right in the heart of the action with lots of walkable access to nearby restaurants. Venturing beyond walking distance? Park your car and cruise the city using Waymo—the all-electric self-driving cabs recently piloted in the city.
