Here’s a rare opportunity for city dwellers - a national park next to a metropolis. Take a trip to ancient redwoods with views that will stick deeply in your memory - and your heart.

Head to the woods, but grab some coffee on the go 

Park your car around the intersection of Lovell Road and Cascade Drive in Mill Valley 

Hike up Zig Zag Trail to Mountain Home Inn 

Take Alice Eastwood -> Plevin Cut -> Camp Eastwood -> Bootjack trails 

Head back to Bridge 2 and take Canopy View Trail to Mountain Home Inn 

Grab a beer and bites at Mountain Home Inn and take in the views

Hike back down to Lovell Road/Cascade Drive in Mill Valley 

One last view - the Golden Gate View Point 

As you make the drive to the Zig Zag trailhead, first stop and grab a delicious coffee from 

. Coffee is of course a noted pick-me-up, but did you 

Heading to the woods, but grab some coffee on the go

One thing to remember about the Bay Area’s much celebrated year-round temperate climate are the 

 with you before heading out for the hike - and of course a good pair of walking/hiking shoes. And if you haven’t tried Bombas pleasantly satisfying 

Park your car around the intersection of Lovell Road and Cascade Drive in Mill Valley

This series of switchbacks must be the steepest route on Mount Tamalpais. In his novel, 

, Jack Kerouac wrote about this gorgeous eminence, calling it as beautiful as any on Earth. Take your time - and a break or two - marching up the hill so you can enjoy the flora and fauna.

Hike up Zig Zag Trail to Mountain Home Inn

This series of downward trailways takes you to the back entrance of Muir Woods (you will pop into the park at Bridge 4). You’ll weave your way through abundant forests - keep your eyes out for interesting birds - there are more than 150 breeds living in the local woods - such as Red-Tailed Hawks and Hairy Woodpeckers.

Take Alice Eastwood -> Plevin Cut -> Camp Eastwood -> Bootjack trails

Here is a special place, a primeval forest filled with glorious redwood trees, some spanning back more than 1,000 years. This national park, dedicated in 1904 as the nation’s first in close proximity to a major city, remains a natural beauty that feels as if it harkens back to the beginning of time. We highly recommend doing a loop from Bridge 4 to Hillside Trail to Main Trail to Bridge 2 where you will see Redwood Creek, which eventually 

 into the Pacific Ocean. And just in case you’re not familiar with one of the true originators of the term wanderlust, read more about John Muir 

Walk around Muir Woods!

Muir Woods has become incredibly popular, which means this less traveled route (also all uphill) is sure to get you away from any crowds you may have encountered. Walking amidst the serenity that encapsulates these stands of giant redwoods is a monumental experience.

Head back to Bridge 2 and take Canopy View Trail to Mountain Home Inn

You’ve done the work, now it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your efforts. Considered by Marin Magazine as one of the best locales for a day date, grab a beer and a meal and enjoy views that make you feel like you’re on top of the world. In one direction are a forest filled with trees while in another are the radiant blues of the Pacific Ocean.

Hiking up the ZigZag trail might seem like the hardest part of this adventure but make sure to take care coming down the steep terrain. Experts 

 using small steps to keep your glutes and butt muscles engaged, which your knees will thank you for later.

Hike back down to Lovell Road/Cascade Drive in Mill Valley

 next to Whole Foods Mill Valley, there are 3 chargers here. If it’s a Friday, check out the farmers market put on all day by 

. If you only had a beer at Mountain Home Inn, there are some nice local restaurants while you're waiting, including picking up a to-go order from 

In need of some juice?

There are so many excellent locations to check out the Golden Gate, the city of San Francisco and the bay that stretches out to the west. This one is particularly stunning when it’s at night. Give your senses one more intoxicating view before heading home.

One last view - the Golden Gate View Point

Into the Muir Woods We Go

Oahu’s celebrated North Shore is a surfer’s paradise but it also provides so much else to experience. Let’s spend the day (and possibly more) appreciating all that it has to offer.

Start your trip with style by grabbing an early lunch at Ono Seafood

Drive to the North Shore along Kamehameha Highway 

(Take Highway 83 – 40-minute drive without stops)

Visit ​​Kualoa Ranch - the filming location for Jurassic Park and Lost 

Stop by Turtle Bay Resort to charge your car at one of their 14 stations 

Head to the famous Pipeline and watch surfers catch some waves 

Enjoy a yummy dessert at Aoki’s Shave Ice 

Bonus plan for spending the night – take a hike before heading home 

(State Hwy 930/Farrington Hwy – 20-minute drive)

You’ve already got your to-go bag with water, a towel and swimsuit, a beach blanket, suntan lotion and shades. Grab your fully charged car and you’re ready for your outdoor adventure.

Pick up your rental EV in Honolulu

Rated by Tripadvisor as the No. 11 restaurant on the island, Ono delivers a tasty and particularly fresh 

 (we also like the seaweed salad!) from their hole-in-the-wall locale. Parking is limited and may take an extra minute to find, but your patience will be rewarded. It’s really that good.

Start your trip with style by grabbing some poke at Ono Seafood

There are so many sights along this magnificent drive traversing the island’s scenic eastern shore. Don’t miss 

, one of several offshore isles around Oahu. Once upon a time, Mokoli’i was considered part of Hawaii’s hallowed grounds and provided a home for the local monarchy. Make sure to stop a lot on your drive, enjoy the sights and at least once stare off to an ocean that stretches as far as you can see.

Drive to the North Shore along Kamehameha Highway

These are just two of the dozens of Hollywood productions filmed here at 

, making this a must-visit for fans of any of them. But there’s so much more to do at Kualoa Ranch, such as ziplining and riding on horses or ATVs. But be sure to make a reservation before you go - Kualoa Ranch is a favorite of everyone visiting the island.

Visit ​​Kualoa Ranch - the filming location for Jurassic Park and Lost

Pro tip: while Giovanni's is the more popular shrimp truck option, we found Fumi’s Kahuku Shrimp to be far tastier (don’t forget to order 2 extra garlic oil sides - they are delicious even on their own). If you are vegan, you must check out Raised by the Waves, a 100% plant-based eco-friendly cafe. Their motto is “Waves (and food) will bring us together” and we couldn’t agree more.

Shrimp truck time! Head to Kahuku

While waiting on your car, walk along the beach on the right hand side of the resort for a chance to see sea turtles who waddle their way out from the ocean for an afternoon tan on the rocks and sand. Or, try your hand at surfing on the famous North Shore waves. We highly recommend 

 if you want a lesson, and they have boards for rent with only a 1-minute walk to the water.

Stop by Turtle Bay Resort to charge your car at one of their 14 stations

As the sun prepares to set, head to the home of the finest surfing on Earth. The barreling waves are imposing and unforgiving, but that’s because they are so huge. The greats of the sport come here to test themselves, hoping they catch the wave of the year at the place also known as the Banzai Pipeline because in the winter, waves can exceed 20-30 feet! You’ve got your blanket - now it’s time to see where legends are borne.

Head to the famous Pipeline and watch surfers catch some waves

Did you know shave ice originated from Japan in the early 1900s? Hawaiians put their own twist on it, adding tropical flavors like the beloved “rainbow flavor” while adding ice cream for additional foundation. We find 

 is as good or better than any you will enjoy on the island.

Enjoy a yummy dessert at Aoki’s Shave Ice

It’s been a full day and it’s time to go home. But if you have the time, make plans to spend the night on the North Shore of Oahu. You can find some gorgeous views from AirBnbs between Velzyland Beach and Sharks Cove.

Drive back to Honolulu

Get up early, grab a quick coffee and go. Drive to the northernmost Honolulu car path at Kaʻena Point Trail Parking Lot and hike the six-mile round trip trail that’s unlike any other found on the island. You'll walk along the rugged coastline of extreme natural beauty that is also drier than one might expect. It’s a moderate hike, and because of the rocky nature of the walk, be sure to wear sturdy shoes.

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