3. Point Arena

South of Mendocino, Point Arena Lighthouse, which has been guiding ships along the coast since 1908, offers guests lodging in the Keeper’s Quarters. Our two-night stay included climbing the top of the lighthouse for stunning coastline views and a museum exploration to learn more about the area’s maritime history.

San Francisco

4. The Presidio

The Presidio is a national park in San Francisco. It was initially founded as a military fort by Spanish settlers in 1776 and then acted as a U.S. Army post for over 2 centuries.

The Presidio covers over 1,500 acres and includes a mix of forests, meadows, beaches, and historic buildings. There are miles of hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks that provide an incredible view of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.

I enjoyed staying at the Lodge at the Presidio, recognized as a Historic Hotel of America and part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It was terrific to be situated on the Presidio grounds and immerse myself in the area’s rich history. The Walt Disney Family Museum next door and the San Francisco National Cemetery, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, are two memorable experiences on site.