In San Rafael, in Marin county, view the futuristic Marin County Civic Center, the last building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the largest park in an urban setting in the world, spans several counties. Its Marin headlands overlook the ocean and bay, and Muir Woods National Monument offers easy walking paths through majestic groves of redwoods. A day on Mount Tamalpais offers hiking with a view. Or, take a drive to Point Reyes National Seashore for bird- and whale-watching, hiking, and a climb down 300 steps to the lighthouse. Dine in a waterfront restaurant in quaint Sausalito and browse the shops. Relax in Tiburon's waterfront cafés.