historic house tours bay area

The Visitor Guide

Introduce yourself to Filoli, where you can explore 16 acres of formal gardens, step back in time in the historic house museum, and hike through the lush and varied natural communities of the estate. Use this guide to enhance your experience at Filoli and as a souvenir to take home.

The Visitor Guide does not ship to you or include admission. When you arrive, our staff will have your copy available to pick up at check-in.

What's Inside?

The History

Located 30 miles south of San Francisco, Filoli is nestled on a slope of the Santa Cruz Mountains and surrounded by more than 23,000 acres of the protected Peninsula watershed. To the two families who lived here, Filoli represented a desire to create a magnificent and enduring country estate. Today, Filoli’s mission is to connect our rich history with a vibrant future through beauty, nature, and shared stories.

Designed by architect Willis Polk, the House took three years to construct and cost $425,000 ($8.5 million in 2020 currency), not including the Garden and auxiliary buildings.

The Georgian-style terraces in the Garden highlight sweeping views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Their simple design is a contrast to the formal English Renaissance-style garden to the south, which features lush flower beds, yew-lined avenues, and centerpieces like the Sunken Garden.

The Filoli Estate and Nature Lands boast a variety of ecosystems within a compact area, including oak-madrone forests, redwood groves, and chaparral. There are also natural springs and creeks, a reservoir, and cultivated grasslands.

900 to 1500

Indigenous Ohlone people maintain a seasonal village in the area.

Spanish explorers from the Portolá Expedition camp in present-day San Mateo County on their return south from San Francisco Bay. 

The land in this area is used for ranching and logging, as control of the California territory passes through Spanish, Mexican, and American hands.

The Bourns purchase 709 acres for $89,000 ($2.3 million in 2020 currency).

Construction of the Filoli House is completed.

Agnes and William Bourn pass away.

The Roth family buys Filoli.

1975 - 1981

Lurline Roth gifts 125 acres, including the House and formal garden, to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The nonprofit Filoli Center purchases an additional 528 acres from the Roth family, and opens to the public.

Alameda Legacy Home Tour

Come celebrate with us the 50th Anniversary of AAPS’ Legacy Home Tour. Sunday  September 17th from 10am to 4pm. Save the Date! Tickets, vendors, cafe and fun activities at Franklin Park .

Tickets will go on sale July 4th!

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS

The tour is hosted by the Alameda Architectural Preservation Society (AAPS )  a nonprofit organization.

The funds raised by the  Alameda Legacy Home Tour benefit the Alameda Architectural Preservation Society (AAPS).

CELEBRATE ALAMEDA’S GLORIOUS HISTORIC HOMES.

Alameda is blessed with over 4000 buildings on the Historic Study list, including many architectural styles. Our organization helps homeowners and business people appreciate the historic nature of their properties and learn restoration techniques that will bring buildings back to their original splendor.

HOME TOURS CELEBRATE PRESERVATION EFFORTS

We have hosted Legacy Home Tours since the 1973. The annual tour of historic homes is the main fund raising effort supporting the programs of AAPS.

Alameda, with its beautiful architecture and tree-lined streets is truly one of the best places to live in the Bay Area. Visit, take the tour, and find out for yourself.

Volunteer to help for our 2023 Legacy Home Tour!

Please email Denise if you would like to join us! .  We meet most months on the first Wednesday of the month. We are a fun group — join us! 

Contact Denise: [email protected]

Friends of the Tour

Please visit our advertisers and sponsors:.

WELCOME TO THE HAAS-LILIENTHAL HOUSE

 A NATIONAL TREASU RE

D esigned by architect Peter R. Schmidt for William and Bertha Haas, and constructed in 1886, the 11,500 square foot  Haas-Lilienthal House embodies both the ambitious spirit of San Francisco’s pioneers and its grand Victorian-period architecture.   

Surviving the 1906 earthquake and fire, it remained in the family until 1973, when the three adult children of the recently deceased Alice Haas-Lilienthal entrusted the House to a new architectural preservation organization, The Foundation for San Francisco's Architectural Heritage (now SF Heritage ).

After some preparation, the H-L House eventually became their new headquarters, and they quickly converted it into offices, a house museum featuring docent-led public tours, as well as a sophisticated venue for private events . SF Heritage also developed a highly successful educational program designed for third graders to learn more about architecture, preservation and 19th century living.

Today, this exuberant Queen Anne style home survives as a site of national cultural and architectural significance.  In addition to being on the National Register of Historic Places and San Francisco Landmark #69, the House was designated a National Treasure in 2012 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Things To Do | Bay Area Outdoors: Exploring the formal gardens…

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Things to do | bay area outdoors: exploring the formal gardens of woodside’s filoli historic estate.

Filoli, Woodside’s historic estate has long been a holiday lights destination. But the grounds are simply spectacular, with 16 acres of formal gardens, 250 fruit trees, a vegetable garden and a daffodil meadow planted with more than 75,000 spring bulbs. Getting your steps in has never been so lovely.

As the director of horticulture, responsible for all the growing things at Filoli, Jim Salyards knows those grounds intimately, but one spot among the thousands whispers to him, no matter the season.

Near the estate swimming pool stands a Camperdown elm planted decades ago. In the winter, the bare limbs are blanketed with moss, and the hundreds of branches make it appear as if the tree is wearing a fascinator of clouds. In the spring, the tree leafs out in brilliant greens with long, dangling chartreuse seed pods that dance in the breeze. As the days move into summer, the tree offers a welcoming, embracing umbrella of shade; sitting beneath it, time seems to still.

In a landscape that provides so much beauty, it’s easy to be overtaken by the glory spread out before you, but Filoli is a place to take your time, do some exploring and look for the details that make the difference.

Filoli was built in 1917 in the style of a Georgian mansion. Owners William and Agnes Bourn had intended it to be their country retreat, but grandeur won out as the home rose from its foundations to include 56 rooms covering more than 54,000 square feet.

After their deaths, the 654-acre estate was sold to William and Lurline Roth, who continued to expand the gardens. Lurline was a particular fan of camellias – she was crazy for camellias, Salyards says – and a large variety of the shrubs can be found throughout the formal gardens.

The Roths, Salyards says, wanted the estate to be a place of horticulture significance, where people could visit and learn about the astounding aspects of nature. Before her death, Lurline ensured that would happen, refusing to sell the estate and instead agreeing to put it in the hands of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Filoli has been open for public tours of both the house and the gardens for almost 50 years.

Like all living things, appearances change from year to year and season to season, but at the heart of the expansive garden is its caretakers’ drive to preserve historic plantings while keeping up with the times, including an emphasis on reducing water use. That has led to some interesting, how-can-that-possibly-work-but-it-does landscaping decisions that include a formal English garden planted with Mediterranean stalwarts and a traditional cottage garden filled with California natives.

Perhaps you’ve only seen Filoli festooned with holiday lights or when the tulips gently wave their hellos — perhaps you’ve never found the time to stroll the estate at all. Now is always the perfect time to go, and when you do, here are 11 must-sees when visiting Filoli.

Century-old wisteria: A wisteria planted at the entrance of the mansion, probably when it was built, still climbs up the brick to the roof and drapes down as only wisteria can. Cuttings from the original plant have been rooted and planted around the home.

The back of the house: Although everyone likes to pose in front of the huge front doors, don’t forget to walk behind the house, where there are quiet spots to sit and contemplate the beauty. You’ll find a spectacular view of a meadow full of daffodils in the late winter and early spring, set against a backdrop of the Santa Cruz mountains.

Sunken garden: Continuing around the rear of the mansion, you’ll find the sunken garden. The reflecting pool is surrounded by low hedges and formal beds with plants often based on an annual theme. Some years, the sunken garden has featured rows of tulips and other bulbs. Last year, the space was focused on water-wise gardening with plantings and pots of succulents, native bulbs and California wildflowers. The display will remain for another year, providing inspiration to gardeners who want a certain amount of formality and structure, but want to save on their water use.

Garden House beds: An homage to English cottage gardens, these beds were inspired by a visit Salyards made to the Great Dixter home of famed English garden designer Christopher Lloyd, who was partial to cottage gardens that ran wild. Salyards planted the Garden House beds in a similar style, filling the plots with scatterings of dianthus, coral bells, hellebores, anemones and other plants to attract pollinators.

Southern Wall beds: The seven beds are planted in unison — in tulips. Salyards had hoped to create an ombre effect that would lead the visitor’s eye from white to lavender to deep purple. But not being able to count on the bulb providers to accurately label the colors, they’ve settled for a mosaic. Depending on the weather, the blooms can last for up to two months, but even as the blossoms fade, the surrounding trees – crabapple, cherry and hawthorne – as well as azaleas and camellias provide a colorful show.

Daffodil meadow: The meadow is partly responsible for producing Filoli’s heralded “million blooms.” Located adjacent to the garden orchard, the meadow gently slopes down, and in the late winter and early spring, it’s carpeted with daffodils and naked ladies (of the plant variety).

Garden orchard: Filoli has two orchards – a Gentlemen’s Orchard on the far side of the estate and the garden orchard, which is planted in mostly apples and pears. It also features a spectacular wall of espaliered trees – trees trained to grow along horizontal supports, which is both decorative and provides ease in harvesting.

Hedge of copper beech trees: This 2-story high hedge and the arched passages that pass through it may be the most misunderstood element in the garden. In the spring and summer months, its burgundy colored leaves cut a startling swath of color through the garden. In autumn, those same leaves turn a shimmering copper color, but the trees have a unique quality – they don’t begin to drop until spring, when the new foliage arrives, something that prompts the garden staff to put up signs assuring visitors that the hedge is not dead, despite its dried appearance. Take a step inside one of the gateways and check out the interior of the hedge. You’ll find thick, muscular tree trunks inside.

Vegetable garden: For more than 40 years, the vegetable garden at Filoli has been off limits, but it has recently opened to the public. And a special wrought iron gate, fashioned by Toby Sticpewich of Protean Steel, is worth the walk. The gate teases to what’s inside with a display of smooth metal replicas of tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, eggplant and other highly realistic veggies. Inside the gate is an expansive vegetable garden that includes not only the classics but also vegetables that are staples of other countries and cultures.

The Estate Trail: This mile-long trail will take you on a journey through oak and madrone forests, redwood groves and chaparral, and past springs and creeks, a reservoir and cultivated grasslands. The trail also crosses the Fault Creek Bridge, where the North American and Pacific plates meet at the San Andreas Fault.

The house: A visit inside the grand home is always worth the time. And if you haven’t yet gotten enough of growing things, Filoli is celebrating houseplants this year — many you might expect and some you might not have thought of are incorporated into the period furnishings.

Filoli Historic House and Garden is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at 86 Cañada Road in Woodside. Admission is $19-$28 (free for children under 5), reservations required; https://filoli.org/.

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6 Historic Homes You Need to Visit in San Francisco

San Francisco is infamous for having expensive homes, but it’s also famous for having important historic properties that have been dutifully preserved since 1850.

Meld your affinity for real estate, history, and San Francisco’s aestheticism by paying a visit to some of these architecturally fascinating estates. You can even spend the night at one if admiring them from afar isn’t satisfying enough.

Painted Ladies aside, here is a compilation of 6 properties in San Francisco that every history buff and real estate aficionado should visit.

Related: Homeownership Under $1M: 7 Cheapest San Francisco Neighborhoods

1. The Grateful Dead House

The Grateful Dead House, the dark brown Queen Anne house photographed above, lives true to its name: it’s the house where the Grateful Dead lived during the 1960s. Located in the Haight on 710 Ashbury Street, visiting this home is an absolute necessity for all Dead Heads and lovers of hippie history. Fair warning, this home is privately owned, so don’t go knocking for Jerry.

Related: Love It or Haight It: Haight Ashbury Neighborhood Guide

2. The Octagon House

The McElroy Octagon House, also known as the Colonial Dames Octagon House, is a historic property located at 2645 Gough Street. Built in 1861, this architectural treasure is a Colonial and Federal Periods Decorative Arts Museum. The museum and garden are open to the public from 12PM to 3PM on the 2nd Sunday and the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month except January. Notably, it carries the shape of an octagon.

3. The  Abner Phelps House

Though the stories about this residence vary depending on the teller, the Abner Phelps house is considered to be the oldest unaltered residence in San Francisco, dating back to 1850. This Gothic Revival home was built by John Middleton & Sons, who was one of the first real estate “concerns” in the City. This house has changed locations a few times, but it is now settled at 1111 Oak Street.

4. The William Westerfeld House

Nestled on the northwest corner of Alamo Square at 1198 Fulton Street, the eye-popping William Westerfeld House is San Francisco Landmark Number 135 and sure to grab the attention of the most distracted of passersby. The first owner of this House of Legends was William Westerfield, a German-born confectioner who arrived in San Francisco in the 1870s. He hired builder Henry Geilfuss to construct a modest 28-room mansion for his family of 6.  After Westerfeld died, John Mahony, who built St. Francis Hotel and the Palace Hotel, purchased and expanded the property. The current owner is Jim Siegel, who purchased the mansion in 1986 and has since retrofitted and upgraded the home.

Related:  Views and Victorians: Things to Do in Alamo Square Park

5.  The Chateau Tivoli

Residing in the Alamo Square Historic District at 1057 Steiner Street, Chateau Tivoli is not only a restored 1892 structure embedded with Victorian antiques, it’s a bed and breakfast! As such, if you really want to indulge your penchant for history, this property might be as close as you can get to time traveling.

6. The Haas-Lilienthal House

Plotted on 2007 Franklin Street, the Haas-Lilienthal House is the the only period era home open to the public in San Francisco. This traditional Queen Anne house exemplifies upper-middle class life in the Victorian era. Designed by German architect Peter R. Schmidt in 1886, this home was commissioned William Haas who was a Bavarian immigrant and considered a leader in the Jewish community. Built of redwood and fir, the house withstood both the 1906 and 1989 earthquakes with only minor damage, making it one of few existing landmarks to have survived the quake.

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In the Bay Area, an early-20th-century estate and its stunning gardens offer period drama year-round

A cozy night in for me typically involves a cup of tea, a dessert and a sumptuous period drama. The pandemic brought with it many nights in, most of them soundtracked by Julie Andrews dishing on Regency scandal in “ Bridgerton ,” or the hustle and bustle of the upstairs-downstairs drama in “ Downton Abbey .” Lately, Monday nights are for watching Christine Baranski chew up and spit out her social underlings on “ The Gilded Age .” In a period that feels anything but glamorous, the lavish costuming and scenery are a balm. Imagine my surprise when I learned there’s a historical Georgian Revival estate and garden that puts many of these screen delights to shame just south of my hometown.

The Filoli Historic House & Garden is a sprawling country estate built in Woodside, Calif. — about 30 minutes south of San Francisco — between 1915 and 1917. Designed by architect Willis Polk, the elegant 54,256-square-foot mansion at its center has its own résumé of television and film credits; most famously, it stood in for the Carrington estate on the prime-time soap “ Dynasty .”

But long before that, it was the home of two wealthy families who contributed to the rise of the Bay Area as an economic powerhouse: the Bourns and the Roths. Since the estate opened to the public in the late 1970s, its extravagant exteriors and artful formal and informal gardens have made it a popular retreat. Its exhibits, which change with the seasons, showcase how the estate operated when it was a private home.

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William Bowers Bourn II, heir to the Empire gold mine fortune, purchased the land outside San Francisco in 1915 and hired his friend Polk to design the expansive country retreat. Bourn and his wife, Agnes, had the house and gardens built to accommodate entertaining on a lavish scale; the couple hosted parties, concerts and balls in the mansion’s more than 2,000-square-foot ballroom. Both Bourns died in 1936, and the 654-acre estate was subsequently purchased by William P. Roth and his wife, Lurline, a shipping heiress. The Roths bolstered the estate’s botanic collections and added elements such as the swimming pool to its 16 acres of gardens. Lurline Roth donated the property to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1975, declaring it “too beautiful to be private.”

Visitors to the estate approach via its grand driveway and may take a self-guided tour of the mansion. The route passes through foyers, porticos, libraries and a ballroom in which they hear a lively period waltz. From the humble servants’ quarters to the elegant drawing and reception rooms, the tour is peppered with informative placards that explain how each room was used. The mansion’s opulent interiors are a window into a bygone era. But it is the botanical wonders of the garden — and frankly, the vibes — that bring me back again and again.

Filoli is relatively contemporary compared with centuries-old homes such as Highclere Castle, which stands in for the titular estate in “Downton Abbey.” “It’s maybe a more accessible story, because this is at the beginning of what we consider modern times,” said Kara Newport, Filoli’s chief executive. And as at many historical sites in recent years, the curators at Filoli have made an effort to spotlight the less palatable aspects of its existence, such as the discrimination and racism prevalent in its heyday. Newport, who came to Filoli in 2016 after having worked at Delaware’s Winterthur Museum , said future exhibits will be shaped by this effort to take a more nuanced look at the estate’s past.

“We were very focused on the two families who lived in the homes, and those stories are great, but there’s so many more stories here,” Newport said.

A local’s guide to San Francisco

The land occupied by the estate is on the traditional territory of the Ramaytush Ohlone, an Indigenous people who lived in the Bay Area before the Spanish occupation and mission system wiped out their numbers. (The estate now has a land declaration posted on its site and an exhibit in the visitor center about the native people who once lived there.)

“Stories of Resilience,” the exhibit I saw in March, highlighted the stories of Filoli staff who faced adversity because of nationality, race or ethnicity. For example, Teikichi Taga, the estate’s Japanese butler, was forcibly relocated and incarcerated with his family in an internment camp during World War II. An information panel notes that census records don’t show any Black staff at Filoli while either family lived at the estate, and points out that the most sought-after jazz musicians of the time, such as Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong, were not among the musicians who performed there.

The formal gardens blend two English garden styles — 18th-century Georgian gardens and the more formal English Renaissance style — and were completed in 1929. Created by landscape designer Bruce Porter and horticulturist Isabella Worn, the beautiful and meticulously maintained spaces are divided into “rooms” separated by hedges and trees, and are the sites of spectacular displays of daffodils and tulips in the spring and roses in the summer. Passing through the rainbow gradient of blooms in the Rose Garden, I milled around peacefully, letting the sun warm my face and the wind blow the hem of my dress around my ankles. Many families were out for Mother’s Day, including mine, and the bright colors and unhurried atmosphere made everything feel lighter.

Brick and wrought-iron garden gates and doors, many the hosts of thick accumulations of climbing wisteria and ivy, connect the rooms and are one of the few reminders of passing time. My favorite part of the Walled Garden, an expansive formal area subdivided into discrete rooms just off the glass-paneled garden house, is the Wedding Place, a terraced grassy staircase where the Roths’ daughter Berenice wed in 1941.

Another jewel of the property, the Sunken Garden is filled with water lilies and flanked by dramatic flower beds, and it sparkles just as brightly in the sun of the warmer months as it does on winter holiday evenings. Sitting in deck chairs under the glass awning among potted flower displays in front of the glamorous pool, my mother and I have passed many a leisurely afternoon.

The estate wasn’t constructed just for aesthetic beauty, though it has that in spades. It’s a working estate that hosts a nature preserve with a peaceful, mile-long trail that’s open to hikers, fruit-producing orchards and an apiary that produces honey made by bees that pollinate the lavender fields and flowers. Local community groups take part in nature and historical education programs on-site, too. The estate stayed open for much of the pandemic, with adjusted procedures in line with state and local guidelines; the county recently lifted its indoor mask mandate for vaccinated guests, but masks are still required for unvaccinated visitors.

My family’s visit to see the house decorated for Christmas and the gardens draped with lights began on an inauspicious note, at the end of a long workweek with omicron casting a growing shadow over the holiday. My soon-to-be sister-in-law joined us on a brisk December night when the rain was coming down in sheets; it was the first time I’ve ever had to psych myself up for a visit. We perked up while strolling through the warm house, which was filled with towering Christmas trees bedazzled with baubles the size of my head and re-creations of sweets that would have been served at early-20th-century holiday parties that made my teeth ache.

But even with our soggy shoes and cold noses, wandering the gardens in the rain had a magical feel that I wasn’t prepared for. The rain splintered on the ground and refracted off the bulbs adorning the trees and bushes around us, casting sparkling light that guided us through the dark paths. The four of us emerged from the Woodland Garden, an informal area filled with camellias and staghorn ferns, and found ourselves on a paved terrace equipped with drink stands. Murmuring along to the Christmas songs sung much more skillfully by Ella Fitzgerald, the four of us clutched each other — and cups of mulled wine — under our umbrellas. It felt like our own pandemic-era version of a glamorous garden party — and my own cinematic moment.

Filoli Historic House & Garden

86 Cañada Rd., Woodside, Calif.

650-364-8300

This estate about 30 minutes south of San Francisco is a National Trust for Historic Preservation property and designated California Historical Landmark . Its stunning gardens showcase a vast collection of seasonal plants, flowers and trees. Visitors may take self-guided tours of the house and hike at the nature preserve. Download a map from its site. A shop sells garden supplies, home goods, live plants, honey and fruit butters produced at the estate’s farm, and a cafe sells grab-and-go meals, pastries and drinks. Reservations required. Gardens open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; house open 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; check website for hours of seasonal events, such as Holidays at Filoli . Tickets include access to the house, garden and Estate Trail, a one-mile self-guided walk. General admission $25 for adults; $22 seniors 65 and over; students, teachers and military $20; and children 5 to 17 $15; check website for special event admission.

PLEASE NOTE

Potential travelers should take local and national public health directives regarding the pandemic into consideration before planning any trips. Travel health notice information can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s interactive map showing travel recommendations by destination and the CDC’s travel health notice webpage .

Watch CBS News

Best Historical Tours In The Bay Area

June 27, 2016 / 5:00 AM PDT / KBCW 44 San Francisco

People visiting the San Francisco Bay Area for the first time typically have a list of places they want to see. For some, there are the iconic must-see attractions such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. For others, the list might include a visit to the California Wine Country or to some of the world's most famous tech companies in Silicon Valley, such as Facebook, Google, and Apple. But those interested in getting a more in-depth look on the history of the Bay Area, they might want to consider some of the best historical tours.

Although neighboring Alcatraz Island garners far more attention and interest from tourists, Angel Island is the much better choice from an historical perspective. Managed by the California State Parks system, Angel Island has been used in several ways over the past 155 years, including as a U.S. military base, a quarantine station, and U.S. Immigration station, known as the "Ellis Island of the West". Accessible only by private boat or public ferry from San Francisco or Tiburon, Angel Island offers spectacular views of the San Francisco skyline and the San Francisco Bay.

Apple I, Computer History Museum (credit: Randy Yagi)

Computer History Museum 1401 N. Shoreline Blvd. Mountain View, CA 94043 (650) 810-1010 www.computerhistory.org

What seems to be an ever-present sight in Silicon Valley is a parade of visitors stopping by leading tech companies to take photos. But perhaps the way to get a better understanding of how this once quiet agricultural region transformed into the world's premier center for technology and innovation is to visit the Computer History Museum in Mountain View. Just down the road from the site where the world's first silicon semiconductor devices were developed, the museum traces the history of the information age and has on display many of its more than 1,100 historically significant artifacts, including early computers from the 1940s and 1950s, an original Apple I computer, early Cray computers, autonomous vehicles and an Enigma machine .

Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historic Park (credit: Randy Yagi)

Rosie The Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park 1414 Harbour Way S., Ste. 3000 Richmond, CA  94804 (510) 232-5050 www.nps.gov/rori

Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historic Park is in part a memorial honoring the patriotic women who contributed to the war effort on the homefront, as well as a protected area for historic landmarks and naval ships. Established in 2000, the historic park features several attractions across 145 acres, including a popular visitor center, Rosie the Riveter Memorial, the Richmond Shipyards and a former Ford Assembly plant used to build military vehicles. Open year round, Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historic Park is admission free and visitors can meet with park rangers for tours and special programs  as well as see several historical artifacts from World War II.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Held On USS Hornet Carrier Museum (credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

USS Hornet Museum 707 W. Hornet Ave. Alameda, CA  94501 (510) 521-8448 www.uss-hornet.org

Triumphantly perched in the waters surrounding the former Oakland Naval Air Station, the USS Hornet is a highly decorated aircraft carrier now serving as a museum. Commissioned in 1943, the 893-foot ship has a long history of service to the country, including 18 months of action during World War II and was also the recovery ship for the Apollo 11 command module, the only section of the spaceship to return to Earth from the world's first landing on the moon. First opened to the public as a museum in 1998, the wonderfully restored USS Hornet is a national historical landmark and features exhibits from the NASA Apollo spaceflight program, 15 historic airplanes and helicopters and thousands of artifacts on display.

Old Ship Saloon (credit: Randy Yagi)

San Francisco City Guides Tours 100 Larkin St. San Francisco, CA  94102 (415) 557-4266 www.sfcityguides.org

San Francisco City Guides is a non-profit organization with volunteers who lead free history and architectural tours throughout San Francisco. Sponsored by the San Francisco Library, the non-profit offers more than 100 different tours and beginning at multiple locations throughout the city. Among the suggested tours are "Gold Rush City,"  "1906 Earthquake and Fire,"  "Mission Dolores and Neighborhood," and "Presidio: From Military Post to Earthquake Refuge to National Park". More than half of the listed tours are offered year round while the others are offered during specified times of the year.

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Historic Sites on The San Francisco Peninsula

Pacific coast lighthouses and historic houses.

With miles of coastline, San Mateo County features spectacular historical lighthouses. Take a drive down Highway 1 and just 50 miles south of  San Francisco you will find the Pigeon Point Light Station . Perched on a cliff in Pescadero , this lighthouse was built in 1872, it is one of the tallest in America and one of our favorite historical places in our destination. From the shore, you may spot whales, seals, and coastal birds. Half-hour guided history walks around the lighthouse grounds are available, staff permitting or upon request by calling 650.879.2120.

Meanwhile, just 25 miles south of San Francisco visitors will find the Point Montara Light Station . Located just between Montara State Beach and the city of Moss Beach, CA . The historic lighthouse was first built in 1881 in Massachusetts, moved to California in 1925, and later rebuilt as the Point Montara Light station in 1928.  

Now, if you happen to be in Half Moon Bay driving along Highway 1, it’s hard to miss the stark white James Johnston House perched atop the rolling hillside. This historical place was built in 1853 by 49er pioneer James Johnston for his California bride, Petra Maria de Jara. The Johnston House is open to visitors the third Saturday of each month and is closed October, November, and December.

You may also take a trip through California’s history and discover how the San Francisco Bay Area and the Sanchez Adobe site, located in Pacifica , was used by the Ohlones, Spanish, Mexicans, and early Americans. If you are visiting during September, be sure to attend the Rancho Day Fiesta where visitors can experience life in the 1840s and learn about how life was like on a rancho in Mexican-influenced California. The Rancho Day Fiesta is held annually the third Saturday in September. While in Pacifica, also make sure to visit the only castle in San Mateo County, Sam’s Castle ! Built in 1908, this museum-like seaside treasure boasts a long colorful history where you can take a guided room-by-room tour led by Bridget Oates, the author of Sam’s Castle book.

HOLIDAYS AND HISTORIC HOUSES

If you happen to be lucky enough to find yourself in San Mateo County and Silicon Valley during the holidays, be sure to visit these festive historical houses and mansions that pull out all the stops for Christmas! Every year, the volunteers at century-old Kohl Mansion , located in Burlingame , decorate the entire house with an incredible array of holiday décor.

Next, we have one of the most famous historic houses in San Mateo County. Located in Woodside ,  Filoli Historic House & Gardens  goes all out for their holiday celebrations, featuring activities and holiday events such as the holiday artisan market, decadence nights with local wine, holiday teas, Santa Saturdays and a Winter Solstice Party. Now, if you are looking for fun holiday events and handcrafting, the Gamble Gardens Historic Home & Gardens , offers family fun holiday activities and educational events such as wreath making, holiday flower arrangements, holiday luncheons, holiday plant and greens sale, and so much more!  

UNIQUE HISTORICAL SITES

Grave hunting, tombstones, and cemeteries, oh my! The city of Colma , also known as the “City of Souls”, has more dead people than living within its borders. The Colma Cemeteries hold are over 1.5 million “souls" and even features a pet cemetery. Some of the graves stones go back as far as 1887 and there are 17 cemeteries to visit. If ghost hunting isn’t your thing, venture to the Pulgas Water Temple to experience how the Bay Area received its water supply. Not only is the Water Temple a feat of engineering that took over 24 years to complete, but it’s also a noteworthy selfie spot on the Peninsula due to its majestic scenery.  

Two Must-See Museums! The San Mateo County History Museum , located in downtown Redwood City features exhibits depicting the history of the Peninsula through the times of the Ohlone Indians, the Spanish explorers, the ranchos, pioneer logging, agriculture, dairy farms, whaling, and the Victorian era of great estates. The museum also features the largest stained-glass dome in a public building on the entire west coast! The USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum located across the Bay in Alameda, CA is also worth a visit. It’s fun for families and adults alike, and you can actually spend the night and sleep in restored compartments where the real Hornet crew lived.

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American Institute of Architects San Francisco

AIASF Home Tours

© Dirk Wyse Photography

© Andre Pennycooke Photography

About AIASF Home Tours

Started in San Francisco in 2004, AIASF’s Home Tours program is the first tour series of its kind in the Bay Area to promote a wide variety of architectural styles, neighborhoods, and residences — all from the architect's point of view. Projects are showcased via an open house format and tour participants have the opportunity to see some of the region's latest projects from the inside out, meet design teams, explore housing trends, and discover design solutions that inspire unique ways of living.

This is an excellent opportunity for architects and homeowners to showcase the positive impact of great residential design in San Francisco and demonstrate the ways design contributes to an improved quality of our daily lives. Members and nonmembers are encouraged to apply.

Specifically, the tour aims to:

• Celebrate great design in the region, revealing ways it continues to contribute to our unique quality of life.
• Promote the awareness, understanding, appreciation, and experience of excellent design.
• Engage the community in conversation about residential design and connection with the surrounding environment.
• Provide insights into the design process with pre-tour lectures and opportunities to interact with architects and designers on site during the tour.
• Demonstrate the positive impact of great design as it contributes to our economy, environment and community identity.
• Highlight the innovative talent of our local design community and inspire a new generation of architects to explore the field.

Presented by AIA San Francisco and the  Center for Architecture + Design , the AIASF Home Tours (formerly San Francisco Living: Home Tours) program is an open house event featuring a select number of modern residences. As the first tour program in the Bay Area to promote residential design, this popular event showcases a variety of architectural styles, neighborhoods and residences, including single-family homes, multi-family complexes, affordable housing and contemporary renovations. Tour participants see some of the latest residential projects from the inside out, meet design teams, explore housing trends, and discover innovative design solutions that inspire unique modern living.

Annabelle Udo-O'Malley AIASF Programs Director [email protected] (415) 874-2632

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Historic homes open for tours, new residents

"This is the billiard room where all the gentlemen would come to share each other's company," says Gaskins.

The house was built in 1912 by John Hopkins Spring, a wealthy land developer. It was designed by John Hudson Thomas -- one of the Bay Area's most important architects in the early Twentieth Century.

"It has unparalleled beauty and it's unique," says Gaskins.

The Spring Mansion can be yours for $6.5 million. It was used for several decades as a young women's college and eventually turned back into a private home.

A lot of original details are still intact like the signature woodwork, beautifully preserved. However, the house does need some serious work. There are more than three acres of what was once a show place garden and it could be again.

"For somebody who has the vision and the desire, this could be an incredibly beautiful place to live," says Gasins.

If you're looking for something with a lower price tag, you might consider renting a historic house in San Francisco's Presidio. One neighborhood was built in the early 1900s for doctors stationed at the former military base.

The houses were vacant for the last 30 years and many were vandalized. Now the Presidio Trust is refurbishing them for rent. It's been a painstaking process.

"What is its historic character? And if it's intact and still evident, our job is to keep that while making it modern, suitable for modern use," says Presidio Trust Architect Robert Wallace.

That means new kitchens, wiring and heating, but everything else is full of history.

"So you are looking at the original fireplace, the original stair," says Wallace.

There are two couples that were among the last families to live here and they came back to take a look.

"The renovations are very nice... It's just the price," says former resident Joanne Dykstra.

There are three single family homes and eight duplexes with rents from $5,000 to $10,000 a month. The biggest house is almost 4,000 square feet. Patty Tovey remembers it was a lot to clean.

"It's a wife killer, but that didn't stop me. I loved the house so much," says former resident Patty Tovey.

At another open house, some people are looking to rent and some just want to step back in time for a bit.

"It makes you feel good that there is such an institution like the Presidio Trust that restores these buildings, makes them accessible," said open house visitor Ursula Schoen.

It's not quite so easy to get a look at one home in San Mateo County historic home. Alpine Ranch is on more than 300 acres and down a dirt road in the San Mateo County hills. Deborah has owned it for 35 years.

"The ranch house was built in the 1870's and this was the original parlor. [There are] redwood floors, everything is redwood, milled here on the property," says Deborah.

It was built by a lawyer as a wedding gift for a young woman from the Page Family of Page Mill Road fame, but she rejected the proposal and they never moved in. The property became a hay and cattle ranch and is still filled with relics of the past.

"This is the old Wedgewood wood stove that came with the ranch. We've had a lot of good meals here," says Deborah.

There are also steps worn down by 130 years of families.

"And I'm just adding to the wear and tear and I kind of like it," says Deborah.

It's not easy to give up history like this. Deborah had the ranch on the market, but by the time ABC7 came to see it, she changed her mind.

"I just came up here and sat down on the porch and listened to the trees and decided this was my great escape and I was just content being right here," says Deborah.

There are wonderful historic treasures all over the Bay Area and if you're interested, start saving your money now, because Deborah says she might sell in a few years.

You can see the Presidio houses at an open house on Saturday.

Written and produced by Jennifer Olney

Cohen-Bray House

By Sanfranman59 (Own work) [ GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons

(510) 536-1703

www.cohenbrayhouse.org/

Hours: 4th Sun at 2:00pm, reservations required. (510) 536-1703

Price: $5.00 adults

Group Tours:  (510) 527-5209, including children’s groups

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East Bay home tours feature architects from Berkeley and Oakland

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The houses on this year’s home tours sponsored by the American Institute of Architect’s East Bay chapter have one thing in common: home offices. Some of the homes even have two.

“Five or six years ago, nobody cared about the home office in the same way,” said Mike Wilson, the chapter’s executive director for the past four years. The pandemic changed that, as home-based workers turned an empty nook, an extra bedroom or a guest room into a full-time home office. 

“That’s our new normal,” Wilson said. “Everybody’s working from home a couple of days a week.”

That’s just one of the characteristics shared by the five homes on this year’s tour, which will take place on Saturday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Out of more than a dozen submissions, five houses made the cut because they fit this year’s theme, “Lifestyle-Centric Living: Designing Homes to Suit Unique Needs,” and had enough street parking for visitors. 

Four out of the five houses are what Wilson called “radical remodels” that practically rebuilt the entire home. Three houses are in the hills — in Berkeley and Oakland — and were redesigned to make the most of their views.

What distinguishes East Bay’s tour from other architectural tours is that both the architects and the homeowners will be on hand, so visitors can have their questions answered or inquire about particular approaches or the use of materials. 

Tickets for the tour are $125 ($85 for AIA East Bay members; $25 for students) and can be purchased online in advance or on the day of the tour at any of the homes on the tour.  

Here are highlights from this year’s offerings:

Architect: WA design , Berkeley

When it was built in 1937, this was one of the first homes in the then sparsely populated hills above the Claremont Hotel and was rumored to have incredibly expansive views of the San Francisco Bay.

A 1969 renovation made the building’s street view more modern, but also created “a jumble of rooflines and walls,” said architect David S. Wilson, principal of WA Design. 

“We came in and really contemporized it,” he said, “opening the plan up entirely on the main floor and simplifying the roof lines to give it a little bit of architectural clarity.”

A 27-foot-wide series of sliding doors that open onto a wooden deck now afford expansive views. Natural light floods the entire space and filters down into the lower floor via a stairway with a glass railing.

 Architect: Mikiten Architecture , Berkeley

Architect Erick Mikiten has traveled the world, advising his peers on making work and living spaces more accessible to all, a concept known as universal design. Mikiten, who uses a wheelchair due to osteogenesis imperfecta, known as brittle bone disease, understands the needs of those who often can’t access certain spaces due to their design. 

“If you don’t have the ability to get out to enjoy the yard without needing assistance, you end up being excluded,” he said. 

Mikiten is the architect of a new home in Albany built for a family of four who had to abandon their Berkeley Hills home after their daughter was diagnosed at age 5 with a degenerative brain disease. Though they loved the lushness of their previous home, “it was not going to work and couldn’t be modified,” Mikiten said. 

The new home reflects the hallmarks of universal design: no thresholds between rooms and an openness of spaces to accommodate wheelchairs; and flexible spaces that can be adapted as needs change or homeowners wish to age in place. The family now uses three bedrooms on the main floor, but an upstairs room accessible by stairs could become a bedroom for a caregiver in the future. 

 “This is the house of their dreams,” Mikiten said. “They’re going to stay here for a long time.”

To recreate a lush landscape for the family, Mikiten turned a steep hill behind the house into a bucolic backdrop for a Zen-like garden. The common spaces are arranged around an atrium courtyard that opens up to the garden.

“Even if you don’t get outside, you feel very strongly connected to the landscape,” Mikiten said.

Architect: Eisenmann Architecture , Berkeley

The classic California bungalow often proves too small for the needs of 21st-century families. Many have been expanded, usually by adding another flat-roofed, stucco story to the original home.

This expansion by architect Stacy Eisenmann deviates from the norm. She designed the second-story addition with two peaked roof sections, one of which boasts dark wood siding, contrasting with the white stucco. Another noticeable change from the curb was her choice of a metal roof over the entrance instead of the traditional terracotta, adding a more contemporary look. 

A large portion of the existing house was gutted and reorganized. Most significantly, the main floor layout was completely rearranged. Breaking from the bungalow’s traditional layout, Eisenmann placed the kitchen between the living and dining areas, which “creates a compression that naturally organizes the different spaces,” Eisenmann wrote in a project description. A lower level was also created, creating additional public spaces.

Architect: Ogle Design & Architecture , Berkeley

“Most people buy houses because they are dying to live in them,” Karen Hartwig said in a n interview about her Montclair home remodel. “I was dying to tear it apart and bring our dream house to reality.” 

Hartwig, an Oakland-based general contractor, purchased the mid-century home with her partner in 2019. The previous owners had lived in the house for 60 years. 

“The goal of the remodel was to expand the size of the house, create a more harmonious flow, and feature the pretty incredible views — one of the best I’ve seen,” said architect William Ogle, the principal of the firm. 

The project’s crowning achievement was to almost double the size of the house (to around 4,000 square feet) without increasing its footprint. That was achieved by carving out spaces downstairs that Hartwig called “pretty useless:” a long narrow room from one end of the house to the other that included an area without finished floors and one with a mound of dirt. 

Additional square footage was also gained after the chimney for the fireplace was removed from the lower level, requiring a massive beam to hold up the rest of the fireplace, which remains in the living room above. When combined, the freed-up space created a media room, a gaming room, two home offices, a guest room and a bar. 

Architect: Design Draw Build , Oakland

At this Oakland Hills home, the architect Tyler Kobick took a hands-on approach to the redesign. Kobick apprenticed as a stone mason in his youth, started his own construction company at 16 and ran it while getting his architectural degrees. The house reflects his dual background, which is echoed in his firm’s makeup. Half of his staff are architects; the other half are makers.

On a site with a two-bridge view, the house was built in 1949 for jazz musician Virgil Muhler. Kobick gutted the home, updated its systems, and moved the kitchen from its dark, back-of-the-house location into the central space, which he opened to the view. He added a living room with a 13-foot ceiling and a main bedroom, increasing the 1,250-square-foot home by 700 square feet. 

For the exterior, Kobick discovered copper flashing from a former World War II airplane hangar in Alameda on Craig’s List. “When I saw it, it blew my mind,” he said. 

His staff turned the former roofing material into siding, which Kobick helped install.

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Joanne Furio

Joanne Furio is a longtime journalist and writer of creative nonfiction. Originally from New York, she has been a staff writer, an editor and a freelance magazine writer. More recently, she was a contributing... More by Joanne Furio

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11 Easy Weekend Getaways From San Francisco

Get away from the city with one of these easy, drivable weekend getaways..

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The Tule Elk Preserve is one of many places to visit during a weekend in Inverness and Tomales Bay.

Photo by Jessie Beck

San Francisco is an amazing city in its own right , but one of the best parts of living here is that you can be at a world-class vineyard, on a beach, or up a mountain within a short drive. There are the North Bay’s oyster farms and vineyards, the (sometimes) snowy Sierras to the east, the quiet of Tomales Bay. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a change of scene, consider one of these 11 easy weekend getaways from the San Francisco Bay Area.

Healdsburg, California, is more than wine: Redwood forests and stretches of the Russian River to kayak are also accessible from this small town.

Photos by Jessie Beck

1. Healdsburg and Sonoma wine country

• Distance : 90 minutes north of San Francisco
• Best for : a low-key wine and food getaway

It’s hard to see all of Sonoma wine county in a single weekend—it’s larger and more spread out than neighboring Napa Valley. Instead, make the northern town of Healdsburg, which is experiencing something of a revival, your home base for the weekend. In the past two years, a long list of exciting new hotels, restaurants, and tasting rooms have joined the area—giving the historic town a burst of new energy.

What to do in Healdsburg

Yes, of course, you could spend an entire day tasting wine (it is Sonoma County, after all), but you’ll also want to explore the area’s natural beauty. To do so, join a cycling tour at Russian River Adventures to explore the area on two wheels with a knowledgeable guide, or combine your ride with a kayak adventure on Getaway Adventures ’ pedal-paddle tour.

Healdsburg’s food scene is also a big reason to visit: It’s home to three- Michelin-starred restaurant SingleThread (and awardee of a Michelin Green Star ), and the team’s newly opened vegan café, bar, and restaurant, Little Saint. (Pro move: You can also try their dips while sampling pinot noirs at the beautifully designed, downtown tasting room for Marine Layer.) For a more casual lunch or dinner, grab a pizza on the rooftop at the Matheson , or settle down for cocktails and fried chicken at Lo+Behold . The town also has an excellent farmers’ market on Saturdays.

Where to stay in Healdsburg

For a truly luxurious retreat, book one of the tree houses at the Montage Healdsburg , a 258-acre property that officially opened its doors in 2020, making it the first major resort property in the Healdsburg area. Or head over to the Madrona, a historic property originally built in 1881 as a private residence that is now a beautiful, maximalist boutique hotel designed by Jay Jeffers. Prefer something within walking distance of Healdsburg’s square? Then check into eco-friendly Harmon Guest House, a peaceful yet centrally located hotel only a block away from dozens of fantastic restaurants, tasting rooms, and bars. Coming in the summer? Rest assured: All three options have swimming pools.

Read More: Your Perfect Weekend Getaway in Sonoma Wine Country

Fill your weekend exploring tide pools on the beach and exploring small towns along the Mendocino Coast.

Photo by The Life in Pics/Shutterstock

2. Mendocino coast

• Distance: three hours north of San Francisco
• Best for: a remote drive along Highway 1

The Mendocino coast is no secret weekend getaway spot. While most visitors will focus on exploring the coastal town of Mendocino and its surrounds, there’s much to be discovered along the 90+ miles of Mendocino’s coastline. That said, if it’s your first time in the area, go ahead and base yourself in the small town of Mendocino—beaten path or not, its proximity to trails, beaches, restaurants, and small locally run shops make it a must on any California getaway list. Or explore a new stretch of the coast, like the small town of Elk and nearby Salt Point State Park to the south of Mendocino.

What to do on the Mendocino coast

You could easily fill your weekend exploring tide pools on the beach and hiking trails with dramatic ocean views, but part of the Mendocino coast’s charms are in the small towns near the highway. Save plenty of time for pit stops from Guala to Fort Bragg; shop the variety store Matson Mercantile in Elk; enjoy vegetarian fare and wine at the hip and colorful Fog Eater Cafe in Mendocino; or sample fresh local seafood at Wild Fish .

Where to stay on the Mendocino coast

For classic Mendocino coast, book a stay in the town of Mendocino. Right in the heart of downtown is JD House , a six-room bed-and-breakfast with ocean views and decor that lands somewhere between ship captain’s home and modern hygge. Or immerse yourself in nature at Mendocino Grove , where you can stay in safari tents complete with beds, rugs, and firepits. The new for summer 2023 sauna and espresso bar make it an extra dreamy glamping experience. For a more removed but no less beautiful home base, head 15 miles south to the small coastal town of Elk and reserve a room at the Harbor House Inn , a hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant perched on a cliff above a private, pebbled beach.

Read More: Local Getaways: Escape to the Mendocino Coast

Turn off your phone and head to Wylder Hotel for a remote mountain getaway.

Courtesy of Wylder Hotel

3. Hope Valley

• Distance: four hours east of San Francisco
• Best for: a less-crowded escape to the Sierra Nevadas

A short drive south from Lake Tahoe , Hope Valley has all the beauty of a Sierra Nevada mountain getaway—minus the crowds. It’s an ideal weekend destination to retreat to the woods for a few days of digital detox amid alpine lakes and pine forests.

What to do in Hope Valley

Like much of the Sierras and Tahoe, Hope Valley is known as an outdoor destination. In warmer months, grab your hiking shoes or mountain bike to explore miles of trails in the nearby wilderness, like the range of trails around scenic Echo Lake or Snowshoe Thompson’s Cave, which is “a short 1.15-mile hike filled with lore,” says AFAR travel news editor Michelle Baran .

In the winter, opt for a snow-filled adventure snow-mobiling or snowshoeing on one of the trails at Hope Valley Sno-Park then warm up in the natural hot springs at nearby Grover Hot Springs State Park .

Where to stay in Hope Valley

Wylder Hotel , which has rustic but refurbished log cabins, yurts, and budget-friendly campsites, is an ideal homebase in Hope Valley.

Read More: Local Getaways: A Beautiful Mountain Escape in Northern California

Yoga among the redwoods is one of many activities at Canyon Ranch Woodside.

Courtesy of Canyon Ranch

4. Santa Cruz Mountains

• Distance: one hour south of San Francisco
• Best for: wine, hikes, and mountain bikes

Bay Area residents often come to the Santa Cruz Mountains for day trips and brief weekend adventures. But if you plan to stay longer, you won’t be bored—there’s enough winery hopping and hiking among the redwoods to fill an entire weekend.

What to do in the Santa Cruz Mountains

Outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, road cycling, and rock climbing are the main draw for visitors to the Santa Cruz Mountains. After you’ve worked up an appetite on the trails, visit one of the area’s wineries, like award-winning, family-run Mindego Ridge , or the many ranches and farms—an afternoon picnic and visit with the goats at Harley Farms Goat Dairy is a local favorite—to relax and refuel.

Where to stay in the Santa Cruz Mountains

Book yourself into a luxurious tree house at Canyon Ranch’s Woodside Retreat , which includes a full schedule of activities, like hikes and yoga sessions, and three healthy, locally sourced meals each day.

Read More: Local Getaways: The Santa Cruz Mountains Offer a Much-Needed Escape to Nature

Glamp in a classic Airstream or safari tent at Autocamp Russian River.

Courtesy of Autocamp

5. Guerneville

• Distance: one hour, 45 minutes north of San Francisco
• Best for: summer fun and food by the Russian River

Although scenic year-round, Guerneville’s location alongside the Russian River makes it an especially popular weekend destination in the summer, when you can float, kayak, or canoe in the water. Off the river, this tiny town is also home to a surprising number of delicious places to eat—with even more restaurants, breweries, and wineries a short drive away.

What to do in Guerneville

In the summer months, pack a floatie and a cooler full of snacks to spend the day lazing around on the Russian River. Visitors can also rent a canoe from Burke’s Canoes . Afterwards, this Sonoma County town is an excellent homebase for food and wine lovers—biscuits at Big Bottom Market , winetasting at Hartford Family Winery , beers at Stumptown Brewery , and ice cream at Nimble & Finn’s are a few of the area’s tasty highlights.

Where to stay in Guerneville

For classic Guerneville, you can’t go wrong renting a house by the river or booking a romantic retreat at the adults-only Boon Hotel + Spa , an intimate, LGBTQ-friendly boutique hotel with a pool, spa, and breakfast delivered to your room each morning. Prefer to glamp? Head to Autocamp and stay in a tricked-out Airstream trailer for the weekend.

Or, consider one of the newer hotels to the area: including the luxurious, 21-room boutique hotel, Stravrand (opened in 2021) located on a former orchard, and Dawn Ranch (opened in 2022), a collection of stylish cabins nestled in the redwoods, complete with restaurant and spa. Read More:

• A Weekend Getaway Guide to Guerneville
• Where to Eat on the Russian River

The Lodge at Bodega Bay is set on a quiet, scenic stretch of California coast—and has no shortage of scenic views.

6. Bodega Bay

• Best for : escaping the summer heat, kayaking, and relaxing in a newly renovated lodge

If you’ve spent any time exploring Northern California, you’ve likely passed by Bodega—the Highway 1 goes through this small blip of a town, located between Tomales Bay and Jenner on the Sonoma coast. Although it’s close enough to San Francisco for a day trip, the newly renovated rooms at the Lodge at Bodega Bay are reason enough for locals, out-of-towners, and north-bound road-trippers to turn their visit into a full-fledged weekend getaway.

Pro tip: Although San Francisco residents rarely have any summer heat to escape from, folks elsewhere in the Bay Area should take note. Bodega can be as much 20 degrees cooler than inland areas, making it an ideal summer retreat for anyone who wants respite from high temps.

What to do in Bodega Bay

Although you might be tempted to spend the entire weekend with a book and a beverage while enjoying the coastal views (and we won’t judge you if do), the natural beauty of the area will likely convince you otherwise. If you’re so inclined, start your morning by kayaking along the coast ( Bodega Bay Surf is a friendly spot for rentals) or hike on the scenic Bodega Head Trail. The area also happens to be an excellent spot for bird-watching, especially along the Birdwalk Coastal Access Trail in Doran Regional Park . In the mood for a beach day? Grab your blanket and head to Doran Beach or Campbell Cove.

After a day of adventuring, refuel with calamari at the Tides , fish and chips at Fishetarian Fish Market , or a cocktail and crudo at Drakes Fireside Lounge .

Where to stay

Book a room at the sprawling Lodge at Bodega Bay , a few minutes south of town. Each of the spacious 83 rooms features comfortable beds, plush robes, and westward-facing balconies with unobstructed views of the marsh and ocean. The area can get chilly at night and the lodge offers plenty of ways to warm up: in-room fireplaces, hot tub, sauna, or with a cocktail at its on-site bar and restaurant.

Big Sur has something for varied adventures and budgets, from basic campsites to five-star luxury.

Photo by Pete Niesen/Shutterstock

• Distance: three hours south of San Francisco
• Best for: a classic California coastal getaway

With its dramatic coastlines, waterfalls plunging into the ocean, and expansive, rugged redwood forests, Big Sur is one of those quintessential California destinations—and also a fortunately easy weekend getaway destination from the Bay Area.

What to do in Big Sur

“Nature is one of the region’s biggest draws, but there’s plenty of exploration to do beyond the trees,” says AFAR senior editor Aislyn Greene. Places like Tassajara Zen Mountain Center , Hearst Castle , a California condor tour with Ventana Wildlife Society , and a tour of the Point Sur lighthouse , as well as shopping for local art at Hawthorne Gallery or Coast Big Sur are all excellent things to do while in Big Sur.

Where to stay in Big Sur

Accommodation in Big Sur ranges from basic campsites , like those at Pfeiffer State Park, to five-star luxury. Some of our favorite Big Sur hotels include the spectacular, all-inclusive Ventana Big Sur resort, which gives guests the option to choose between staying in one of its luxurious suites or getting in touch with nature in its safari-style tents, as well as the creative rooms at Post Ranch Inn —weekend retreat in a tree house , anyone?

Read More: Embrace the Slow Life—and Maybe a Few Trees—in Big Sur

Carmel Valley (not to be confused with nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea) is less than three hours from San Francisco by car.

Courtesy of Carmel Valley Ranch

8. Carmel Valley

• Distance: two hours, 30 minutes from San Francisco
• Best for: a wine country escape to the south

Napa Valley and Sonoma County aren’t the only places to go for a weekend of winetasting and sunshine (though you’ll rarely see us turn down a trip there). Carmel Valley (not to be confused with nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea) to San Francisco’s south is an equally fantastic, but often overlooked, destination for wine and food adventures.

What to do in Carmel Valley

Plan your weekend around winetasting at the area’s vineyards, like western-style Cowgirl Winery or Joyce , which specializes in wine from sustainability-minded vineyards. Then, decompress with an afternoon of hot and cool outdoor pools and a massage at Refuge Spa or a stroll through the shops at Carmel Valley Village.

Where to stay in Carmel Valley

Relax with a room at family-friendly Carmel Valley Ranch . Or for a more Tuscan-esque experience, stay at Bernardus Lodge & Spa , a wine country escape with rooms that overlook its 28-acre vineyard.

Read More: Why Carmel Valley Is the Wine Country Escape You Need

This 15-mile stretch of watery inlet is home to many dairy and oyster farms, as well as excellent natural vistas.

Photo by Jules Fairley/Shutterstock

9. Tomales Bay

• Distance: one hour, 30 minutes north of San Francisco
• Best for: oysters, cheese, and kayaking in the sea

If a weekend of eating fresh seafood, sampling locally made cheese, and kayaking in a tranquil bay sounds like your kind of getaway, then head to Tomales Bay. This area, just north of the Point Reyes National Seashore, refers to the 15-mile stretch of watery inlet separating Point Reyes Peninsula from mainland Marin County. It also happens to be home to many dairy and oyster farms, as well as scenic parks and natural vistas.

What to do in Tomales Bay

Start off your weekend in Tomales Bay with an outdoor activity or two, like watching elk in the Tule Elk Preserve , hiking to the Point Reyes Lighthouse, or kayaking in Tomales Bay. ( Blue Waters Kayaking in Marshall is a great place to rent from.)

After you’ve worked up an appetite, eat your way through the area’s specialties, oysters and cheese, with a stop at Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company just north of Point Reyes Station, oysters at Hog Island or Tony’s Seafood in Marshall, and a locavore dinner at Saltwater Oyster Depot in Inverness. Locals know: For oysters to go, no-frills Tomales Bay Oyster Co. is the best in the bay.

Where to stay in Tomales Bay

Point Reyes Station is where all the action is, but we prefer to cozy up in a bay-side Airbnb, like Enchanting Garden Getaway in the tranquil town of Inverness on the west side of Tomales Bay.

Take a leisurely walk along the Pacific Ocean while relaxing in Cambria.

Photo by Mada_Cris, Shutterstock.

10. Cambria

• Distance: four hours south of San Francisco
• Best for: whale watching, wine, and relaxing on the beach

Equidistant from San Francisco and Los Angeles, the coastal town of Cambria is further than most of the other weekend getaways on this list, but it offers a blissfully relaxing break for those who brave the extra miles. Known as where the pines meet the sea, this low-key town is full of opportunities to get outside and hike, explore tidepools, or hang out on the beach—then fill up on delicious seafood and wine while admiring views of the sunset.

What to do in Cambria

Lean into Cambria’s laid-back charm and while away your day with walks along Moonstone Beach or hike the bluffs at Fiscalini Ranch . Come sundown, enjoy a glass of wine and bite to eat at one of several locally owned eateries, like seaside Sea Chest Oyster Bar or Madeline’s , which sits along the just-lively-enough Main Street. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a drive to explore nearby sights like the tiny town of San Simeon and Big Sur to the north, Morro Bay State Park for hikes or beach hangs to the south, or Paso Robles wine country to the east.

Where to stay in Cambria

At the north end of Moonstone Beach, family-friendly Oceanpoint Ranch has comfortable rooms (many of which have wood-burning fireplaces), plenty of activities (shuffleboard, croquet, horseshoes), and an onsite restaurant that serves to-go breakfasts and hearty suppers. For a more woodsy experience, Cambria Pines Lodge is a cozy, forest retreat complete with a lounge perfect for enjoying a glass of local pinot by a warm fire.

Read more: Why Cambria Is Central California’s Most Relaxing Weekend Break

Instead of wine, taste brandy, at the new California Brandy House in Napa.

Courtsey of California Brandy House

11. Napa Valley

• Distance: one hour to 90 minutes northeast from San Francisco
• Best for: wine, of course, but also so much more

Napa Valley may feel like an obvious choice for a Bay Area getaway (it is undeniably easy), but that doesn’t mean your itinerary has to be predictable. With an exciting array of new restaurant and hotel openings in the past two years, as well as lesser-known tours, activities, and tastings (and we don’t just mean wine), it’s easy to go beyond the most well-known attractions. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, you could even turn your Napa getaway into a mini road trip from Napa Valley to Mendocino along the scenic Highway 128.

What to do in Napa Valley

Napa is about more than wine (though winetasting is certainly a top thing to do here). To see a different side, spend the day cycling its back roads with Napa Valley Bike Tours , hang out with a (very cute) crew of rescue animals at Oasis by Hoopes , or taste brandy at California Brandy House . Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Empress M , the vision of entrepreneur Margaret Wong that features gourmet Chinese dishes like shrimp dumplings, Sichuan calamari, and roast duck; Lucy Restaurant at Bardessono , a tranquil restaurant with seasonally inspired dishes like asparagus en cocotte; or North Block , whose menu by Momofuku alum chef Nick Tamburo revolves around a wood-fired oven and features such items as sourdough pizzas and cured trout with almond milk and trout roe.

Where to stay in Napa Valley

There’s no shortage of incredible hotels and resorts throughout Napa Valley, but there are several new and noteworthy places to consider checking in to. The George in downtown Napa is a nine-room inn in a historic, recently restored, 19th-century home where guests are treated to plush towels, comfortable beds, and fresh English muffins from nearby Model Bakery .

Further north in Calistoga, the iconic Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs has been transformed with its chic, fully renovated, midcentury modern–inspired rooms, an on-site eatery, House of Better , that serves Southwestern-style fare, a new outdoor spa, and several new room concepts, like a stand-alone one-bedroom bungalow.

Read more: Napa’s in Bloom: How to Plan the Perfect Spring Weekend

This article originally appeared online in 2020; it was most recently updated on June 22, 2023, to include current information.

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