Four Days in San Francisco, Ca- July 2022

San Francisco and Muir Woods 

The summer of 2022 brought a different kind of travel for the Cook Family.  To celebrate Brodey's high school graduation we flew to California for a two week vacation...but National Park's were still part of our destination! 

Alcatraz Island 

Our first stop was Alcatraz Island.  One of the world's most famous prisons, it is now a unit of the National Park service.  We booked a tour that included the ferry ride to the island through San Francisco Bay and entrance to Alcatraz Island.   The buildings are full of exhibits and an audio tour tells the history of the island, from military base and prison, federal prison, bird preserve, and American Indian occupation.  

In 1972, The Gold Gate National Recreation Area was created, which included Alcatraz Island.  This NPS Unit also included Fort Point National Historic Site and Muir Woods National Monument.  There are other locations throughout the San Francisco area to visit.  

More pictures from our visit to Alcatraz Island.  

Muir Woods National Monument 

Probably one of my favorite Nation Monuments, Muir Woods didn't disappoint.  Named for Naturalist John Muir, this area became protected in 1908 to preserve the redwood trees found here.  

Just a short drive across the Golden Gate Bridge outside of San Francisco, the redwood trees grow tall and the views amaze.  We spent the day hiking, hugging trees, and enjoying our time together. 

"And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul. " ~ John Muir 

A Weekend in San Francisco 

We did the touristy things, like eating at Fisherman's Wharf, riding the cable cars, visiting Lombard Street, and going to the top of Coit Tower for some amazing views of the city.  

 

 

If there is a NP site in a city, I'll find it.  We also made it to Fort Point, located under the Golden Gate Bridge.  This fort became a unit of the NPS in 1970.  This Fort date back to 1769, when the Spanish occupied the entrance to San Francisco Bay and by 1776, built the fort as protection from the British. In 1853, it was rebuilt as a US Military Fort to secure San Francisco Bay.   

  

Next stop is Yosemite National Park!!