You Walk, Miwok

So close, yet far enough to get swept up in iconic coastal scenery ... that pretty much defines this classic hike in the Marin Headlands. Just over the north side of the Golden Gate Bridge is an expanse of wild open space and a winding 5-mile loop hike that brings together the best of the headlands. Starting from the main Rodeo Beach parking area, head east along the road next to Rodeo Lagoon and its resident great egrets (the lagoon is a birding hotspot for the next few months). Within a half-mile veer left and into Gerbode Valley on the Miwok Trail. You'll be sharing this wide fire road ascent with hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers. Keep an eye out for red-tail hawks, one of fall's most famous migrating birds. At the junction, where you'll connect onto Wolf Ridge Trail, there may be a volunteer docent with binoculars from the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory, talking hawks. Meander on the Wolf Ridge Trail next to the rolling hills of the headlands. When you reach the Coastal Trail, detour uphill briefly to the high point, Hill 88, an old military site that has a tremendous view over Rodeo Beach, the Marin coastline, and even south to San Francisco. Follow the Coastal Trail back to Rodeo Beach, descending the rock-and-log stairway and taking in magnificent views from Battery Townsley up and down the coast and into the Pacific's horizon.

MARINE MAMMAL CENTER BONUS: Though closed on Thanksgiving Day, the world-famous Marine Mammal Center (located at Rodeo Beach) is free to visit and open to the public on Black Friday and through the weekend.