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Tunnel to Another World, Marin Headlands
To get from San Francisco to the 73,000-acre Golden Gate National Recreational Area all you need is a bicycle. The Marin Headlands sit just north of the Golden Gate Bridge and the bridge's bicycle lane makes the crossing a breeze. The park can be entered any number of ways including through this one-lane, stoplight-regulated tunnel on Bunker Road, about a mile from the bridge. Going through the tunnel is like being transported 1,000 miles away from a major city.

On the other side you'll find thousands of acres of natural valleys, hills, hiking paths, coastal trails, campgrounds, and beaches. There is also a horse riding ranch, a lagoon, an arts center, a hostel, a children's discovery museum, and a visitors center. You can camp overnight on the beach at Kirby Cove with a view of the city or climb to the top of Hawk Hill and observe the many flying raptors. You can also tour the Point Bonita Lighthouse or visit the Marine Mammal Center to see rescued and orphaned sea animals.

It's amazing to know that all this natural beauty resides less than six miles from San Francisco's bustling downtown.
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