Muir Woods National Monument

Just 11 miles north of bustling San Francisco sits a tree lover's paradise. Hike amid towering giants more than 1,000 years old and 250 feet high. These are some of the largest living things on Earth. Named after naturalist John Muir, this national monument was one of the first National Parks in the country.

Paved trails through the living monoliths make day hikes easy from your nearby campsite. Keep an eye out for gigantic pine cones as big as your head that may fall along some of the pathways. In addition to the huge trees, Muir Woods shelters many kinds of animals and birds that call this place home.

The main trail, at two miles, winds along the main stream in the area. It's lined with giant redwood trees that filter sunlight and keep your hike cooler than the surrounding temperature. For a longer jaunt, check out the Ben Johnson Trail, a 5.2-mile loop that serves as a great day hike.

For something different, walk along Sun Trail. This path covers 4.7 miles and leads to a chalet-style building that houses a beer garden. The Tourist Club is a perfect respite from the outdoors when you need a lunch break.

You and your children can walk, run and play in an idyllic outdoor setting here. Just remember that trees rule at the park. You may feel a bit small next to these giant redwoods, but you also feel as if you are part of a larger community of living things on your home planet. The experience in this park is like nowhere else on Earth.