Time to savor the year's longest days. From the heart of San Francisco to roosts around the bay, we've got the skinny on stellar, horizon-gazing hotspots. Make a picnic, pack a flashlight, and get ready to absorb every last glimmer of summer's solstice.

Miller-Knox Regional Shoreline in Richmond boasts one of the bay's best sunset-supping sanctuaries. Get to Miller-Knox by way of Point Richmond, a history-soaked "old town" neighborhood that straddles the 580 freeway. Harboring just a few trails through the bayside bluffs, this park is not a hiker magnet — which means chances are good you'll have this prime place to yourself. We recommend hiking up the short (and steep) trail to the ridge to catch the sunset at False Gun Vista Point, marked by a lone bench. This spot provides a glimpse into two strikingly different moods: on one side you can see all of Richmond and its rough edges and refineries; on the other you can see vast, unobstructed bay views spanning from San Francisco all the way to Angel Island and Mt. Tam.

BONUS: After sunset, stop at the nearby historic Hotel Mac, a friendly restaurant and bar akin to something straight out of the Old West. Try the delicious Mac 'n' Cheese and enjoy their premiere wine selection (50% off all bottles of wine on Fridays).

Directions to Miller-Knox Regional Shoreline: Take 580 West and exit Canal/Garrard. Turn left at the exit ramp, go one block to West Cutting and turn right. Go left onto South Garrard and drive through the tunnel, following the road along the shore. Park in the lot at the first sign on the right of the road after the tunnel. To access the trailhead, head across the road and take the trail going uphill to the right of the yellow building. At the first trail split, go right and follow it uphill (south) to the larger bluff. Take caution — the trail is steep. You will follow a winding trail, mixed with steps, to the top of the bluff with a bench. Note: Miller-Knox is dog-friendly. More information.

Hotel Mac, 50 Washington Ave., Point Richmond; 510-233-0576. Directions to Hotel Mac: From Miller-Knox, go through the tunnel and turn left onto West Richmond Ave. Go a couple of blocks and turn right onto Washington Ave.

Lift yourself higher on the Peninsula's Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. This expansive regional park offers over 13 miles of trails on 1,308 acres of forest and grassland. The preserve's principal panoramic attraction — Windy Hill — is easily accessed via the 0.7-mile Anniversary Trail. If you're feeling more ambitious, longer hiking trails to the top of Windy Hill can be found here. When you reach the summit, do the Hokey Pokey and turn yourself around 360 degrees: Windy Hill is located smack between the Pacific and Silicon Valley, so on a clear evening you can watch the sun ignite everything from the ocean to Mt. Diablo. Keep an eye out for kite-flyers and hang-gliders, too.

Directions to Windy Hill Open Space Preserve: On Skyline Blvd (Highway 35), drive about 2 miles south of Highway 84 (La Honda Rd.). The parking area and Anniversary Trail are on the east side of the road. Note: Prepare for potentially gusty conditions by bringing a blanket and extra layers. Windy Hill is dog-friendly. Map and more information.

When it comes to San Francisco sunsets, the Twins are no match for the Tank. As the sun sinks slowly toward the Pacific and fog spills through the spires of iconic Sutro Tower and the nearby Twin Peaks, head into the Buena Vista district and mount Tank Hill. Though the small park is barely discernible on many maps, it packs punch with epic views that range from Golden Gate Park to the South Bay. Hardcore horizon hunters should perch themselves on the rocky outcropping on the peak's north side. Bring a blanket, some wine, and your favorite fleece; with the stunning vistas of the city sparkling below, you'll want to linger long after the sun sets.

Directions to Tank Hill: Take Stanyan St. south until it ends, then turn left and go up Belgrave Ave. to the end. On the left side of the street, you'll see a trail leading up to Tank Hill. Note: The Tank is dog-friendly, too.

Patagonia knows the outdoors. They've been making the best gear and apparel since 1972. This summer, they've teamed up with Weekend Sherpa to talk about initiatives they support, activities they love, and clothes they dig. Long before being green was cool, Patagonia was pushing the envelope for clean environmental practices. Each week throughout the summer — starting today — they'll run a short piece that brings you closer to their path-breaking brand. Introducing Patagonia's 12 Weeks of Summer.

Few people scale "The Nose" of Yosemite's El Capitan — the Holy Grail of rock climbing — and even fewer do it in one day. Stein Skaar, Patagonia's San Francisco store manager, is one of the few. An avid rock climber and an all-around outdoors enthusiast, Stein hones his climbing skills bouldering Indian Rock in Berkeley and Turtle Rock in Marin. His favorite piece of Patagonia summer apparel? The Capilene 1 Crew shirt. "It's 100% recycled and it's just the perfect fabric. It keeps you warm when it's cool and cool when it's warm." Sounds like a good match for a summer in San Francisco.

BONUS: Visit the San Francisco store (770 North Point St. at Hyde St.) by July 1, 2007, print this e-mail (they'll recycle the paper), and receive a free organic cotton tote bag*.

Directions to the Patagonia stores.

*$15 retail value. Available only at Patagonia San Francisco while supplies last. No purchase necessary. One bag per customer.

Miss a week? Click here to see an archive of Patagonia’s 12 Weeks of Summer.