Muir Woods, Calif.
Home to the "Tallest Living Things in the World."

Muir Woods is an old-growth redwood forest eight miles north of San Francisco. A web of trails provides visitors with a snail's-eye view of the majestic Sequoia sempervirens, some of which are 1,200 years old and tower to 300 feet. Put on good walking shoes and experience a dense and diverse collection of plants, animals and birds. Avoid peak times to enjoy the sun-dappled forest all to yourself.