Hiking
Sightseeing
Beautiful old growth redwoods nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains. It takes about 1.5 hours to get to this state park. So as usual, I recommend that you plan your day early which means that you should leave in the early AM to secure a parking spot sans hassle. :)
Other notable spots: This state park is about a half hour from Swanton Berry Farm in Davenport (U-pick available on weekends! Check their website for more info). And it's also less than half an hour from the Santa Cruz boardwalk.
Make sure to bring a jacket. This would be a really fun day trip, guaranteed. :)
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Государственный парк красных лесов Генри Коуэлла
101 N Big Trees Park RdBeautiful old growth redwoods nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains. It takes about 1.5 hours to get to this state park. So as usual, I recommend that you plan your day early which means that you should leave in the early AM to secure a parking spot sans hassle. :)
Other notable spots: This state park is about a half hour from Swanton Berry Farm in Davenport (U-pick available on weekends! Check their website for more info). And it's also less than half an hour from the Santa Cruz boardwalk.
Make sure to bring a jacket. This would be a really fun day trip, guaranteed. :)
Here is another beautiful state park just along the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains. I recommend hiking to Goat Rock, a slightly challenging course that will reward you with the most incredible view of the park.
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Государственный парк Касл-Рок
15451 CA-35Here is another beautiful state park just along the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains. I recommend hiking to Goat Rock, a slightly challenging course that will reward you with the most incredible view of the park.
If you're looking to get some steps in and treating yourself to several glasses of wine shortly thereafter, I'd recommend visiting the Del Valle Regional Park. You could traverse the entire loop .. or you could just walk until you reach the lake (reservoir). Either way, you'll burn a decent amount of calories. Only downside is that there's next to no shade, so bring lots of water and wear a hat for protection. :)
Also keep in mind that, during the summertime, the hills will turn a yellow-brownish color. If you're looking for greenery, you'll need to wait for the winter rains .. or just venture elsewhere.
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Региональный парк Дель-Валле
7000 DelvalleIf you're looking to get some steps in and treating yourself to several glasses of wine shortly thereafter, I'd recommend visiting the Del Valle Regional Park. You could traverse the entire loop .. or you could just walk until you reach the lake (reservoir). Either way, you'll burn a decent amount of calories. Only downside is that there's next to no shade, so bring lots of water and wear a hat for protection. :)
Also keep in mind that, during the summertime, the hills will turn a yellow-brownish color. If you're looking for greenery, you'll need to wait for the winter rains .. or just venture elsewhere.
This is one of my favorite state parks. It's hard to narrow down hiking recommendations because each one is incredible. If you're an active type, I recommend doing the 7.5-mile loop near Mill Valley (Dipsea Trail, Steep Ravine Trail, Matt Davis Trail). It boasts incredible views of the Pacific Ocean, waterfalls and rushing streams.
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Парк штата Маунт-Тамалпаис
3801 Panoramic HighwayThis is one of my favorite state parks. It's hard to narrow down hiking recommendations because each one is incredible. If you're an active type, I recommend doing the 7.5-mile loop near Mill Valley (Dipsea Trail, Steep Ravine Trail, Matt Davis Trail). It boasts incredible views of the Pacific Ocean, waterfalls and rushing streams.
This is yet another moderately challenging coastal hike in Marin County that will ultimately reward you with a waterfall that spills onto the beach and flows directly into the Pacific Ocean (read: Alamere Falls).
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Alamere Falls
This is yet another moderately challenging coastal hike in Marin County that will ultimately reward you with a waterfall that spills onto the beach and flows directly into the Pacific Ocean (read: Alamere Falls).
You can actually drive up here, but what fun would that be? If you're the adventurous type, then there are several ways to get to this peak. The trail that I took started in Muir Woods and was around 15 miles round-trip. (This was before Muir Woods started mandating reservations.) It's been a while though so I'd recommend you just doing some quick research.. :)
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Mount Tamalpais East Peak
Old Railroad Grade TrailYou can actually drive up here, but what fun would that be? If you're the adventurous type, then there are several ways to get to this peak. The trail that I took started in Muir Woods and was around 15 miles round-trip. (This was before Muir Woods started mandating reservations.) It's been a while though so I'd recommend you just doing some quick research.. :)
This regional park is no more than a half-hour drive and it's a great option if you're looking to get some exercise without going the distance. Keep in mind that there's very minimal shade though so plan accordingly.
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Региональный парк Плезантон-Ридж
Foothill RoadThis regional park is no more than a half-hour drive and it's a great option if you're looking to get some exercise without going the distance. Keep in mind that there's very minimal shade though so plan accordingly.
If you're wondering where that iconic Bay Area hike is with that metal pole that people like to stand on as they pose for a picture, it's here. And if you leave at the right time, this is about a half hour drive away (Fremont). Some would consider this a strenuous hike. It's definitely a workout for your glutes and there's minimal shade so, again, plan accordingly.
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Mission Peaks
1401 Red Hawk CirIf you're wondering where that iconic Bay Area hike is with that metal pole that people like to stand on as they pose for a picture, it's here. And if you leave at the right time, this is about a half hour drive away (Fremont). Some would consider this a strenuous hike. It's definitely a workout for your glutes and there's minimal shade so, again, plan accordingly.
If you're looking for a leisurely hike along a coastal bluff, this would be a good option. Mori Point is in Pacifica though (~1-hr drive) so I would definitely recommend that you make this a day trip and check out other beautiful hiking trails along the coastline! (e.g., Devil's Slide, Milagra Ridge, Montara Mountain, etc.).
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Мори Пойнт
Mori Point RoadIf you're looking for a leisurely hike along a coastal bluff, this would be a good option. Mori Point is in Pacifica though (~1-hr drive) so I would definitely recommend that you make this a day trip and check out other beautiful hiking trails along the coastline! (e.g., Devil's Slide, Milagra Ridge, Montara Mountain, etc.).
This was once a highway that was later converted to a pedestrian & bike trail path! My husband and I were really fortunate to have lived close to Pacifica for several years and this was one of our favorite places to take family and friends. :) keep in mind that this spot has grown in popularity ever since it re-opened so I recommend that you get there in the morning or an hour before closing time. I also definitely recommend that you make this a day trip and check out other beautiful hiking trails along the coastline! (e.g., Mori's Point, Milagra Ridge, Montara Mountain, etc.).
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Devil's Slide Trail
This was once a highway that was later converted to a pedestrian & bike trail path! My husband and I were really fortunate to have lived close to Pacifica for several years and this was one of our favorite places to take family and friends. :) keep in mind that this spot has grown in popularity ever since it re-opened so I recommend that you get there in the morning or an hour before closing time. I also definitely recommend that you make this a day trip and check out other beautiful hiking trails along the coastline! (e.g., Mori's Point, Milagra Ridge, Montara Mountain, etc.).
Another favorite hike of mine because it holds fond memories of times past. If you're in the Pacifica area, I would definitely recommend that you make this a day trip and check out other beautiful hiking trails along the coastline! (e.g., Devil's Slide, Mori's Point, Montara Mountain, etc.).
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Milagra Ridge
Another favorite hike of mine because it holds fond memories of times past. If you're in the Pacifica area, I would definitely recommend that you make this a day trip and check out other beautiful hiking trails along the coastline! (e.g., Devil's Slide, Mori's Point, Montara Mountain, etc.).
This hilly hike is for those who are looking for a decent workout. It can take a few hours to complete but the views, again, are downright beautiful. Be sure to pack a jacket because it can get a little windy in some parts.
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Sweeney Ridge Trail
This hilly hike is for those who are looking for a decent workout. It can take a few hours to complete but the views, again, are downright beautiful. Be sure to pack a jacket because it can get a little windy in some parts.
This is a regional park with a lot of exposure (minimal shade) and many miles of trails to explore. If you're having trouble deciding, might I suggest checking out Little Yosemite, for starters?
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Sunol Regional Wilderness
1895 Geary RdThis is a regional park with a lot of exposure (minimal shade) and many miles of trails to explore. If you're having trouble deciding, might I suggest checking out Little Yosemite, for starters?
If you time your departure right, this is about a 2-hour drive. I absolutely love this national park. Relative to all of the other registered national parks, this one is considered to be small but still worth a visit (and not too crowded either!). I recommend starting in the early AM so you could spend a full day there. I don't recommend going in the summertime (been there, don't really like that) due to the sweltering heat but I leave that decision up to you. :)
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Национальный парк Пиннаклс
If you time your departure right, this is about a 2-hour drive. I absolutely love this national park. Relative to all of the other registered national parks, this one is considered to be small but still worth a visit (and not too crowded either!). I recommend starting in the early AM so you could spend a full day there. I don't recommend going in the summertime (been there, don't really like that) due to the sweltering heat but I leave that decision up to you. :)
If you find yourself in the Oakland area and want to immerse yourself back into Mother Nature for an hour or two, this regional park is a great option. :)
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Национальный парк Редвуд
7867 Redwood RoadIf you find yourself in the Oakland area and want to immerse yourself back into Mother Nature for an hour or two, this regional park is a great option. :)
An idyllic coastal hiking trail that offers expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and sneak peeks of the Golden Gate Bridge. This trail is just under 3.5 miles in length (one-way) if you are up for a small workout. Be sure to check out Sutro Baths and the Land's End Labyrinth while you're there. :)
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Тропа Лэндс-Энд
Lands End TrailAn idyllic coastal hiking trail that offers expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and sneak peeks of the Golden Gate Bridge. This trail is just under 3.5 miles in length (one-way) if you are up for a small workout. Be sure to check out Sutro Baths and the Land's End Labyrinth while you're there. :)
This is a hiking trail that will also lead to a beautiful art installation rendered by famed artist, Andy Goldsworthy (The Wood Line). Also note that there is a plethora of hiking trails in Presidio, not limited to what was suggested above. Presidio is THE place to hike (due to its accessibility) if you are seeking an escape from the city life.
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Lovers’ Lane at the Presidio
Lover's LaneThis is a hiking trail that will also lead to a beautiful art installation rendered by famed artist, Andy Goldsworthy (The Wood Line). Also note that there is a plethora of hiking trails in Presidio, not limited to what was suggested above. Presidio is THE place to hike (due to its accessibility) if you are seeking an escape from the city life.
Not necessarily a hiking spot, but you can drive up to this spot for the best view of the Golden Gate Bridge. You could also bike here - it'll definitely be a workout. If you want to start on the other side and make your way across and up, I'd recommend renting from the Sports Basement over at Crissy Field.
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Battery Spencer
Conzelman RoadNot necessarily a hiking spot, but you can drive up to this spot for the best view of the Golden Gate Bridge. You could also bike here - it'll definitely be a workout. If you want to start on the other side and make your way across and up, I'd recommend renting from the Sports Basement over at Crissy Field.
A lot of folks drive up to this spot for convenience but I have hiked from the bottom and it wasn't too bad. Be sure to wear a jacket as it can get a bit chilly.
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Твин Пикс
A lot of folks drive up to this spot for convenience but I have hiked from the bottom and it wasn't too bad. Be sure to wear a jacket as it can get a bit chilly.
There are no shortage of hiking trails at this regional park though I would like to note that shade can be minimal so it's best to plan accordingly.
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Las Trampas Regional Wilderness
18012 Bollinger Canyon RdThere are no shortage of hiking trails at this regional park though I would like to note that shade can be minimal so it's best to plan accordingly.
If you find yourself in the Calistoga area on a winery excursion but also want to squeeze in a quick but scenic workout, this hiking trail is a great option. Some consider the terrain to be a bit challenging (I didn't think so but every person is different) so do keep that in mind.
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Oat Hill Mine Trail
2082 Oat Hill Mine TrailIf you find yourself in the Calistoga area on a winery excursion but also want to squeeze in a quick but scenic workout, this hiking trail is a great option. Some consider the terrain to be a bit challenging (I didn't think so but every person is different) so do keep that in mind.
I used to really enjoy running and biking along this trail (Sawyer Camp Trail .. which eventually turns into Crystal Springs Regional Trail). It's grown considerably in popularity over the years but it's still one of the many places I'd recommend if you're looking to reconnect with nature along the Peninsula.
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Crystal Springs Reservoir
I used to really enjoy running and biking along this trail (Sawyer Camp Trail .. which eventually turns into Crystal Springs Regional Trail). It's grown considerably in popularity over the years but it's still one of the many places I'd recommend if you're looking to reconnect with nature along the Peninsula.
A fantastic day trip option that features a historic lighthouse and miles of hiking trails along the rugged coastline. :)
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Национальный морской заповедник Пойнт-Рейес
A fantastic day trip option that features a historic lighthouse and miles of hiking trails along the rugged coastline. :)
This can be a long day hike depending on how far you want to venture so don't be ashamed if you feel the need to turn back around! It's also a short drive from the City Center Bishop Ranch which makes it ultra convenient. :)
Bishop Ranch Regional Preserve
2761 Morgan DrThis can be a long day hike depending on how far you want to venture so don't be ashamed if you feel the need to turn back around! It's also a short drive from the City Center Bishop Ranch which makes it ultra convenient. :)