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    Bay Model Visitor Center

    4.2 (64 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

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    Lori I.

    FREE MUSEUM My son loves fishing and the tides, so when I heard about this I thought it would be pretty cool to see the actual Bay Area model. It's kind of geeky but he loves this stuff. This is a huge model that the Army Corps of Engineers used to see what the effects of dredging/pollution etc would have on the Bay and surrounding delta river system. You can see the bridges, the bay, and all the river systems. There is a pump that simulates the tides so you can see the movement of the water which is pretty cool. While this would not be on the top of my list of touristy things to do in the Bay Area, this was definitely something different and educational for the kids and we all really enjoyed it. Total time: 30 minutes. FREE PARKING FREE ADMISSION NO VENDORS bring your own food

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    Reyn J.

    If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, you must visit this model. It shows the tidal activities of the entire bay. Dress warmly. There is no furnace running.

    So cool. Bigger then the one in Shanghai
    Melissa S.

    This place is huge. It is a bit chilly so bring a jacket. After you pay your entrance you will follow the path to the movie. Make sure you see it to get the most out of your experience. Next you walk right into the model. It's a lot to take in and I wish they had guided tours.

    Vira P.

    This is a pretty cool place! I've always wanted to come here since I saw it on Mythbusters... It's a little run down because it's run by a governmental agency, but it's still neat to see how huge this place is and to learn its history.

    Lucy L.

    Amazing work by the US Army Corps Engineers. Free museum but I encourage dropping a donation in the box at the entrance, to support this wonderful place. Nicely laid out exhibits with videos, interactive stations throughout, historical information, and explanations of how the Bay model works and it's important significant role for all of us in the Bay Area. Good place for people of all ages and groups of any size.

    Interactive exhibits

    What a great destination! Spent more time here than intended and could have stayed longer. Fun for ages 5-55 or 8-88. Perfect for families, school field trips, or even just science, environmental or geography fans. Coming back. Also, need a quick lunch? Grab snacks, sandwiches from Molly Stones grocery store just down the street.

    David S.

    What do you do with a gigantic replica of the bay area when you're done using it? Answer: turn it into a museum. The Bay Model is a working hydraulic scale model of the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta System. While the Bay Model is still operational, it is no longer used for scientific research but is instead open to the public alongside educational exhibits about Bay hydrology. The model is located in the Bay Model Visitor Center at 2100 Bridgeway Blvd. in Sausalito, California. The bay model museum is a cool way to spend an afternoon if you're in the area. And it's free...and in someways you get what you pay for because it's fairly run down, but still worth checking out. I definitely recommend getting a tour. It's become somewhat of a Marin tourist attraction and a reminder to many about abhorrent government planning ideas. The surrounding area outside the museum by the Bay is very cool as well. I recommend doing a stroll down the Sausalito boardwalk to check out the different marinas and beaches and into Sausalito itself. I went there with my two children and it was fun for about a half an hour or so. Next time, if I do return, I'd like to get a guided tour because just walking around the model wasn't that interesting, especially always wondering where my kids were running around.

    Mini Golden Gate Bridge at the Bay Model.
    Betsy G.

    Wow - a hidden gem more than worth the time! Back in the 50's the Army Corps of Engineers built a giant model of the SF Bay and all it's related estuaries. It's the size of two football fields in an old WWII aircraft assembly building. It's a table high monster model of the water flows, complete with tides for a 24 hour day completed in 15 minutes. It was used to model pollution spills, proposed changes to Bay flows, and to study the impact of increasing/decreasing snowmelt. Computer models made this obsolete for scientists, but it's still fascinating for kids and grownups. Start with the 10 minute video that explains the whole thing then head in to see the model. The day we went it was 95 in Sausalito so it was stuffy and humid in there, but otherwise very enjoyable. Entry and parking are free. The teeny gift shop has modestly interesting things.

    Public Program on "Riding the Tide"

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    Good place to understand how our bay waters are studied in this well kept and interesting center. Best thing is it's free!

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    Ask the Community - Bay Model Visitor Center

    Review Highlights - Bay Model Visitor Center

    The Army Corps Rangers are very well informed and will talk your ear off about how the model works, if you geek out on it like I do.

    Mentioned in 9 reviews

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    Marin Headlands - Marin Headlands

    Marin Headlands

    4.8(415 reviews)
    2.6 mi

    Marin Headlands is one of the best regional parks in Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA)…read more It is one of the best places to not only hike but to take pictures. This is also great for photographers. Pretty much the hills, grass, trails, rocks, and trails are amazing! This is also a great place for photographers. There are other places like those Battery ones and Hill 88, but my friend and I didn't really get a chance to go there since we pretty much missed the path and we didn't want to turn around. Honestly, it's really hot here and thank goodness that I bring water and snacks in case I'm thirsty or hungry. Most importantly, bring water! You'll need it if you're ever going to hike here. The trip is short in my opinion since I'm used to hiking for a long time. In the future, I am planning to come back here to revisit scenic spots that we missed. The hike might be longer since I enjoy hiking at regional parks.

    Absolutely stunning. The Marin Headlands offer some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge,…read morethe Pacific Ocean, and San Francisco. The hiking trails are beautiful and well worth exploring, whether you're going for a short walk or a longer hike. It's peaceful, scenic, and feels like a total escape from the city even though it's so close. Bring a camera -- every overlook feels postcard-worthy. A must-visit if you're in the Bay Area. Magical!

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    Marin Headlands
    Marin Headlands
    Marin Headlands - "And...Love, true love, will follow you forever" - The Princess Bride

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    "And...Love, true love, will follow you forever" - The Princess Bride

    Locali Visitor Center - Find the best local art in North Beach at Locali Visitor Center 450 Columbus.

    Locali Visitor Center

    5.0(8 reviews)
    6.5 miNorth Beach/Telegraph Hill, Russian Hill

    San Francisco has always been an expressive city especially among the few remaining natives who…read morestill dwell around the streets of San Francisco. You will see people wear sports gear which has the San Francisco team logos or wear San Francisco related ironic T-shirts. Tourist visiting the city wear the SF logo sweater and hat which they picked up at the Pier 39 at the Only in San Francisco store. There is a place which is located in North Beach which has a more local artist San Francisco vibe which is welcoming to all who appreciate the city including tourists and visitors. Inside you will find some interesting items for sale which has postcards with San Francisco themes. At this gift shop you will see anything from the Golden Bridge to Sutro Tower in a unique light.They have candles, tote bags, t-shirts , stickers, and hats . This is a fun place to visit on Columbus Avenue. The Summer of love in San Francisco has been extended to October although it brings rain "showers" but you can still see the child running wild with the "Flowers" this place celebrates San Francisco landmarks like Coit and Sutro " Towers" all at the Locali Visitors Center with 11am-7pm being the opening "hours " San Francisco harvest a lot of different local artist who create a printed city "monologue " which creates a "dialogue "about the best San Francisco neighborhood restaurants and subjects like Karl the "Fog"which are done digitally but the art here is done "analog "

    Be sure and stop here to use the little $1.00 vending machine outside to get little mini pieces of…read moreart of local SF iconic buildings (mostly North Beach) "watercolors" - It was so fun, a few strangers and I were buying and trading them. I wanted them all, but eventually gave up. BUT GREAT Souvenirs!!!

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    Locali Visitor Center - Welcome in! Gift shop in the front, art gallery in the back, and advice to the right.

    Welcome in! Gift shop in the front, art gallery in the back, and advice to the right.

    Locali Visitor Center
    Locali Visitor Center

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    Presidio Visitor Center - Inside

    Presidio Visitor Center

    4.9(21 reviews)
    4.7 miPresidio

    This place was impressive. I've been to the Presidio many times, but didn't know what I was missing…read moretill I came here this past weekend after visiting the Walt Disney Museum nearby. The visitor center provides a guide to the various places to explore in the Presidio including trails, beaches, picnic areas, military & historic sites such as Battery Chamberlin, Korean War Memorial, Pershing Square, Presidio Theatre, as well as Andy Goldsworthy's art installations (only two of which I had already seen). The history displays were captivating and the gift shop offered so many interesting and quirky items, I could actually go shopping here on a regular day. Staff was readily available on site to answer questions and assist visitors. And there were even food trucks directly in front of the building on a Sunday afternoon in spring.

    My family and I decided to spend the afternoon in the Presidio area, specially the Tunnel Tops…read morearea. We decided to start our day at the Visitor's Center. They had nice displays of the area and the area history. There is a nice gift shop with plenty of souvenirs and trinkets to purchase. The employees were very nice and knowledgeable of the area and area history. The Presidio Tunnel Tops in San Francisco offers a variety of activities, including enjoying gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and Palace of Fine Arts, exploring the Outpost nature play area, visiting the Field Station for hands-on learning, picnicking on the lawns, and participating in various park events. There is also lots of food trucks in the parking lot area if you get hungry.

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    Presidio Visitor Center - Exhibits/displays

    Exhibits/displays

    Presidio Visitor Center
    Presidio Visitor Center - Gift shop

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    Gift shop

    Lands End Lookout

    Lands End Lookout

    4.4(145 reviews)
    5.9 miSea Cliff

    Wow I absolutely enjoy this visitor center. I'd say it's the most beautiful visitor center I've…read moreever seen. The public space is historical, educational, and interesting. A place where folks could spend hours sitting and watching the horizon. I appreciate they serve coffee and have so many interesting and actually functional and useful items in the visitor center, not just junky tourist stuff. The staff were really friendly and helpful informationally about the place and space. Don't want to give too much away. GO! Can't imagine how folks can give Lands End Lookout anything but 5 stars and a huge thumbs up.

    What a beautiful place to visit. We went on Sunday and the weather was perfect. There wasn't a…read morecloud in the sky and there was no fog so you could see as far as you could. Parking is tight. There are two lots. We looked at the lower lot and didn't see anything. We didn't know about the upper lot till we went hiking around. We did luck out and found a spot near the local hotel. Only two hour parking, but that was enough time for us. We parked across from the bus stop, so if you are looking for parking, drive a block or so off from the main lot into the housing district. After we parked we walked a little bit to the Sutro District sign. All the streets have cross walks and buttons to push so you can get the cross walk going. When you hit the Sutro District sign you come upon several trails that take you to lands end lookout. We followed the longer trail and had a good walk. What a view. With the fog free day you can see the Golden Gate Bridge Clearly. We took some fabulous pictures. The only thing is you can barley see the bridge in the distance in our pictures. It's a tiny speck, but when you look with the naked eye you can see it as if it's right there. It's an optical illusion. This is a place I'd love to come back to and hike around more. There are plenty more trails to explore.

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    Lands End Lookout
    Lands End Lookout
    Lands End Lookout - Heart in da back

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    Heart in da back

    Bear Valley Visitor Center

    Bear Valley Visitor Center

    4.7(39 reviews)
    20.7 mi

    4.5 stars Bear…read moreValley visitor's center is a really nice and well-maintained visitor's center. Inside, there's a little museum explaining the wildlife found in the area. There's a gift shop area with books for all ages and small selection of souvenirs. The restrooms are also pretty clean. There's free parking on site and additional parking and restrooms across from the visitor's center. There's also plenty of space for picnics. Idk what the rules are, but I did see horses and horse riders, so I think there's a horse trail nearby?? Would recommend the stop for maps, souvenirs, restroom breaks, and/or picnics.

    My husband and I visited the free Bear Valley Visitor Center in Inverness, CA, the primary (of 3)…read morevisitor center (VC) for the Point Reyes National Seashore in early August, 2024. We were driving between San Rafael and Bodega Bay and debating whether it was worth our time to drive the 21 miles (42 minutes), each way, to the Point Reyes Lighthouse -- especially as we had been experiencing a lot of fog over the previous few days. What we hadn't anticipated was how interesting the stop would be at the Visitor Center itself! The Visitor Center had very friendly NPS staff and volunteers who provided maps and information about the roads, trails, and human and cultural history of the Olema Valley and the Point Reyes National Seashore. They recommended that we start by watching the orientation film in the auditorium (we did!), check out the indoor exhibits that provide a glimpse of the diverse ecosystems and cultural heritage of the park, and recommended some hikes that begin near the VC. They also told us of what we might see on the road to the lighthouse (including beaches and overviews where we might see wildlife, such otters and elephant seals) and at the lighthouse itself. Importantly, they showed us a live stream from the lighthouse that showed that the lighthouse area was currently shrouded in fog. We also stopped by the small gift shop and picked up a few souvenirs. At the suggestion of the park ranger, we next walked the Earthquake Trail, which is an easy and short (0.6 miles) paved loop trail that only takes about 15 minutes to walk. Signage on the interpretative trail allows walkers to discover the geology of the San Andres Fault Zone. The highlight was seeing a fence that jumped 16 feet in the 1906 earthquake. We ultimately decided to drive down to the Point Reyes lighthouse, and were pleased that the fig had lifted by the time we reached. I will review the lighthouse in its separate entry in Yelp. The VC is handicap accessible. There are 2 parking lots -- at the VC and trailheads area. Restrooms are available in the VC during operating hours and in the trailhead parking lot from 6 am-midnight. There's a picnic area with BBQ grills.

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    Bear Valley Visitor Center
    Bear Valley Visitor Center
    Bear Valley Visitor Center

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    Frosch Travel - "GARDEN" view from hotel room

    Frosch Travel

    4.1(20 reviews)
    0.7 mi

    I want to personally thank Marina G. and Rita P. for excellent customer service above and beyond. I…read moream a very difficult customer to deal with and I like things in order probably more than the next guy. Both Marina and Rita were very patient with my dumb questions even though they're extremely busy this time of year. Marina in particular has to do even more work because she is covering for a coworker while she is on vacation. Even though they don't need any more business, I highly recommend this travel agency if you're traveling anywhere in the world. I would give them more than five stars if I could. Job well done thank you

    We just returned from a 3 week vacation in Thailand and Vietnam organized by a Frosch travel agent…read more From the outset we should have known Deborah Deming would disappoint us. She was going on a big trip to Antarctica, with spotty cell service. Instead of giving us over to another agent who would have the time needed to curate plans for our trip, she assured us she would be available for all but a few days. Well, not really. And her style is to investigate the trip options while you are holding on the phone. That automatically eliminates doing any detailed research. Deming's lack of attention to detail put us in a position to question and double check all the arrangements, get on the plane with unresolved issues, and generally cast a shadow over our trip. Some examples: *We traveled with another couple who, once we met in SE Asia, were doing exactly what we were. Yet their hotel reservations were messed up...TWICE! *She scheduled us on a 7:40am flight from Bangkok to Hanoi. We'd have to leave for the airport about 4:15 AM, only to arrive in Hanoi 6 hours before we could check in to our hotel. *The Saigon Day plan neglected to mention that it is a 2 hour drive to the tunnels and, of course, 2 hours back. So that is 5-6 hours, then there was a tour around the city , and then... an evening of vespa riding and bar hopping and dinner. We told Deborah from the outset, we are in our late 60's. A 12 hour tour day is just not a realistic plan. Oh, and talking about being in our late 60's....why wasn't the War Remembrance Museum on the plan? We were draft age for that war! *In Chiangmai we paid extra for a Garden view. Yes, there was a very beautiful Garden, see below for the view from our room Deborah depends on ICS Travel Group to do all the local planning. Apparently she handed our trip over to them and never followed up - until we started asking questions. We did have some amazing tours and some wonderful guides. We also had one guide who had little idea of the schedule, a tour that never happened - for which we were unsatisfactorily compensated, and transfer guides that did not know what hotels we were going to. If you are thinking of using Frosch or ICS...reconsider!

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    Frosch Travel

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    Bay Model Visitor Center - visitorcenters - Updated May 2026

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