Off the beaten path NorCal adventures for Summer 2019

There’s no denying the awe-inspiring grandeur of Yosemite National Park. But when you spend 2-3 hours in traffic getting into the valley you know you are not getting away from it all.

One of the privileges of living in the United States of America and California is easy access to breathtaking natural beauty. Here are some of our favorite less famous, but still easily accessible destinations all within 2 hours of the Bay Area in Northern California.

Point Reyes

A lighthouse, Elk sighting and hiking trail with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean are some of the things to explore at Point Reyes 0 just 30 miles northwest of San Francisco. Point Reyes is a national protected coastline visited by elephant seals and also offering fabulous bird watching. Don’t forget to check out the charming towns of Point Reyes Station, Olema and Inverness and the now famous  Cowgirl Creamery which started here and produces fabulous cheeses.

Point Lobos

Skip the crowds at Monterey and Carmel and opt to visit Point Lobos and PAcific Grove instead. Sea lions bask all year round and bird watching is fantastic. If you  stop by in Winter you may how to spot a migrating grey whale. This is one of the richest marine habitats and is open to scuba diving for cetrtified divers. Don’t forget to check out Pacific Grove - just as beautiful as Monterey, but much less crowded.

Ano Nuevo Park and Pescadero 

At Ano Nuevo park, elephant seals bask all year round as well as otters and seals.  A beautiful beach and a light house at Pigeon Point Pescadero is only 15 minutes away. And the town of Pescadero just another 15 minutes further north. Don’t miss the Harley Farms Goat Dairy where you can sample some delicious goat cheese.

Wherever your travels take you this Summer, pack your Airthreads shirts so you can relax, unwind and feel free.