Learn More

Here's your plan for a scenic 6.6-mile Mt Tam hike ending with beach fun in Stinson Beach. Watch the video 👇

Get hiking with a gorgeous, moderately difficult 6.6 mile hike, with coastal views that'll lead to a day in one of the cutest beach towns NorCal has to offer.

Iconic Mt Tam Hike to a Beach Town

Start your 6.6-mile hike at Pantoll Campground, using the Matt Davis Trail for beautiful views and a workout.

Hiking

✅ Before you go
• Follow this AllTrails for the 6.6 mile hike: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/dipsea-trail-to-steep-ravine-trail-to-matt-davis-loop-trail?search=true
• Park at the Pantoll Campground Parking Lot, there is an $8 fee that you can pay (cash or card) at the Ranger’s Station 8AM-3:30PM
• To find Matt Davis trail, you’ll need to head up the wooden steps in the parking lot and cross the street

💪 Pro tips
• If you’re going on the weekend, try to arrive at the parking lot before 9:30AM as it fills up quickly
• If the lot does fill up (or if it is your preference), you can alternatively park at Stinson beach and start the hike there

Start Hiking on Matt Davis Trail

Enjoy a relaxing break at Stinson Beach with a visit to Parkside Snack Bar for tasty bites and soft serve ice cream.

Beach Relaxation

✅ Before you go
• Bring a blanket to relax on the beach

💪 Pro tips
• I highly recommend stopping at Parkside Snack Bar for food, the soft serve is a must
• Be sure to refill your water while you are at the Snack Bar 

Pit Stop in Stinson Beach

Start the return journey on Dipsea Trail, steeped with coastal views, and finish up Mount Tam via Steep Ravine Trail.

Mountain Hiking

✅ Before you go
• Find the Dipsea Trailhead off Highway 1 (just a few hundred feet east from where the Matt Davis Trail ends)
• Turn onto Steep Ravine Trail when you see the sign

💪 Pro tip
• Look out for the coastal views in this stretch

Hike the Way Back Up

I once asked the park ranger for the best way to hike Mount Tam,

and this 6.6 mile loop is what he said to do.

We're going to start on the top of Mount Tam and find our way to the Matt Davis trail.

This trail led me on a downhill descent through vast open

fields and wooded areas until I arrived in Stinson Beach.

Stinson Beach marks halfway into our hike.

taking some time to look around at the cute shops while making my way to the shore.

the Parkside Snack Bar conveniently located right next to the beach is the only

place worth eating here because it’s affordable and they have perfect beach day foods.

I enjoy their delicious levain and cheddar grilled cheese

and firecracker fries while sitting on the beach.

I had to go back for a chocolate vanilla swirl

ice cream cone. After lying on the beach for a while,

I was ready to hike the remaining three miles back up the mountain and the way up is

even more gorgeous than the way down — there are

sections of stunning coastal views and giant green forests.

It gets a little steep at the end and I was dying a

little bit but it was so worth it and such a great workout.

Send this to a friend and go hike Mt. Tam!

Here's your plan for exploring a Painted Lady and viewing fnnch’s iconic artwork. Watch the video 👇

Explore one of the famous 19th-century Painted Ladies and check out some of fnnch’s iconic work. 

Iconic Painted Ladies 🏡

Tour a famous 19th-century Painted Lady and experience fnnch's art at the Free Finch Pop-up Museum by Alamo Square.

Historic House Tour

✅ Before you go
• Buy tickets ahead of time: https://tinyurl.com/Fnnchmuseum 

💪 Pro tips
• Pack a picnic to enjoy after visiting the museum at Alamo Square Park and take in the views. 🧺🌉

Head to the Painted Ladies

Have you ever wanted to see the inside of

one of the iconic 19th century Painted Ladies?

Now you can at the Free Finch Pop-up museum in the 5th Painted Lady.

You can get tickets online or at the door by scanning the QR code.

It will run until the end of August and is open Wednesday to Sunday

from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tickets are linked in the info section.

Here's your plan for a refreshing hike at Big Canyon Park followed by a lively farmers’ market visit. Watch the video 👇

Start your Sunday with a refreshing 2-mile hike at Big Canyon Park in San Carlos. Then head to the lively San Carlos Farmers’ Market for fresh produce, local treats, and handcrafted goods.

Peninsula Hike + Farmers’ Market 

Enjoy a refreshing 2-mile hike at Big Canyon Park, San Carlos, with scenic lookout points, moderate inclines, and opportunities to spot local wildlife along the trail.

✅ Before you go
• Wear Proper Shoes: Trails can be a bit uneven in spots—trail runners or hiking shoes work best.

💪 Pro tips
• Watch for Wildlife: You might spot deer, rabbit, or even a coyote. 
• Big Canyon Park Loop:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/big-canyon-park-loop?sh=5t0u2g&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

Hike at Big Canyon Park 

Browse fresh produce, sample local treats, and enjoy live music at the vibrant San Carlos Farmers’ Market every Sunday.

Farmers market visit

✅ Before you go
• Bring a Tote or Basket: Easier than juggling bags and better for the environment.

💪 Pro tips
• Taste Before You Buy: Many vendors offer free samples—take advantage!
• Go Hungry: There are great food stands and snacks you’ll want to try.
• Check for Live Music: Often there’s a local musician or small band playing.

San Carlos Farmers’ Market

Here's a plan for a perfect Sunday that includes a

moderate hike and a visit to a local farmers’ market.

Start with a 2-mile hike at Big Canyon Park in San Carlos.

you're crossing some small bridges and past scenic lookout

points with sweeping views of the Bay Area,

especially at the end of Oak Meadow Trail.

making for a rewarding and diverse route.

It's a lively spot with vendors offering everything

from fresh produce and flowers to handmade jewelry.

A standout included a blood orange apricot granola

and left with a basket of perfectly ripe strawberries.

A refreshing hike and a vibrant market is a Sunday done right.

Here's your plan for making and personalizing your own fortune cookies at Chinatown's Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. Watch the video 👇

The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory has been making handmade fortune cookies since 1962! 

Make your own Fortune Cookies 🥠

Make your own personalized fortune cookie at Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory in Chinatown—write a custom fortune and watch it baked into a tasty souvenir!

Fortune cookie making

✅ Before you go
• Remember to bring cash 💵 ($2 for 1 cookie or $3.50 for 2 cookies) 

💪 Pro Tip
• Gift them as personalized souvenirs. 

Fortune Cookies

Did you know there's a place in Chinatown where you can

make your own fortune cookie at Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory?

grab a piece of paper and write down your fortune.

Then you'll hand everything over and she’ll be able to

make your fortune cookie in a matter of seconds.

we decided to write each other's fortune and surprise one another at the end.

Here's your plan for exploring honey bear art inside the Pink Painted Lady and enjoying Alamo Square Park. Watch the video 👇

Here’s your chance to step into the Pink Painted Lady for a pop-up featuring Fnnch’s honey bear paintings – all free! 

Honey Bears Take Over Painted Lady 🎨🧸🏡

Tour the iconic Pink Painted Lady at Alamo Square for free, with a pop-up museum of Fnnch's honey bear art. Grab tickets and enjoy SF views nearby.

Fnnch Art Pop-Up

✅ Before you go
•  The museum is open Wednesday - Sundays, 12pm - 8pm for a limited time. Grab your free 
tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fnnch-museum-tickets-1510914669449
• Though it asks you to pick a slot, the ticket is valid for entry as early as 12pm through 8pm-ish that day

💪 Pro tips
• Do not wait to go till 8pm. Sometimes they close a little sooner than that.
• Bring a blanket and have a picnic across the street at Alamo Square Park

Get Tickets Through Eventbrite

What if I told you there's a pop-up art museum inside a Pink Painted lady?

The Fnnch Museum is hosting a free pop-up there,

you'll find 10 years of Fnnch’s iconic honey bear paintings,

ones you've probably spotted all over SF.

part rare peek inside one of the city's most famous homes.

And don't forget to cross over to the park and enjoy this iconic SF view. 