State of nature

We're strolling north on San Francisco's Baker Beach for a quintessential California view. Here in the northwest of town, Pacific waves wash the sands with vigor, in contrast to the calmer waters of San Francisco Bay. If the bay side's more your speed, it's about a mile's walk straight ahead to the Golden Gate Bridge, which separates open ocean from sheltered haven. Fair warning, though: North Baker Beach is clothing-optional, so you might see more of the locals than expected as you pass by.