Northern California has led the nation on a variety of things. What can we say, we're innovators! However, one of the coolest things we've done is brought the country the nation's first wildlife refuge. Who knows where we would be today without the creation of this awesome refuge? If you have yet to visit this beautiful place, you'll want to add it to your list pronto. Not only does this place provide a splendid habitat for many animal species, but it's absolutely breathtaking. Escape from reality for a bit and soak up the views at this refuge. It's so worth it.

Northern California is home to an abundance of wildlife refuges including the very first one in the country. The Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge (DESFBNWR) is one of six wildlife refuges in the Bay Area. This beautiful place should be on every Northern Californian's bucket list. It's that good.

The refuge was initially founded in 1974 and is considered the first urban national wildlife refuge established in the United States. The refuge is home to a plethora of wildlife species, especially migratory birds. However, it also happens to be one of the most breathtaking places in our state.

You'll find DESFBNWR located along the Pacific Flyway. If you're a bird enthusiast, you'll be in paradise. The refuge hosts over 280 species of birds who call this place home each and every year. Some bird species that can be found here are white pelicans, kites, hawks, ospreys, and eagles.

There's really no bad time to visit the refuge, although it's most exciting during the spring and fall. It's during these seasons that birds migrate to the refuge for a short time. The refuge is also home to permanent species like the endangered California clapper rail and the salt marsh harvest mouse. The refuge may be located within the Bay Area but you'll feel as if you've escaped into a natural oasis far away from the city.

Comprised of roughly 30,000 acres of open bay, salt ponds, marsh, mudflat, and wetland, the refuge is a magical place to spend a few hours away from reality. Charming boardwalks provide great walking paths across the refuge and you'll find yourself losing track of time as you traverse them.

It's places like this that remind us how lucky we are to live in a state where beauty is everywhere...even in the city! Admission is free, making this a cheap but memorable way to spend the day with loved ones. Both children and adults will be enthralled with the scenery that awaits you here. Just remember to bring your binoculars.

The refuge is humongous so be sure to pick up a map at the Visitor Center before you set off on your adventure. Here you can also read up on the history and ecology of this stunning region. The Bay Area is a diverse and wonderful region of Northern California that everybody should explore at some point. There's no better place to start than here!

Did you know that Northern California was home to the first wildlife refuge? It just goes to show that the country wouldn't be the same without us! Take a look at our list of 12 Things That Originated In Northern California for even more awesome facts about our region.