7 Best Sights in The Bay Area, California

When the fog hasn't rolled in, this expansive stretch of sand is about as close as you can get in Marin to the stereotypical feel of a Southern California beach. There are several clothing-optional areas, among them a section south of Stinson Beach called Red Rock Beach. Pets are not allowed on the national park section of the beach.

Swimming at Stinson Beach can be dangerous; the undertow is strong, and shark sightings, though infrequent, have occurred. Lifeguards are on duty in the summer months.

On any hot summer weekend, roads to Stinson are packed and the parking lot fills, so factor this into your plans. The town itself—population 600, give or take—has a nonchalant surfer vibe, with a few good eating options and pleasant hippie-craftsy browsing. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards (summer); parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: nudists; sunset; surfing; swimming; walking, windsurfing.

The peninsular coastline’s signature beach is actually a collection of four smaller beaches. All of them are beautiful and all of them will definitely be too cold for swimming beyond a brisk dunk. Each of the beaches has its own facilities and they’re connected by the Coastal Trail, a popular choice for joggers and cyclists. On a clear day, the beaches are absolutely magnificent with the tree-covered Santa Cruz Mountains looming tall behind you and the deep blue of the Pacific right in front of you. The appropriately named crescent-shaped beach has sand for roughly four miles, but its grand setting makes it feel much larger. For a good overview, hit the visitor’s center at Francis Beach (open only on weekends). Amenities: restrooms, showers. Best for: walking, sunset.

Small but scenic, this beach—a rocky patch of shoreline off Highway 1—is a good place to stretch your legs and gaze out at the Pacific Ocean. Locals often walk their dogs here; families and cuddling couples come for picnicking and sunbathing. At the northern end of the beach are waterfront homes (and occasional nude sunbathers), and at the other are the bluffs of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. A pedestrian bridge connects directly from the parking lot to the beach, as well as to other coastal paths. There are no lifeguards on duty and the currents can be challenging, so swimming is not advised. Before or after a beach visit, enjoy a view from a scenic overlook above the beach's northern end, accessible via a different parking lot off the Shoreline Highway.  Amenities: parking (no 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.

This 4-mile stretch of sand is perfect for long walks, kite flying, and picnic lunches, though the frigid water and strong rip currents make swimming inadvisable. There are three access points (Francis, Venice, Dunes) and four beaches (Francis, Venice, Dunes, Roosevelt). One access point (Francis) is in Half Moon Bay; the others are north of town off the highway. To find them, look for road signs that have a picture of footsteps. There's a visitor center and BBQ pits at Francis and picnic areas at Francis and Roosevelt. Dogs are prohibited. Amenities: parking (fee); showers; toilets. Best for: camping; solitude; sunset; surfing; walking.

Just off the coast at Half Moon Bay is Mavericks, one of the biggest surfing breaks in the world when there's a big swell. Waves here have reportedly reached 60 feet in height, and some surfers get towed out to them by Jet Skis. The break is roughly a mile offshore, so seeing it from the coast can be tough and requires a challenging hike. Every year, if the conditions are just right, the word goes out that the Mavericks surf competition will take place, and the world's best surfers rush to town for the famous invitational. The Mavericks competition is best viewed on closed-circuit TV at local bars.

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.