The Bay Area is full of surprises, and getting off the beaten path is one of the best ways to discover them. For example, zipping through the currently naked vineyards of Napa along Highway 121, there's an unassuming, wide-open wetland that's home to over 100,000 migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. The Napa-Sonoma Marshes are a vast network of wetland, comprising more than 14,000 acres where Napa River meets San Pablo Bay. Explore this low-lying open space by taking a stroll starting from Huichica Creek Unit. From this staging area, a wide, gravel trail heads south along the border of a pond. Clear and wide views of distant mountains, including ethereal mainstays Mount Tam and Mount Diablo, frame the sublime scenery. Fair warning: while you're likely to experience mostly tranquility out here, duck hunting is allowed through January 31, meaning occasional gunshots can be heard (though thankfully, no desperate quacks). Our recommendation is to go an hour or two before sunset when the birds get busy. As you walk, scan the later afternoon sky, water, and grass for great egrets, American goldfinches, grebes, and even golden eagles. About 130 species of birds can be observed from this section of the marsh. Keep walking south to the row of eucalyptus trees and further on if you like (there aren't official trails, so be sure to remember where you came from). Winter sunsets here can be magnificent: periwinkle permeates the mountainous background as the marsh waters gather more glow, shimmering in silence before settling into the dark.

In Napa on Hwy. 12/121: turn south on Duhig Road and proceed approximately 2 miles then turn left on Las Amigas Rd. Follow Las Amigas Rd. east until it connects with Buchli Station Rd. then turn right (south) on Buchli Station Rd. and follow the road through the vineyard areas and cross the rail road tracks The CDFG parking lot will be on the left. The marshes are dog-friendly from July 1 to February 28.