For an immersion in Mother Nature's majesty, try the Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore. The wide, easy 4.7-mile (one way) walk traces the park's burly, Pacific-plunging bluffs, and passes some rare sights, including hundreds of once-endangered tule elk. Feel the ocean breeze slide across treeless headlands as you devour the uninterrupted Pacific views to the west and beautiful Tomales Bay to the east. Hikers can turn around anytime, but we recommend going all the way to picnic at the trail's end lookout point. Spot sea lions surfing the waves and sailboats bobbing in distant Bodega Bay, and if you're lucky, whales diving and flicking their tails. The return trip offers a different vantage point, so you'll be treated to new views of rocky outcroppings, dramatic cliffs, and possibly even closer encounters with the roaming tule elk (who like to queue up and trot across the trail). Bring binoculars and snacks. And remember, respect your Elk.
BONUS: Afterward, relax at nearby McClure Beach. It's just a half-mile hike from the designated parking lot, bonfires are permitted (with a fire permit) and crowds are slim.
The trailhead is at the northern end of Point Reyes at Pierce Point Ranch. Note: The last three-quarters of a mile, sand and overgrowth obscures the trail, but just keep walking and you'll reach the rocky tip in no time. More information.