Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge offers great opportunities to view over 280 species of birds traveling along the Pacific Flyway

Mt. Tamalpais is Marin County's most recognizable peak and is often considered to be the symbolic heart of the county.

In the Eastern-most region of the Bay Area, Contra Loma Regional Park is a welcome oasis for those seeking refuge from the heat.

In the heart of wine country, a humble wooden sign marks the entrance to the rugged and forested Bothe-Napa Valley State Park.

Some of the oldest and tallest Redwoods in the world have called Big Basin home for more than 1,500 years.

Although it's located within the City & County of San Francisco, the rugged coastline of Lands End feels worlds apart from city life.

Tucked away in a forgotten area of Silicon Valley, the former town of Alviso sits quietly at the southern terminus of San Francisco Bay

A paved path circles a great lawn, passing below eucalyptus trees that have stood for more than 100 years

With its history of industry and commerce, it's easy to forget that Richmond lies along the shores of the beautiful San Francisco Bay

Rising above the estuary, Turtle Back Hill is a great example of the diversity of native plants that were once common along the shoreline.

Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline Park is situated along the Carquinez Strait, just west of the Benicia Bridge.

Lake Merritt, just east of downtown, is often referred to as the Heart of Oakland.

Redwood Regional Park is home to the largest remaining stand of Coastal Redwood in the East Bay.

Today the park is helping to reconnect ecosystems and is seen as a shining example of the beauty that can be found in reclaimed land.

Although these hills do not reach any tremendous heights, they provide some of the greatest views in the Bay Area.

Armstrong Redwoods is only two miles from town, but these tall, quiet trees are worlds away from the buzz of tourists along the river.

Alameda Island is perfectly situated along the San Francisco Bay to take advantage of sunny days, bay views and sandy beaches.

Nimitz Way wanders humbly along the top of the hillside, offering some the best views of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Often times the most beautiful places can be found in unlikely settings; Lake Temescal is one such place

If you look beyond the vineyards of Napa Valley, you'll see that the surrounding hills are full of natural and historic beauty