In the Shadow of the Lighthouse:California

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the country’s largest urban park, sprawls over 72,815 acres of land and water, encompassing Alcatraz, Fort Point and Angel Islands, the Cliff House Fort Mason and the Aquatic Park, among other attractions. It extends into Marin county, where it is dotted with coves and beaches, as well as Muir Woods and Mount Tamalpais.

Point Reyes National Seashore preserves woodland, grassland, and beaches. Bear Valley Visitor Center is the location of Miwok Indian Village, and the Earthquake Trail shows a rift in the earth along the San Andreas Fault. The seashore is home to fox, elk and mountain lions. Hiking trails and beaches abound, along with warnings such as "check the tide tables before walking on the beaches. Rising water can trap you against a cliff with no possibility of escape".