California: Mill Valley

Mill Valley is an adorable town that would be worth visiting all by itself. But considering its proximity to some amazing parks, beaches and mountains it is a must-see destination for nature lovers. Any hiker worth his or her boots has heard of Muir Woods, but other fabulous destinations are close by, including Mount Tamalpais, Point Reyes and Stinson Beach.

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You'll need a car to get around Marin County, but biking is a great option for navigating the small town of Mill Valley.

This little bookstore / coffee bar is housed in an old train depot in the center of town, which is both charming and a geat location. The book selection is nothing to write home about, but the drink selection and yummy desserts more than compensate. Even without the fabulous dining environment, which includes indoor and both sheltered and open air patio dining, you'll be happy to stop by the Depot Bookstore and Cafe for an afternoon snack or late night caramel brownie.

Presumably Stinson Beach is a hot spot during the summer months, judging from the size of the immense parking lot. But if only warm weather drives the locals to the seashore they are missing out on a fantastic opportunity. The cool January breezes I experienced were hardly bracing, but I had the place pretty much to myself.

The parking lot was just over a sand dune, leading to a thin strip of seashore that ran along the coast quite a ways in both directions. Waves crashed gently on the shore as gulls circled above, looking for an easy handout. While I wasn't about to go for a swim in the cold water, I was quite happy strolling along the deserted beach, smelling the salt air and listening to the sounds of the roaring ocean and the whistling wind.

Perhaps I should note that this might not be much of a swimming beach, even in the warmer months. Everywhere you look there are signs warning about shark attacks off the coast. Apparently this area is home to the largest concentration of great white sharks in the world, and it is also where they breed. That might make you reconsider just how safe it truly is to go back into the water...

Towering over 2,500 feet above Marin County, Mount Tamalpais, or Mt. Tam for short, offers spectacular views in every direction of the surrounding area. San Francisco and the east side of the bay seem close by, though they are over an hour's drive away.

With 1.3 million visitors each year, Mount Tamalpais State Park is a popular destination. There are over fifty miles of trails marked within the protected park, some of which go on into the woods further north. A number of animal species call the area home, including bobcats, coyotes and foxes. Deer, raccoons and squirrels, however, are more likely to be spotted.

An amphitheater rests near the top, though I'm not sure how often they put on productions up there. But you'll probably be too transfixed with the panoramic views anyway to take in any theater. The incredible sights provide all the drama one would ever hope for.

This is perhaps one of the most famous nature spots in the world, and rightly so. Over 550 acres of land are smothered with thick, tall trees that reach up higher than one can see. The babbling Redwood Creek cuts through the park and is teeming with animal life. And ferns, moss and other small plants dot the forest floor, making a soft carpet of bright green to cushion your blow when stumbling over gigatic tree roots.

There are over six miles of hiking trails to explore, with extensions out of the park for the mosre adventurous traveller. I followed three of the Redwood Canyon Loop Walks and saw a variety of surroundings. I kept wanting to go deeper into the forest, forgetting that I had to walk back the same distance once I gre tired.

Muir Woods National Monument is named after the legendary conservationist John Muir who is largely responsible for kickstarting the environmental awareness movement. Today's park is truly a stroke of luck that loggers had a hard time getting over the mountain to this remote area. It was bought up by a congressman, donated to the federal government, and made a national monument, ensuring that future generations could experience what northern California would truly look like if humans hadn't settled the land 200 years ago.