5 Best Sights in The Bay Area, California

At the height of mating season, upward of 4,000 elephant seals congregate at Año Nuevo, one of the world's few approachable mainland rookeries. The seals are both vocal and spectacularly big (especially the males, which can weigh up to 2½ tons). A moderate, 3- to 4-mile round-trip walk takes you to the dunes, from which you can look down onto the animals lounging on the shoreline. During mating season (from mid-December through March), visitors may do the hike only as part of a 2½-hour guided tour, for which reservations should be made. The area's visitor center has a fascinating film about the seals and some natural-history exhibits (including a sea otter's pelt that you can touch). Dogs are not allowed.

Moss Beach's biggest attraction is the spectacular Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, a 3-mile stretch of bluffs and tide pools that occupy 32 acres. Since the reserve was protected in 1969, scientists have discovered many new aquatic species. The best time to visit is during a zero or negative low tide, when you're likely to find crabs, anemones, urchins, and sea stars. Volunteer naturalists are around to answer questions on the weekends. Self-guided tours available, but pets are not allowed.

Runners, joggers, and power walkers charge along the 3.4-mile path that encircles this 155-acre heart-shaped natural saltwater lake. Crew teams glide across the water and boatmen guide snuggling couples in authentic Venetian gondolas (fares start at $60 per couple for 30 mins; 510/663–6603, gondolaservizio.com), while yogis, jugglers, and picnickers look on from the shore. Lakeside Park, which surrounds the north side of Lake Merritt, has several outdoor attractions, including the small children's park, Children's Fairyland (699 Bellevue Ave.), and the Lake Merritt Wildlife Sanctuary, a water and air fowl haven that was also North America's first wildlife refuge. Don't miss the nearby Grand Lake neighborhood, centering on the parallel strips of Lakeshore Avenue and Grand Avenue, for good browsing and even better eating.

A 1,000-acre wildlife sanctuary along the Bolinas Lagoon, this Audubon Canyon Ranch preserve gets the most traffic during late spring. Quiet trails through the rest of the preserve offer tremendous vistas of the Bolinas Lagoon and Stinson Beach. On Saturdays, ranch guides are posted throughout to point out animals—including waterbirds, shorebirds, bobcats, and coyotes—and answer questions. During the week, check in at the small bookstore and take a self-guided tour.

If a quarantine is not in effect (watch for signs), from November through April you can look for mussels amid tidal pools and rocky outcroppings at Pescadero State Beach; a fishing license is required. Any time of year is good for exploring the beach, the north side of which has several secluded spots along sandstone cliffs. Across U.S. 101, the 243-acre Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve has hiking trails and is the site of a large and active blue-heron rookery. Early spring and fall mornings are the best times to come, when there are lots of migrating birds and other wildlife to see. No pets on the beach or in the preserve. Amenities: parking (fee); toilets. Best for: solitude; sunset; walking.