Hike Muir Woods

Spring has arrived in one of Marin’s most majestic nature spots: Muir Woods. Described by conservationist John Muir as “the best tree-lovers monument that could be possibly found,” this collection of old-growth coast redwood trees, attracts nearly a million domestic and international tourists each year.

Hiking the monument’s six miles of trails and paths brings you deep into the ancient groves, many older than 600 years. It’s a fleeting opportunity (the crowds come quickly) but the further you hike into the woods, the more powerful and majestic the trees become.

Beach and water sports fans should get set to get wet in Marin County’s oceans and bays. Marin County features water experiences with some of the most majestic Pacific Ocean and California mountain views, with attractions like Point Reyes National Seashore, China Camp State Park and Corte Madera Creek. Here are a few of the best water events this spring in Marin County, plus places you can paddle every weekend.

Kayaking

A Marin County kayak tour is a phone call (or web click) away at Blue Waters Kayaking, the oldest and only full-service kayaking outfitter in Point Reyes. Anyone from beginner to expert-level kayakers can enjoy guided tours through the famed waterways of Point Reyes National Seashore and Tomales Bay.

Blue Waters Kayaking will provide memorable experiences in the California mountains with custom design tours, retreats and getaway opportunities that include hiking, birding and even oysters.

Biking

Marin County is the birthplace of mountain biking, and as such, cycling is a big part of Marin culture; there’s even a museum dedicated to the sport, located in Fairfax. When it comes to West Marin—areas like Stinson Beach, Bolinas and Point Reyes Station—there’s a trail for every skill set. From scenic stops along Stinson Beach to long cycles to the Point Reyes Lighthouse, here are a couple of the best scenic trails in Marin.

Stinson Beach Loop 

Ready to hit the beach? First you need to get there, and the Stinson Beach Loop is a scenic, two-hour bike ride that covers 24.1 miles at 3,150 feet. There are definitely a couple hills, but also two very smooth descents. The trail starts out among the trees before opening up to views of Bolinas Lagoon and the beach. Riders can choose to continue along Highway 1 toward South Muir for a beach break or cycle onward to Mill Valley.

The Golden Gateway From San Francisco to Marin

For those heading to Marin after a few days in San Francisco, the Golden Gateway bike trail (named after the Golden Gate Bridge) is the perfect way to witness the transition from city streets to country roads. Most bikers start their ride at the Ferry Building, and from there it’s a 10.67-mile outing. While this might sound like no easy feat, the ride is smooth, ideal for all levels, as well as a pretty scenic route.

The Marin Convention and Visitors Bureau is committed to providing travelers with accurate and timely resource information about traveling to our region safely. The health and safety of our Marin visitors are our top, which is why we compiled a Travel Alert section of current updated information to our County.

Now is the time to come back to Marin and take advantage of our generous hotel  package program.

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Sitka is home to over twenty-four nationally recognized historic sites, fourteen designated hiking trails, and 1,600 square miles of rugged backcountry wilderness – so there’s plenty to experience on land. The moment you get out on the water, however, adventure feels truly limitless.

“The Sitka Sound area offers some of the nicest sea kayak paddling terrain anywhere in the world,” says John Dunlap. John is the general manager of Sitka Sound Ocean Adventures, a seasonal kayak guiding company that offers tours, outfitting services, and a treasure trove of local knowledge.

“There are all kinds of great places to go, depending on what the conditions are, and there’s almost always somewhere you can go where the conditions are within your abilities,” he adds. And in Sitka, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a first-time kayaker or a seasoned paddler. Regardless of your skill level, there’s something for everyone.

Sandy white beaches are just a short trip away, and so are the underground bunkers located at Fort Rousseau Causeway State Historical Park. A relic of Sitka’s WWII history, the park is only accessible by boat or kayak. Experienced adventurers often kayak to Kruzof Island, where they can camp in a remote U.S. Forest Service cabin or summit the snowy rim of Mt. Edgecumbe volcano. And in the winter, packing ski gear in a kayak is not unheard of.

You don’t need a destination to enjoy your adventure, either. Look in any direction and you’ll see snowcapped peaks, islands the color of emeralds, and pristine ocean. In addition to the stunning surrounding scenery, kayaking is an opportunity to get up close and personal with Sitka’s abundant marine wildlife: humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and otters.

As a coastal fishing community in Southeast Alaska, the people of Sitka share a deep connection with the ocean and its ecosystems. Getting out on the water is the best way to experience Sitka like a local. Rain or shine, you can enjoy being in or on the water – jump into fishing, surfing, paddle boarding, and snorkeling.

Here, seasons aren’t dictated by calendar months, but instead by natural cycles: the arrival of the herring, the return of non-resident humpback whales, the salmon runs. It’s no surprise that sea to table dining is the center of Sitka’s vibrant culinary scene. Your salmon fillet or steaming plate of Dungeness crab arrives just off the dock, wild-caught in Sitka’s waters. Each local restaurant has its own specialty, from savory salmon chowder to fresh oysters on the half shell.

Sitka boasts a vibrant culinary scene, with passionate chefs that use local ingredients to create amazing delights for every taste. Visit our brewery to check out their rotating list of beers, and pubs that offer house made signature cocktails like Salmonberry Mojitos and Bloody Mary’s topped with beach asparagus. We have bakers, and chocolate makers, handmade donuts and local catch ceviche! Look for other local ingredients on your plate like seasonal berries, wild edibles, and hand-crafted favorites like artisanal sea salt and crunchy kelp pickles. Whether you prefer grilled steak and hand-made pasta, or are craving a food adventure in a Mediterranean inspired “Wild Alaska” paella, Sitka’s restaurants are ready to safely serve you.

Explore the extraordinary in Sitka, Alaska. Plan your adventure and order your free guide at visitsitka.org.

Unique url for use with digital versions of the guide: https://visitsitka.org/?utm_source=foodtravels21&utm_medium=print_ad&utm_campaign=food_and_travel_spring_2021

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