We’ve noticed a few silver-linings for those who still crave exploration of this beautiful City by the Bay. For one, there’s little traffic, a lack of crowds and available parking. Three things which were previously non-existent on this densely packed peninsula before. Mix in favorable weather and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a short getaway or a special ‘staycation’.

So whether you’re a visitor or a local, we argue that this fall offers a perfect time to take to the streets of San Francisco. Sure, you still can’t hop on a cable car or enjoy the atmosphere of a historic Gold Rush era bar, but the pleasant weather and plethora of safe and socially-distanced activities should make up for it for the time being.

Explore new beaches

If you didn’t even know San Francisco had beaches (it happens!), it’s the ultimate time to find out. While summer can tend to be foggy and surprisingly chilly here, fall brings clear days and warm temperatures. Beach day in October? How could you not.

For the largest and most accessible beaches, you’ll probably head to Ocean Beach or Crissy Field. For a more picturesque experience, travel along the Land’s End Trail where you’ll find a handful of secluded coves and white sandy stretches to explore. Baker Beach itself has a nice view of the Golden Gate Bridge and a public parking lot, but others involve climbing down some steep stairs to reach the sand.

Our favorite beach of all takes a little more effort to enjoy. On the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge inside the Golden Gate National Recreation Area lies Kirby Cove, a spectacular coarse-sand beach with panoramic views of the bridge and San Francisco skyline. To get there, you must hike down a steep 1 mile trail unless you happen to snag yourself a day-use or camping permit. These typically sell out  far in advance online, but it never hurts to look. If you get lucky and can grab a permit, you can skip the hike and drive directly down to the parking lot at the beach.

Rent a GoCar

One of the most unique and COVID-friendly ways to explore San Francisco is from the seat of a GoCar. These tiny yellow vehicles fit two people and allow you to self-drive around the city by following the ‘GPS guided storytelling’. Want to go your own way? That’s fine too. Use the provided map or your smartphone to guide your day.

Rent a go car with Incredible Adventures for the entire day and cruise down Lombard Street, through the mansions of the rich and famous and along the breezy Embarcadero. Or just wander and see the city from a new perspective.

Photograph the city without the crowds

If you’ve always dreamed about taking that perfect bridge photo or snap the ‘Painted Ladies’ at golden hour, consider it the time to do so. Without all the cars and pedestrians, San Francisco is a photographer’s dream.

Created in reaction to COVID-19, San Francisco now has 12 new ‘slow streets‘ which are closed to all vehicles. It’s never been easier to wander through neighborhoods without having to worry about busy traffic and small sidewalks.

Hit the city trails

While the hills of San Francisco make fine mountains to climb themselves, our city also happens to have spectacular green spaces and well-maintained urban hiking paths. Take to the Land’s End Trail for expansive ocean views and rugged coastline below. Alternatively, take your dog and explore the bluff trails through coastal Fort Funston. Ready for an all day cross-city adventure? The Crosstown Trail connects San Francisco’s diverse neighborhoods through a variety of urban trails and open spaces. Beginning at Candlestick Park in the southeastern part of the city and concluding at Land’s End, these 17 miles will bring you through the heart of the city and some of its most impressive views.

Grab your ‘travel pod’ and go wine tasting

Although the recent fires have been devastating for parts of wine country, that does not mean the whole area is closed. In fact, it’s a more important time than ever to support our favorite local wineries and businesses. Already struggling from COVID-19 shutdowns, nearby fires will also hurt business long after they have been put out. Air quality has improved drastically recently. To check for current conditions, visit Airnow.gov.

Ready to visit but need a DD? No problem. With the onset of the pandemic we expanded our private tours to offer services to “travel pods”, close family/friend groups that stick together to reduce the spread of COVID-19.  Gather your pod, kick back and leave the driving to us.

For private groups, you have the option to follow one of our current wine country tour itineraries, or have us create something custom and personalized. The choice is up to you.

Rates start at $178/per person for a full day wine country tour with two included tasting flights. Contact us for more details & to arrange.

Take a walk in the woods

If serene nature is what your heart desires, no need to travel far. Just twenty minutes from San Francisco lies Muir Woods National Monument. Walk beneath towering coastal redwoods over the many meandering trails and boardwalks.

Muir Woods National Monument requires a permit for parking, so be prepared before you visit.  Alternatively, skip the permit and join one of our Muir Woods & Sausalito Half Day Tours.  There’s no better way to spend a morning or afternoon then by exploring Muir Woods and also Sausalito. Make it into a whole day outing by taking the ferry from Sausalito to Pier 39 and walking along the Embarcadero to end your day.

Special offer through November 30! Use promo code ‘GOLOCAL‘ and get 15% off any Muir Woods & Sausalito Tour.

Cross Yosemite National Park off your bucket list

A staggering amount of Californians tell us they have never visited Yosemite. What a missed opportunity! But whether you are a Californian or not, right now is an optimal time to go. With pleasant autumn weather and little crowds, this is the Yosemite you want to experience. Don’t wait until high season arrives, or you might end up sitting in Yosemite Valley traffic.

There are many ways to explore the beauty of this park. If you plan to drive yourself, check out our favorite hotels on offer. Whether it’s a heated tent cabin or a comfy room inside Yosemite Valley, book as early as possible. With reduced hotel room capacity during the pandemic, they may quickly sell out. We also have tours that pickup in El Portal, right outside the park.

From San Francisco, there are many tours to choose from. Leave the winter driving to us and join one of our excursions. Relax and unwind on the drive then explore awe-inspiring Yosemite Valley at your leisure.

Tell us, which COVID-19 friendly activities or tours would you want to partake in this fall and winter?

The post Exploring San Francisco this 2021: COVID-friendly Activities & Tours appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

The media likes to hype us up for Black Friday. “Save big on the Holidays” “Holiday Sales” “If you don’t buy it now, you’ll be a big, fat, broke, GRINCH come Christmas!” Instead of bringing joy, these sentiments leave both the consumer and businesses with pressure-ridden anxieties! How can you combat the corporate giants this holiday season? Two words: Get Outside! Being out amongst nature and avoiding the malls today will bring many benefits that will make you want to say “Thanks” year-round! Here are our 3 favorite reasons to  opt outside this Black Friday!

Save Money

Consumerism. Capitalism. Some other ‘ism’ that dictates how you should be spending. With less cash registers and price tags out in the wilderness, you’ll have less temptation to throw your money away. Besides a possible park entrance fee (Here’s a list of California State Parks that waived their fees today), maybe some gear and a couple of snacks, your bank account will thank you for making it outside!

Live Stress Free

You know all of those crazy videos where people get trampled running around the store for savings? Or the ones where grown adults physically fight over toys because of a sale sticker? Don’t camp overnight in line for the malls to open their doors. Put your tent to better use and camp in the great outdoors. Sit around the campfire and wake up to the fresh air and freedom to do what you please.

Support Responsible Businesses

Materialism and the selfish desire to always get ahead has employers acting all sorts of crazy this time of year. The hours start earlier and go way later. The expectation of spending time with family is pretty much out the window. Consumers expect accessibility and some employees pay the price.

Last year, REI shook up the idea of Black Friday and the crowd went wild! The president closed their stores nationwide, urged it’s employees to ‘opt outside’ with loved ones and their target market couldn’t agree more. We support businesses like REI in their efforts to respect the sustainability of their workers and the environment.

So what are you doing looking at your screen right now? Get outside! Unplug your devices. Disconnect from you WiFi and your comfort zone. Forget about Black Friday. Let’s make it a Green Friday! Find yourself in nature today.

The post 3 Reasons to Find Yourself Outside this Black Friday appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

In 1882, Yellowstone was signed into law as protected land. As some years went by, other monuments and natural/historic areas were recognized, but the management of these properties was assigned to multiple agencies from the War Department to the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture.

In 1915, to help streamline operations, Teddy Roosevelt established the National Park Service; a federal organization whose mission was to protect and manage the 35 national parks and monuments acknowledged at the time.

In celebration of this milestone and to kickoff their centennial year, NPS is offering free admission to more than 400 parks across the US on August 25 – including Muir Woods National Monument and Yosemite National Park (two of our favorites!).

The post Happy 99th, National Park Service! appeared first on Incredible Adventures.