Hi Ashley, If you are in the Bay Area I would recommend Muir Woods, Point Reyes, Golden Gate Park and the Academy of Science. Monterrey and and Big Sur are really cool if you head a bit south. If you are coming up to the Mountains I recommend spending some time in Lake Tahoe. Emerald Bay State Park is great for a first time visit. There is really cool, newly completed City Park in South Lake Tahoe on the lake called Lakeview Commons on the Corner of Lakeview and Highway 50.