Before we decided on a destination for a quick winter weekend, we considered our parameters. We agreed that we wanted to go somewhere that had the feel of a cosmopolitan city with a world-class food scene.

We wanted to “eat our faces off” in the city and also immerse ourselves in nature. We wanted a dedicated afternoon of movement and awe. But nature couldn’t be more than a couple hours away.

Coming from San Diego County, Los Angeles felt too close. And as a city, LA feels more urban sprawl than what I typically think of when I think of a city. I’ve always wanted to visit the redwoods in Redwoods National and State Parks.

But it’s a six-hour drive from a major city. Enter San Francisco, and Muir Woods National Monument.