Cruise out to Alcatraz Island for a memorable day on an island full of stories. An iconic prison known for its tales of incarceration and escape, there is more to this mysterious island than you’d think. Here you can see the first lighthouse and U.S. fort on the West Coast, learn about the American Indian fight for equality, and explore the natural wonders, from birds to bay views, that this special island offers. Pro tip: reserve your ferry spot in advance!

Just 11 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge lies Muir Woods National Monument. Walk among old growth coast redwoods, one of the last on the planet, and step back in time as you walk among the towering trees and verdant, lush growth underneath. You can take a shuttle to the park from San Francisco, but make sure to make your reservation in advance.

In the heart of San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park offers a glimpse into the sights and stories of maritime history on the Pacific coast. After touring the visitor center, head to Hyde Street Pier to discover a collection of historic vessels. Enjoy ranger-led programs and demonstrations on the Pier, or visit the park’s collection – used by historians, authors, boat builders, and more – at the park’s Maritime Research Center.

About 30 miles north of San Francisco, Point Reyes National Seashore is where the Pacific Ocean meets some of California’s most picturesque cliffs and beaches. A favorite of nature lovers and explorers, there’s lots to discover at this park. Bask in the sandy beaches and majestic waves, stop by the Point Reyes Lighthouse, go whale-watching, or take in the sights of otherworldly cypress trees. Whether you have an hour or multiple days, there’s something for everyone to explore!

About an hour’s drive across the San Francisco Bay in Danville, California, is Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site. Home to the Nobel Prize winning playwright from 1937 – 1944, it was here that O’Neill wrote some of his most memorable plays like “The Iceman Cometh” and “Long Day’s Journey Into Night.” As the park is accessed through a private, gated road, you must make reservations at least 24 hours in advance and hop aboard a shuttle from Danville.

Nestled under the Golden Gate Bridge’s south anchorage, Fort Point National Historic Site, which has been called “the pride of the Pacific,” defended San Francisco Bay after California’s Gold Rush through World War II, though it never saw battle. Navigate your own way around the fort or join a guided tour to learn about the fort’s unique architecture, the defenses of Golden Gate, and the soldiers who called Fort Point home.

“We Can Do It!” Paying homage to “Rosie the Riveters,” the women who worked in defense industries during World War II, this park honors the sacrifices of American civilians on the home front during the war. About 20 miles northeast of San Francisco in Richmond, California, the park allows visitors to tour the Ford Assembly Plant, the SS Red Oak Victory Ship and its nearby shipyard, and more. There’s lots to explore here, as Richmond played a significant role in home front efforts during the war.