Deep into the Big River valley in Mendocino County, Orr Hot Springs Resort checks off many natural retreat boxes. It has not only two hot mineral pools and two private tubs, but also a cold spring-fed pool and sauna and steam rooms. It offers day passes at more affordable prices than the posh spas in the area (score), but you can also stay overnight in a Middle Earth-esque yurt. It remains WiFi-free, so you can best unplug and admire the thick woods and abundant landscaping around you. (And it’s clothing-optional — but we’ll let you decide whether that’s a pro or a con.)

Tomales Bay Oyster Company embodies all the classics of a San Francisco summer: road tripping, picnicking, bay views, and a seafood-driven mission. From the city center, the 50-mile pilgrimage ends with 12- or 50-piece bags of blue mussels, manila clams, and Pacific, Kumamoto, and gold nugget oysters. It’s a shuck-your-own situation in the company’s waterfront picnic area, with oyster knives, shucking gloves, sauces, and lemons also available for purchase if you don’t bring your own.

No San Francisco summer is complete without at least one picnic at the at the 16-acre Mission Dolores Park. It’s got the ideal skyline views and a fantastic cross-section of hipsters, families, dog walkers, and everyone in between. It’s easy to pick up provisions like a Peet’s cold brew on the surrounding streets — though enterprising individuals often sell the likes of pizza, cookies, “special” truffles and brownies, and all manner of beverages in the park itself.

San Francisco's most popular street food collective is back with weekly Sunday celebrations at the Presidio. Cycle over to the park, take advantage of the free bike valet, then make a day out of eating your way through the event's 26 vendors — this year including Sam's Chowder, Cochon Volant, DUM Truck, and Grilled Cheez Guy, among others. And don't forget Presidio Twilight on Thursdays, a similar but somewhat more grown-up evening affair with fire pits, more eats and live music, and stargazing.

Catalina Island may just be your best bet for a day trip. Grab a cold brew on the go and get there on a roughly hour-long ride on the Catalina Express. The city of Avalon is just two square miles, which means you can hit up all the best spots without a car — or, if you’re in the mood, a golf cart. Off the streets, there’s kayak, zipline, glass bottom, and jeep tours to keep you busy for a full day outdoors.

While the Main Beach area has the densest concentration of shops and restaurants in this nine mile-long waterfront, coves like Crescent and Victoria Beaches are the quieter local favorites. Time your visit to the summer’s many art festivals and walks to get in some shopping and browsing after a refreshing swim in the Pacific.

While this stretch of coast may not be as well-manicured as others, it offers two things that most other beaches in the county do not: bonfires and grill space. That said, most spots on Dockweiler’s 288 acres are great for its other main draw: watching flights take off and land at Los Angeles International Airport, which lies just to the east.

Joshua Tree National Park is a local favorite for the outdoorsy type, thanks to its diverse and craggy terrain. The landscape is easily explored via hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and slacklining. Thanks to its dark desert skies, it’s also one of the best hidden gems for stargazing at night.

Clear, gentle waters and soft, powdery sand is a winning combo that makes the mile-long La Jolla Shores and the neighboring cove a local favorite for lounging and snorkeling or scuba diving alike. Much of the area off the shore is designated as an underwater park reserve, with leopard sharks, sting rays, and a whole lot of fish sharing the ocean with humans.

Humphreys Concerts by the Bay is a summer favorite for good reason — who wouldn't enjoy open-air concerts by the Shelter Island marina? If a crowded lawn isn’t your thing (or if tickets sell out fast), there’s still a very San Diego way to enjoy the music: kayaking, rafting, or sailing up with a mini-cooler (not allowed on concert grounds). After all, it’s not a bad way to enjoy a live show.

Balboa Park is no ordinary swath of urban landscaping, thanks to the famed San Diego Zoo on the grounds, nearly 20 museums, and stately Spanish colonial architecture on its 1,200-acre grounds. There’s plenty to explore in the park, but on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday summer evenings, it’s also one of the city’s hottest spots for catching an outdoor concert.

Halfway between San Diego and the Mexican border, TJ Oyster Bar serves up some of the best fish tacos that you’ll find on the U.S. side of the border. Whether that’s because the owners first found success with a ceviche tostadas and fish tacos cart in Tijuana or because the no-frills establishment simply lets its seafood take the spotlight is beside the point. Opt for the 99-cent fried fish tacos for affordability or the slightly more expensive grilled fish version for a smoky upgrade. And the true locals know that when seating is scarce, it’s best to bring your takeout to Rohr Park across the road.