3 days of history in San Francisco Bay
Experience San Francisco's rich maritime heritage and see the historic homes of naturalist John Muir and Nobel Prize-winning playwright Eugene O’Neill. Enjoy Bay Area neighborhoods, visit museums, and learn about the many stories that make up California's history.
Day 1
:
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Visitor center and maritime museum
Begin your journey at the San Francisco Maritime Museum, where interactive exhibits bring the city’s seafaring past to life. Housed in a WPA-constructed Art Deco bathhouse with beautiful murals and mosaics, this museum features many exhibits on San Francisco’s maritime history.
Historic ships and the waterfront
Step aboard historic vessels at Hyde Street Pier, including the 1886 square-rigger Balclutha and the 1895 schooner C.A. Thayer. Walk along the scenic Aquatic Park Cove enjoying bay views.
Sunset at the Palace of Fine Arts
Walk to the nearby historic event venue with Greco-Roman architecture and spectacular sunset views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Day 2
:
John Muir National Historic Site & Mount Wanda
Tour the John Muir home
Drive to Martinez (about 40 minutes from San Francisco) and visit the Victorian home and extensive orchards where John Muir wrote his influential works on conservation.
Hike Mount Wanda
Take a short hike through the oak woodlands and rolling hills of John Muir’s backyard with views of the Carquinez Strait.
Explore the shoreline
Spend the rest of the day exploring the Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline, ambling along the trails, birdwatching, or just relaxing by the water. Drive to nearby Danville to prepare for the next day.
Day 3
:
Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site
Explore the Tao House & gardens
Tour the home and gardens where O’Neill wrote some of his greatest plays while taking in the views of the San Ramon Valley. Since access is by reservation-only shuttle from downtown Danville, plan ahead.
Explore Danville
Return to downtown Danville for lunch, where you can visit the Museum of the San Ramon Valley for more local history.
Hike in Las Trampas Regional Wilderness
Spend the afternoon hiking in nearby Las Trampas, enjoying panoramic views of the East Bay hills, before returning to San Francisco.
Optional add-on
Another Day in the Bay Area
Explore additional Bay area attractions, include Alcatraz Island, the Ferry Building Marketplace, Fort Point or Crissy Field.
Visit Smart
Plan ahead
For the best experience, check for ranger-led tours and ship access at San Francisco Maritime. Make sure to reserve a shuttle in advance for Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site.
Watch the weather
San Francisco is often foggy and cool year round, with Martinez and Danville being slightly warmer during summer months. Pack layers and rain jackets to stay comfortable.
Preserve the history
Be mindful of historic buildings by staying in designated areas and treading lightly, being mindful not to touch anything without permission to preserve these sites for the future.
Leave no trace
These San Francisco area parks are on the unceded homelands of the Ramaytush Ohlone. Respect the environment and follow Leave No Trace principles.
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