The Presidio

Ensconced in San Francisco, this 1500-acre property is a national historic landmark and an old military post. When the army pulled out in 1994, the popular Presidio became a part of the impressive Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It’s a natural oasis and a huge outdoor recreation hub. The refurbished red brick ex-military structures now house such attractions as the Walt Disney Museum, hotels and restaurants. There are also numerous hiking trails and a golf course too.

Mariposa Grove

The amazing Mariposa Grove features a world of giant sequoias. There are more in nearby Sequoia National Park, but these are said to be both impressive and easily accessible. Indeed, this is the biggest sequoia grove in the southern area of Yosemite National Park. It includes 500+ incredible trees that have been declared to be “the largest living things” on the planet as well as the oldest. They live to be roughly 4,800 years old.