5 Best Sights in The Bay Area, California

It's a seasonal ritual for California's elephant seals to come ashore here each winter—and a spectacular annual event for human visitors to watch these incredible marine mammals playing, flirting, breeding, and sometimes fighting in the chilly salt water and brisk sunshine. Guided tours (around three miles) are mandatory to keep the elephant seals safe and to protect this fragile ecosystem.

Stop for a spell at Harley Farms, a restored 1910 farm and fully operational dairy that stretches over 28 acres and houses 165 goats on 9 acres of pasture. Two-hour weekend tours follow the milk trail as it moves from goat to dairy, then from curd to cheese (Harley's is renowned for its chèvre, fromage blanc, ricotta, and feta). You can walk around the yard, spy on goats and llamas, and read detailed signage describing the buildings and operations. The Harley Farms Shop sells cheese, lotions, soaps, and gift items. Monthly dinners, conducted in the old hayloft showcase local, in-season produce and book up fast.

If a quarantine is not in effect (watch for signs), from November through April you can look for mussels amid tidal pools and rocky outcroppings at Pescadero State Beach; a fishing license is required. Any time of year is good for exploring the beach, the north side of which has several secluded spots along sandstone cliffs. Across U.S. 101, the 243-acre Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve has hiking trails and is the site of a large and active blue-heron rookery. Early spring and fall mornings are the best times to come, when there are lots of migrating birds and other wildlife to see. No pets on the beach or in the preserve. Amenities: parking (fee); toilets. Best for: solitude; sunset; walking.

One of the most striking stretches of the peninsular coastline is where Highway 1 meets the road leading to the quaint town of Pescadero. On the other side of the highway is a marsh that is always a great spot for seeing local wildlife and birds. The mile-long beach almost appears like an amphitheater thanks to how the short, steep cliffs block any view of the highway above them. Stroll around and view the majestic rock arch and coves. Amenities: toilets, parking (fee). Best for: walking.

At 115 feet tall, it's impossible to miss this impressive lighthouse that is about halfway between Pescadero and the southern edge of San Mateo County. The lighthouse dates back to 1872, helping boats navigate through the ever-present local fog. The original lens is no longer used, but the Coast Guard still uses a much more modern LED light here to help guide those at sea.