10 Amazing Natural Wonders Hiding In Plain Sight Around San Francisco — No Hiking Required

Discovering a beautiful part of California does not always mean suffering for it. In fact, there are many splendid natural attractions that require only little if minimal effort. California is home to some of the most varied and dynamic natural landscapes and wonders in the world, so take the time to enjoy these places around the San Francisco area.

Michelle V/Yelp

The place to go when you see all of San Francisco. Just drive uphill, and once you're up near the viewing area you'll need to fight for a spot. This hill and the views are symbolic and breathtaking.

Mailoha A/yelp

Just drive and park, if you can find parking, and walk to the main entrance and you'll see those level redwoods, The Muir Woods National Monument is a must-see destination for any local or visitor to the San Francisco Bay Area. The biggest reason to come here is to appreciate one of the world’s last remaining coastal redwood forests, made up of the tallest living things on earth.

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Sahil P/Yelp

You don't have to go uphill to appreciate this eucalyptus forest. The forest is located at the geographical center of the city. Also, Karl the Fog loves to hang out in this spot, creating an ethereal cloud forest that'll quickly have you forgetting your smack-dab in the middle of a bustling city. Stunning!

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Rod F/Yelp

Take the ferry from rom San Francisco, Tiburon or Vallejo and enjoy this marvel. Angel Island is the second largest island in area of the San Francisco Bay.

Adam S/Yelp

San Francisco's coast is absolutely stunning. Drive to Ocean Beach via the Great Highway and park and simply enjoy the ocean. As well, you can check out the Coastal Trail from Lands End to Lincoln Park, and then further up to the Batteries To Bluffs Trails, which will have you weaving your way up and down the coastline.

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Tim (Timothy) Pearce/Flickr

Driving down to Monterey is fun for numerous let alone the Bay, but as well Canary Row and Aquarium. The Monterey Canyon is the largest and deepest submarine canyon off the Pacific coast of North America. You can spot a lot of marine life because this bay reaches depths of up to two miles deep.

Elaine N/Yelp

The drive to Stinson Beach is curvy and memorable. Once you've arrived simply walk from the parking lot, and boom you're at this foggy marvelous beach.

Michael H/Yelp

Baker Beach is SF's most popular beach, and easily accessible from the parking lot near the battery Chamberlin. The views are stupendous and picture worthy, so expect to see couples taking engagement photos here especially around sunset.

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Euan/Flickr

The fog in San Francisco is like nothing else and our natural wonder. Also, the fog even has a name, Karl, and a Twitter account! The foggiest parts of the city are usually toward the Sunset, Richmond, the beach areas, and along Great Highway.

Golden Gate Park Page

Not technically "natural wonders," since the original herd were placed by man in Golden Gate Park way back in the 1890s, but seeing bison in the middle of a major city is awesome. All you need to do is drive to Golden Gate Park and drive to the area situated off of John F. Kennedy Drive in the north/west corner of the park. Specifically, you'll see the bison closer to the area between 36th Avenue/Sunset Blvd - 41st Avenue/Sunset Blvd.

Have you been to any of these places? Let us know and share your thoughts. Please share this too! Also, if you love natural wonders then check out The One Place In San Francisco That Must Be Seen To Be Believed.