San Francisco and Marin County

April is a beautiful time to visit San Francisco and Marin County, when the Bay Area feels especially fresh, green, and lively.

Drive down Lombard Street and park near Fisherman's Wharf. Pier 39 has a parking garage, and street parking can be tricky to find.

Walk around Pier 39 and the Embarcadero. The Ferry Building is about 1.5 miles away.

Then head toward the Presidio by car. You will see the Palace of Fine Arts on the way. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and stop in the Golden Gate View Point / Battery Spencer area. You are also close to Point Bonita Lighthouse, so it's worth checking out if it's open.

From there, head to Muir Woods (about a 35-minute drive and very worth it). If you want to see a piece of the Pacific coast, continue to Muir Beach Overlook. You may lose cell service in that area.

On your way back, you can stop in Sausalito, walk around the harbor, downtown, and boardwalk area, and enjoy the view of San Francisco from there.