| a 5-minute walk from the museum on main, this upscale, old-world hotel is 3 miles from bart trains into san francisco. continental breakfast is complimentary. suites add sitting areas, and some have fireplaces or whirlpool tubs. check-in time: 3:00 pmcheck-out time: 12:00 pm. the elegant, individually decorated rooms come with tvs, dvd players and free wi-fi, plus premium bedding. there's a fitness room and a refined guest lounge, and secure parking is available
San Francisco International Airport 46 min
Mission Peak Regional Preserve (24 min)
Vast mountain preserve popular for biking, hiking, horseback riding, R/C flying and hang-gliding. Mission Peak (29 min)
Small mountain & public park with strenuous hiking trails to the summit, featuring an iconic pole. Sunol Regional Wilderness (17 min)
6,859-acre park with varied terrain & a scenic gorge for hiking, swimming, camping & more. Sycamore Grove Park (14 min)
Hiking, biking & horseback-riding trails on 775 acres with varied wildlife, a creek & valley views. Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park (10 min)
5,271-acre parkland with scenic trails for hiking, biking & horseback riding, plus local cattle. Niles Canyon Railway (13 min)
Living history museum providing rides on vintage trains (1910-1960) & exhibits on railroad history. Aqua Adventure Water Park (20 min)
Recreational facility featuring waterslides, pools, swimming lessons & an on-site eatery. Niles Canyon (20 min)
Trails & vintage railway rides over hills & creeks featured in Charlie Chaplin's film The Tramp. Shadow Cliffs Lake (10 min) Hayward Japanese Gardens (21 min)
This 3+-acre botanical garden features traditional Japanese arrangements, a teahouse & a koi pond. Del Valle Regional Park (31 min)
Vast nature preserve featuring trails, campgrounds & a sizable lake with beaches & boat launches. Pleasanton Ridge (22 min) Lake Elizabeth (22 min)
Recreation area with a bird-filled island, plus a dog park, playgrounds, sports fields & boat ramp. Ardenwood Historic Farm (30 min)
A working farm with a train & crops grown using historic methods, plus volunteers in period attire. Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area (5 min)
An 80-acre lake draws crowds to this park with areas for swimming, fishing, boating & picnicking. | 
