I'm not an intern. I've lived in the Bay Area for 6 yrs. If you have a summer, aren't from the area, and want to spend a little time doing some stuff outdoors, here's what I'd add:
- Go walk around a old growth Redwood grove. It's peaceful, impressive, and gives you an interesting perspective. Big Basin is the most accessible: From 101, take the Lawrence Expwy exit and just head south for a long while. There is a great little .5 mile "trail" with some of the most impressive trees.
- Drive down to the Big Sur area. It's about 2hrs drive from the Mtn View area, so a day trip. The drive is the highlight, but check out McWay falls (flat 0.3 mi hike) and Pfeiffer Beach (purple sand, natural arch with waves/sunset coming through). Pfeiffer Beaches turnoff is unmarked, so research in advance.
- Tour Alcatraz. Plan this at least a week in advance though.
- Rent a kayak and spend an afternoon on Elkhorn Slough in Monterey Bay. No experience necessary. Kayaking right past sea lions and otters is guaranteed. Visit Phil's Fish Market next door in Moss Landing when done.
- Visit Yosemite valley. You can generally get a tent cabin in Curry Village with almost no lead time for a reasonable price. Yosemite Valley is crowded but truly iconic.
Other than Yosemite, all of these are easy day trips.
- Go walk around a old growth Redwood grove. It's peaceful, impressive, and gives you an interesting perspective. Big Basin is the most accessible: From 101, take the Lawrence Expwy exit and just head south for a long while. There is a great little .5 mile "trail" with some of the most impressive trees.
- Drive down to the Big Sur area. It's about 2hrs drive from the Mtn View area, so a day trip. The drive is the highlight, but check out McWay falls (flat 0.3 mi hike) and Pfeiffer Beach (purple sand, natural arch with waves/sunset coming through). Pfeiffer Beaches turnoff is unmarked, so research in advance.
- Tour Alcatraz. Plan this at least a week in advance though.
- Rent a kayak and spend an afternoon on Elkhorn Slough in Monterey Bay. No experience necessary. Kayaking right past sea lions and otters is guaranteed. Visit Phil's Fish Market next door in Moss Landing when done.
- Visit Yosemite valley. You can generally get a tent cabin in Curry Village with almost no lead time for a reasonable price. Yosemite Valley is crowded but truly iconic.
Other than Yosemite, all of these are easy day trips.