Who knew there was a castle in Pacifica? A nice visit if you're into history, architecture and want…read moreto see some views. Built in 1908 by the San Francisco rail magnate Henry Harrison McCloskey by the sea as a safe haven after his San Francisco home was severely damaged in the 1906 earthquake. It was later sold by his wife after her husband's death in 1914 Up until 1959, it had a reputation as a speakeasy, an illegal abortion clinic, a brothel and Coast Guard barracks during World War II. The castle was purchased and restored in 1959 by the late Sam Mazza, commercial painter and real estate magnate filled it with items from old theaters (fixtures, props) and items he purchased at garage sales...so a lot of kitschy items can be found. Place was never used as a residence but hosting parties and used as an event space. The place isn't as grand as I had imagined but definitely back in the day when Pacifica wasn't quite developed. A bit worn on the outside with no greenery and can see it providing a creepy backdrop at night. The docents (dressed as Mr and Mrs McCloskey) and Jeanette Cool, Executive Director of the Sam Mazza Foundation provided rich history that made it interesting and fun. The tour is 1.5 hours with a 10min video from 2000 of Sam Mazza at age 94...energetic and a bit quirky, eccentric with unique taste. All his real estate holdings, including the castle, and his art was left to his foundation after he passed in 2002. So now the castle provides tours, afternoon tea, holiday events and even a Halloween event with a medium...yeah friend bought tickets for that! An enjoyable visit with light refreshments after so grab a bite to eat before or after your tour

Visited the Mazza Castle (aka Sam's Castle) on a Sunday evening for the Castle Music Salon. We were…read moreable to enjoy the extraordinary sounds of the Musical Art Quintet, talented musicians playing a wide range of tunes on string instruments including the cello, bass, violin, and viola (x2). The entire group was in good spirits and focused on their performance, yet also carefree as they spoke to the audience of their music and history. Refreshments were included with the ticket price, including various wine offerings. And guests were able to roam around the inside of the castle and explore a few of the different rooms before the show and during intermission. There was a steep hill on the drive up, but it wasn't too scary. The castle itself is beautiful, the structure simpler on the outside, but the inside, restored by Sam Mazza, is covered in quirky decor, furnishings, instruments, and artifacts collected from throughout the bay area (a lot of interesting paintings and sculptures, and even a suit of armour on the lower level). There's much to learn about this monument's incredible history, including its past as an illegal abortion clinic, its days as a speakeasy (Chateau Lafayette), and even its origin as a safe haven for Henry Harrison McCloskey's family when it was first built following the 1906 earthquake. Castle tours are available by reservation, organized by the Sam Mazza Foundation. They also hold a number of special events here occasionally, including the amazing Castle Music Salon that I recently attended. It's certainly worth a visit, I think moreso when you can view the castle in conjunction with an event.

STUNNING, STUNNING, STUNNING!…read more This stunning French chateau is a must see . . . IF you're lucky enough to be selected from their lottery. Check their official website, there were four weeks displayed and I was fortunate to get the week of my birthday. Wednesdays only from 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. We were divided into two groups. The docent led us indoors and we were able to see the "downstairs" (staff area). We proceeded throughout the first floor and saw a variety of rooms: library, dining area, lacquer room, loggia, and ended at the backside of the mansion (must see pool). The docent was knowledgeable, humorous and passionate sharing stores about the owners of the mansion, the history, furnishings and such. I HIGHLY recommend.

This is the best kept secret in California - A Docent lead 2+ hour tour into one of the grandest…read moreand most beautiful historic mansion and it is absolutely free! It doesn't even have a gift shop for you to buy anything! The downside - the tours are conducted only once a week on Wednesday - and due to high demand, it is by lottery only. Consider yourself winning the jackpot if you got selected to go on the tour. Allen, the Curator personally lead us to a wonderful tour. They are all volunteers, doing it because they love the house and nothing else! Allen is witty, funny, extremely knowledgeable and absolutely the best. The house is beautiful, the grounds are well kept, everything is authentic as if you are going back in time to the turn of the 20th century. Highly recommend visiting this wondeful mansion- absolutely the best value you can ever get from a tour!

We had a really great day at the Pacifica Segway rental's. The owner takes you ask around the city…read moreand explains the Pacifica history. You roll through residential, beach, and off-road terrain. Uphills, downhills, flats. On road, off road. It's fun coming post people. Really smooth ride. It's so fun you almost want to buy one at the end. Haha

Jim, in green, is the owner of this Segway establishment. We finally got our nerve up to try riding…read morea Segway and the idea of a tour with someone knowledgeable was a bonus. Plus, the reviews were really good. The reviews proved correct. Jim is fantastic because he is knowledgeable and really patient when teaching you how these balance wizard machines work. Before he takes you on the adventure, he makes sure you have a helmet. Then it's how to step on, step off. Turn right, left, go around the store and across the street for more training which was a game of "follow the leader." All before the historical tour with fun history and amazing views. We even saw whales spouting and one that was just playing around. I was 7/10 terrified and Jim was very patient and calming. I went from knowing nothing to being able to maneuver uphill switchbacks and steep downhill grades. It was well worth the money and putting aside my fear. Thanks Jim for a great afternoon and for being a great teacher!

Filoli is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places I've visited. The gardens are immaculately…read moremaintained, with stunning seasonal flowers, perfectly designed landscapes, and countless picturesque spots at every turn. The staff and volunteers are warm, welcoming, and incredibly knowledgeable, which adds so much to the experience. You can truly feel the care and pride that goes into maintaining the property. Whether you're going for a relaxing walk, taking photos, or just looking to unwind, Filoli is a must-visit. It's a hidden gem that never disappoints.

Came for Mother's Day…read more Beautiful weather with gorgeous blooms! Bring a picnic blanket to enjoy the afternoon. They have wonderful popsicle flavors at the bars and some food trucks. $49/adult now

Lots of details about this interesting corner of the Bay Area provided by our guide Dan G. He was a…read morewealth of information, pretty funny and as a local was able to share a lot of perspective on the islands changes. Great day trip and I wish we had more time to poke around.

Wonderful tour led by Jim. History + nature! A great morning spent on the island…read more For people who are looking to visit the Naval Museum on the island, it is no longer open, but this tour is operative and you get to see the naval chapel and walk around the area. I was originally looking for information about the museum and arrived at this page: https://www.mihpf.org/tours. I hope this will help you find their tour options and dates! All digitalized, no fuss. And it turns out I was the only who signed up for today's tour, and they did not cancel on me because of that. I really really appreciated it. One last thing, the money you spend on the tour goes into helping this foundation : ) Yay!

Return visit but to learn about the burials of the famous in Colma. By all means, drop by to…read morereceive a printout of all the famous dead in Colma. The docent on duty was so helpful and a gold mine for information. Also, they have binders filled with photos of interurbans and trains from the area's past. Other binders covering other subjects were available but I wanted to see more of the famous graves.

What a hidden gem! Only open on Saturdays from 12-3, so plan accordingly. Staffed by knowledgeable…read moredocents. This free museum is like discovering an attic full of forgotten treasures. Recommended.

No charge. As soon…read moreas we went inside, an employee met us with a smile on his face and a friendly question: Do we want a tour or not? My advice is to answer yes, because that way you get through the entire museum, learning interesting that you might have missed without a guide. This man was full of passion for the place. He found much of the material, and yes, he just is a bit volunteer! By the way, my favorite part of the museum was the train. So, if you've never been to this place - you should visit it. You won't spend a lot of time, but you will probably learn something new!

Such a great relic from times past. When trains were The mode of transportation. Very good set up…read moreand display for families to visit. Lots of care here.

We had an amazing time at Yosemite as Sharon as our guide! She was a lot of fun, full of great…read moreinformation and had ideas for stops along the way. She told us of perfect places to go for lunch, and pointed out the most beautiful areas for photo shots! We also appreciate how accommodating she was.

Best Bay Area tours was awesome. We really enjoyed our charter trip and experience to Reno. Above…read moreand beyond that will leave an unforgettable memory that I and my family will forever cherish ! Thank you Best Bay Area Tours !!

Thanks to my cousin's husband who shared the info regarding Bootleggers Steps, I would not have…read morechecked it out. We hiked up to Mori Point & yay, We found Bootleggers Steps. Bootleggers Steps in Pacifica, CA. is a 200-foot climb with 185 steps that offer breathtaking views of the Pacific Coastline . If you find get to Mori Point, you will find Bootleggers Steps. Hmm, I wonder why this place got its name and found out Bootleggers Steps got their name from the park's history as a site for bootlegging during Prohibition. Details: Distance: 0.11 miles, 200 foot climb Views: 360-degree panorama of Pacific coastline History: Former site of bootlegging and World War II structures Heading up to Mori Point/Bootlegger was a quick 9 minutes, ( per hubby's GPS) but longer for us because I stopped along the way to take photos. The path was safe leading to the spot, just rocky at some areas, but OMG, Wow, the view was breathtaking so worth it giving up other SF plans for this. I had fun going down the steps and back up, easy peasy, My Life's grateful moments was experienced here!!

Outdoor stairmaster. This is my happy place. I thought sunset was the obvious best time to come but…read moreone day I did a full moonlit hike and was converted. One the edge of a cliff someone was playing the violin it was a very special moment that almost felt like a simulation. Everytime I come here I see something new and fascinating, I suppose that is the art of noticing.

Elliot (tour guide) was very knowledgeable, interesting, and attentive to our questions and…read moreinterests.

From the owner: Discover Marin County's most picturesque and historic town--Its history and the people who created…read moreit. Enjoy the fabulous views, the charming shops and the great restaurants. Make a day of it!