Urban hikers scramble up the rocky 520ft summit of Corona Heights (aka Museum Hill or Red Rocks) for jaw-dropping eastward 180-degree views. Come evening, the city unfurls below in a carpet of light. Take tiny Beaver St uphill to the steps through the bushes, then cut right of the tennis courts and up the trail. For an easier hike, enter via the Roosevelt Way side.

Near the summit is the family-ready Randall Junior Museum, with live-animal exhibits and hands-on workshops (check the website for details); downstairs is the Golden Gate Model Railroad Club, a jaw-dropping collection of working vintage Lionel trains.