When the ocean is tempestuous and the sky gunmetal gray, lace up your hiking boots and visit Muir Beach; just 20 minutes from the Golden Gate, it's the launching point for a 5-mile (round-trip) hike that laps up gorgeous views of the great Pacific. Start your journey with a steady climb up Coastal Trail, a wide dirt trail paralleling the ocean. The huff and puff is worth it: After about three-quarters of a mile, the trail crests to a sweeping vista of the coast where the sea appears to go on forever.

Finding a cool hiking trail on a hot day can be a challenge in the bay area. Most folks head for forested parks, and that's fine, but when I crave sunshine and ocean breezes, I drive to the coast. If you get an early start, Muir Beach Trailhead can be a perfect destination. Unlike the Tennessee Valley Trailhead, you probably won't have a lot of company, since at Muir Beach most visitors head straight for the beach, and the trails are empty.

From this trailhead you can hike south into Tennessee Valley, or north into Muir Woods or Mount Tam. The trailhead's low elevation means a bit of climbing no matter which direction you choose, but then you get to walk downhill to finish your hike.