Biking Adventures around San Francisco Tiburon by the Bay

Biking Adventures around San Francisco Tiburon by the Bay

California, USA, Wine

Biking Adventures around San Francisco: Tiburon by the Bay

San Francisco is one of my favorite cities. Not so much for its nightlife or great city vibes, although those are great too, but for what surrounds it. Head off in almost any direction from downtown and you find a deluge of outdoor fun, not to mention great restaurants, wine and some of my favorite small towns in the state. The best part of all is that many of these great escapes can be totally car-free. So grab your bike or your favorite walking shoes and come across the bay with me to the quaint seaside town of Tiburon.

Tiburon By the Bay: www.townoftiburon.org

My morning began leisurely on this warm and beautiful fall day. After a coffee and a scone at Tartine I headed over to  San Francisco Bike Rentals located near Pier 41. I grabbed a bike and hopped on the Ferry dubbed the Blue and Gold Fleet which was destined to take me across the bay to Tiburon. Camera in hand I passed some of San Francisco’s most iconic sites, Angel Island, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge on my short trip across the bay.

Tiburon is a former railroad town that up until 1963 served as the terminus for the Northwestern Pacific Railroad. One of the railroad’s “most famous deliveries” was Al Capone, who was carried by train to Alcatraz in 1934. Since then it has been transformed into a charming seacoast village that I was apt to explore.

Charming over water houses in Tiburon
Before exploring the shops I wanted to bike the Tiburon Historical Trail. The Bay area is well known for its miles of bike trails that meander from the city to the coast and into the forest,  this trail is part of the  San Francisco Bay Trail, a developing effort to create a 500-mile multi-use trail encircling its namesake bay. A gentle trail it offers stunning views of both San Francisco Bay and Mt. Tamalpais. Starting at the ferry terminal I headed North along the path, passing some of the Tiburon historical markers and the coastal mudflats of Richardson Bay, a birder’s paradise they were filled with birds of all sizes and colors, like herons, hawks and waterfowl.
 
Working up an appetite I soon headed back towards Tiburon’s classic main street which offers antique, wine and specialty shops as well as some fantastic waterfront dining. I chose to grab a waterside table at the highly popular Italian restaurant Servino.

View of the bike path from Servino’s upstairs patio

In the summer months, not a table can be had in this family-run establishment that happens to be celebrating 40 years of business. With winter comes a more relaxed atmosphere and I was happy to have a quiet lunch away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Joined by my friend and her pooch we sat down for an abundance of delectable dishes inspired by Angelo Servino’s upbringing in Southern Italy and created with fresh and locally purveyed ingredients by head chef Christian Darcoli.

Kale & Ricotta Salad & Tuna Tartare

Mussels at Servino in Tiburon

Mussels and Brussels

Wanting to taste everything we ordered Tuna Tartare, and Mussels to start.  A seafood lover I was blown away by how delicious the mussels were. Cooked to perfection in a cream and butter sauce, the rich flavors practically melted into my mouth. Next up were Brussel Sprouts, and a kale salad with ricotta and cranberries. They had me at ricotta with that salad and the infusion of different flavors and textures had me taking seconds before I knew it. One can never go wrong with Brussel Sprouts and the kitchen was happy to make these delicious babies with no animal products. ​

Pasta dishes at Servino

Lobster Agnolotti & Funghi Pasta

Branzino and a Funghi Pizza at Servino in Tiburon
Funghi pizza & Grilled Branzino

Already full, we buckled down and took a deep breath for our next dishes, hands down my two favorite. First up was a lobster agnolotti which is similar to a ravioli but better. I have had a lot of these in my life and none tasted as good as these. It was the perfect collision of parmesan and lobster placed perfectly within the freshly made pocket of pasta which is made in-house. I had to force myself to eat them slowly so I could savor the immensely delicious flavors for as long as possible. Pasta complete we moved on to a funghi pizza, drizzled with white truffle oil and lightly dusted with parmesan. I am not a big pizza eater but this one was by far one of my favorite EVER! ​

View of the Golden Gate Bridge from Lyford Tower

After a cappuccino and flourless chocolate torte my friend and I headed back to the bike path, but this time for a walk through the local neighborhoods. We walked up towards Lyford’s Tower part of an old gate, that once was the entrance to a civil war utopian development that never came to light. It is on the National Registry of Historic Places and a great place for a scenic view. If you’re looking for a challenge you can also hike nearby Mt. Tamalpais or bike back to San Francisco on the San Francisco Bay Trail. Before long it was time for me to head back across the water, ready for another day of adventure in San Francisco. ​

Four San Francisco Day Trips For Nature Lovers

Four San Francisco Day Trips For Nature Lovers

California, USA

San Francisco Day Trips

As an Angeleno I am always in awe of how different San Francisco is from its southern sister. While the city itself is a bustling metropolis the towns and wilderness surrounding the city offer a never-ending amount of adventure and exploration. Whether you are a forest dweller, a beach lover, a hiker, photographer, artist or adventure junkie there is enough in this area to keep anyone mesmerized. If the outdoors are on your agenda on a visit to the Golden Gate City here are a few great day trip ideas from San Francisco.

 

Muir Woods 

Located just a few miles over the Golden Gate bridge, Muir Woods is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation area, it is a popular place to visit and view some of California’s old growth Redwood trees. Multiple trails wind their way through the forest floor on well maintained paths easily accessible to all. Several other trails climb high up above offering views of the Pacific Ocean and Mount Tamalpais. Don’t miss the huge trees in Cathedral Grove and make sure you wander along Redwood Creek where you can sit and listen to the birds chirping. See more of this beautiful place in the video below.

Inverness & Point Reyes Shipwreck 

 
For the photographers in all of us stop at the inlet in Inverness to snap a photo of one of the most Instagrammed boats in the US. Beached behind a small market and deli the Inverness boat has become quite famous over the years. After your photo session stop at one of the local markets or restaurants for some absolutely fantastic homemade sandwiches, burritos or treats. The town is so cute it might just inspire you to stay here for a year and write a novel.
 
Point Reyes LightHouse
Point Reyes National Seashore 
 
Point Reyes National Seashore is a huge area and the diversity you will see when driving through here will most likely catch you by surprise. I had seen photos of the beautiful Point Reyes Lighthouse and decided to set out to see it. After stopping at the Point Reyes shipwreck in Inverness I set off towards the coast and into Point Reyes National Seashore.
​
​The road to the lighthouse is an unmaintained country road so far removed from anything you would imagine just outside a big city. It meanders through miles upon miles of open cow pasture from farms that date back almost to the beginning of California’s history. I felt like I was on an Azorean Island and not in California. As the countryside gives way to the coast you will soon be enveloped on both sides by the beauty and harshness of the Northern Pacific Ocean. Small turnoffs will take you to incredible solemn beaches where you can watch the waves crash in complete solitude.At the turn off to Drake’s beach you may even see a herd or two of Tule Elk. The best place to see the Elk are at Tomales Point. Back in the 1800’s the Elk were brought to near extinction but thanks to an incredible reintroduction and protection program they are now thriving again in this area.
Take a break at Drake’s Beach before you reach the lighthouse and if you’re in the right season you might just see dozens of Elephant Seals sleeping on the beach. Just don’t get too close.After all that animal viewing head back on the road and finish your day at the Point Reyes Lighthouse. Besides being one of the best places to see whales the walk to the lighthouse will also take you through a throng of wind blown trees akin to a fairytale. Watch for whales or take one of the many walking or hiking trails that goes down to North Beach before heading back to San Francisco.

Highway 1 to Davenport 

 
From San Francisco head south along Highway 1 for some incredible ocean views. Along this stretch of road you will pass through the towns of Pacifica and Half Moon Bay where you can stop for lunch, shopping or supplies. I recommend continuing on to the roadside community of Davenport where you can stop for some incredible pie, a coffee, beer or great sandwich. Across the street is miles of coastal bluffs you can wander along, look for birds, or just take in the views.  Offering out of this world glimpses of  birds, seals, wildlife and even some nude beachgoers.
 
Continuing south you will pass through the ritzy town of Carmel By the Sea and Monterey. For a long day’s ride keep going through Big Sur, stop often for beach views and epic landscapes. In 2017 a landslide washed out the famous Bixby Bridge that has been in many a TV show like Big Little Lies and plenty of car commercials. It was just recently reopened which means visiting Pfeiffer State Beach is now a possibility once more.

San Francisco Day Trips for Every Kind of Explorer 

San Francisco offers countless outdoor adventures especially for those willing to leave the city for a few hours. Hiking, biking, exploring redwood groves, bird watching or exploring the rocky coastline are all easy choices to make while visiting this gem of a city in Northern California. 

 

Looking for more resources on exploring California? Check out some of these articles for more. 

Highway 1 California Roadtrip Ideas 

Road Trip to Big Sur, Monterey & Yosemite 

 

4 Australian Adventures You Must Try

4 Australian Adventures You Must Try

Australia, National Parks

4 Australian Adventures You Must Try

Glittering topaz seas, diverse landscapes and unbeatable attractions to top off any royal bucket list – Australia is truly a destination for the ages. Brimming from end to end with an abundance of natural wonders, lush wildlife, glossy metropolises, romantic beaches and of course, massive expanses of outback country, this is a landmass with enough adventures to daze even the most well-traveled wanderers. Australia attracts millions of tourists every year and you don’t have to look far to see why – from incredible sightseeing and tasty cuisine to fantastic underwater escapades and cultural highlights, there really is nothing you can’t find here.

best of Australia

Curious, exciting and endlessly beautiful – Australia is paradise for thrill-seekers and adventure lovers alike. Looking to plunge into a memorable holiday here? Well then load up on your travel necessities and check out these three unmissable adventures to try in Australia before you leave.

Swimming with sea turtles in Ambergris caye Belize

Four Australian Adventures

1. Scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef

This is one of the most ethereal sights you’ll see in Australia, and one of my best memories of visiting Australia. Scuba dive here to discover 2300 km of pristine coral life and underwater beauty like nowhere else on the planet. The Great Barrier Reef is made up of about 3000 smaller reef systems, coral cays and hundreds of gorgeous tropical islands with shimmering carpets of golden sand waiting to be explored. Countless species of vibrant tropical fish swarm all around the reef, along with stunning marine creatures such as turtles, eels and even sharks. The reef is also a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage site, thanks to the incredible variety of sea life that depend on it for survival. Besides scuba diving, you can also view the reef from a glass-bottomed boat, take an educational tour and even go whale watching.

2.  Skydiving at Mission Beach

What better way to get your blood pumping than by throwing yourself off a plane that’s 15,000 feet in the air? Skydiving at Mission Beach is an unbelievable experience that will leave you craving for another go as soon as you hit the ground. Mission Beach is one of Australia’s most popular skydiving destinations, promising views and thrills you’ll never forget. You’ll be guided at every step of the way by professional skydivers as you plummet down at speeds over 200 km an hour, admiring some of the loveliest views the world has to offer. As you scream your way down, you’ll get to soak in views of dazzling white beaches, exquisite islands, blue-green stretches of rainforest and even the Great Barrier Reef itself.

3. Climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge

The Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Opera House nearby are two of Australia’s most iconic destinations. Climb the Harbor Bridge for a birds-eye view of the glamorous city below and to score a truly vivid once-in-a-lifetime experience. The top of the bridge stands 440 feet above sea level – the perfect height to capture a stunning picture for Instagram while admiring one of the world’s busiest cities. The climb up is fairly simple, with hundreds of people reaching the top every day. You won’t be allowed to take your camera or phone with you due to safety concerns, but no worries – your guide will be ready with a camera to snap perfect pictures of your group on the go, and take more pictures of you at the top.

4. Camping at Uluru 

Australia’s unforgettable Ayers Rock aka Uluru is part of a cultural landscape in the Northern Territory of Australia. Sacred to the Aboriginals the massive red sandstone monolith is one of the top things to see in Australia. Located within the Uluru- Kata Tjuta National Park, the best way to experience the rock drawings, hiking, biking and cultural experiences is by camping. Just imagine waking up to the sun rising over the red sandstone monolith as you make your morning coffee.

Like This Post? Pin It!

Four fun adventures to try in Australia, from Scuba diving and bridge jumping to hiking and skydiving. #australia #travel
Where to Camp in the UK

Where to Camp in the UK

England, Summer

The UK is so well known for the wonderful capital city of London that many visitors simply come to visit London, and perhaps check out Oxford, Cambridge or Stratford Upon Avon, but rarely take the time to venture out of the cities and into the phenomenal countryside the country has to offer.  With such varied sceneries in a very small area, from London, you can reach most places within an afternoon’s car journey. Brecon Beacons and the Wales coastline were some of my favorite places in the UK. In such a large countryside there are many great places to get outdoors.

Now, admittedly, in terms of getting away from it all camping isn’t everyone’s cup of tea so there are plenty of other options to get away from it all, such as by renting a cottage in the countryside or even staying in an AirBnB.

There’s a current trend sweeping the nation, and Europe in fact, which is the idea of packing up your car (or hire car) with camping equipment and heading to the middle of nowhere in order to set-up camp in an incredibly tranquil setting.  Now, if you have a particularly small car, you might want to stop off and get a roof rack before venturing into the world of free camping, and you can view here for more information on such accessories.

Essentially, there are some outstanding area of natural beauty within the country of  Yorkshire, but unfortunately, the majority of places in England don’t allow you to (legally) wild camp, whereas in Scotland you can pretty much camp anywhere for free and it’s legal.

Bedruthan Coastline in Cornish

1. BEDRUTHAN STEPS (ENGLAND)

These awe inspiring cliffs that wouldn’t be a miss on the dramatic Australian coastline, with clear blue waters (often filled with surfers) and soft white sand backed against a dramatic clifftop is a great place to visit.  It’s located in a remote location between Newquay and Padstow, and whilst Bedruthan Steps is owned by the National Trust (meaning you can’t camp there) there are plenty of places nearby to set up your tent; though it’s recommended to bring a torch if you’re walking around at night, as you could very easily fall down the sheer cliff drop with a wrong turn.

Cairnsgorms Scotland

Camping by Corrour Bothy, Cairngorms, Scotland

2.  CAIRNGORMS (SCOTLAND)

The Cairngorms National Park is home to a cluster of huge mountains, many of which are over 4000ft.  You’ll need to take care if climbing and camping in this area, particularly if the weather conditions are poor, which they often are in Scotland, but with the right weather you’ll benefit from an exceptional view where the mountains stretch for miles in all directions.

As with all of Scotland, you are legally allowed to wild camp practically anywhere, so wherever you find a place that looks good to you, just pitch up.

Brecon Beacons in Wales

Brecon Beacons

3.  BRECON BEACONS (WALES)

The adventurous outdoor playground of the Brecon Beacon, in Wales is where a number of elite military forces, including the Gurkhas and Royal Marines undertake their wilderness training.  This area is also great for mountain bikers and is one of the most prolific places to watch stars in the UK; indeed, you could head up onto Rhos Dirion for a summit sleep or pitch up alongside the river and nobody is going to mind in this area.

 

Like this post? Pin it!

Three of the best places to camp across the uk, wales, england and scotland. #Camping #travel #backpacking

Pin It on Pinterest

Verified by MonsterInsights