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Alameda, California

The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Alameda, California, offer a delightful array of outdoor adventures. The Shoreline Park Trail is a top choice for hikers, boasting scenic views of the San Francisco Bay and the city's skyline. This easy trail is ideal for beginners, with a flat terrain and well-marked paths. For a more challenging hike, the Bay Farm Island Loop Trail presents a longer route, winding along lagoons and passing by the Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal. If you're interested in birdwatching, the Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit. Alameda also offers kayaking and paddleboarding opportunities, with rentals available near Crown Memorial State Beach. These outdoor activities and attractions make Alameda a prime destination for those seeking fun and adventure amidst California's natural beauty.

Top Spots in and near Alameda

  • Oakland, California

    Hike Redwood Regional Park via the Dunn Loop

    5.0
    3.6 mi / 606 ft gain
    The Redwood Regional Dunn Loop is just outside of Oakland, and can be reached from anywhere in the Bay Area for a fun day or half-day trip. The trail is open year-round. In the spring, wildflowers are abundant. The trail has a great mix of sun and shade. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on leash. 
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  • Oakland, California

    East & West Ridge Loop

    4.5
    3.47 mi / 833 ft gain
    Tucked away in the hills of Oakland, you will find one of the homes of California's Coastal Redwoods. Created by a unique geographical circumstance, this forest breathes winds funneled through the Golden Gate across the bay, which created environment opportune for Redwood growth. These Redwoods a...
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  • Oakland, California

    Run the Circumnavigation of Redwood Regional Park's Ultimate Trail Loop

    5.0
    7.5 mi / 1600 ft gain
    It’s difficult to have a car in San Francisco, but oh-so worth it when it comes to weekend getaways, especially with all the Bay Area has to offer. This is a super accessible trail system just 30 minutes outside of the city that makes for a fun, easy trail run or hike.Redwood Regional Park, part ...
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  • Oakland, California

    Sibley Volcanic Trail Labyrinths

    3.5
    2 mi / 144 ft gain
    From Skyline Blvd, pull into the staging area for Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, you'll see the sign. Parking here is usually easy to find. You'll find an unstaffed visitor center with a restroom, park maps and informational displays featuring the history and geology of the park. Sibley is a...
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  • Berkeley, California

    Stonewall Panoramic Trail

    4.5
    1.44 mi / 663 ft gain
    From the trailhead at Stonewall Road, the 1.5-mile trail makes for an excellent before or after-work run. But the steep hills and loose ground aren’t for those looking to find an easy nature walk. The incline starts well before the Stonewall-Panoramic trailhead, so you won’t even have time to w...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Paddle at Crane Cove

    5.0
    Crane Cove is a beautiful waterfront park with access for paddle boards and kayaks.  This area is protected from the wind (it will be less choppy here than in the middle of the bay). If you decide to paddle up to mission bay or down towards Islais Creek you'll most likely face more currents and w...
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  • Oakland, California

    Grizzly Peak

    4.8
    A well-known sunset spot in the East Bay, and rightfully so - the views from Grizzly Peak are stunning. You have several pull-offs to pick from. The larger ones have logs to sit upon. The smaller pull-offs offer benches and sturdy rocks. Take your pick! You will share the sunset with some strang...
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  • San Francisco, California

    San Francisco Crosstown Trail

    5.0
    16.71 mi / 1975 ft gain
    The San Francisco Crosstown Trail runs point-to-point from Candlestick Point to Land End. The SF Crosstown Trail officially opened in 2014.  It connects park trails to neighborhoods and communities.  In it's in entirety it's almost 17 miles long with 5 Sections available for those looking to bre...
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  • Castro Valley, California

    Lake Chabot Regional Park Loop

    4.0
    8.65 mi / 1263 ft gain
    Looking for a fun day on a lake, but don't want to drive too far? We recommend heading out to the East Bay where you can combine a nice hike with an afternoon of fishing. This moderately challenging hike remains scenic throughout the 8.5 mile trek around the lake, and offers many opportunities fo...
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  • Berkeley, California

    Hidden Waterfall in Codornices Park

    4.0
    0.5 mi
    Park along the street in front of Codornices Park in Berkeley. Follow the stream to the left of the playground. Take the path up the hill to the right (don't head over the bridge on the left). Keep walking up multiple concrete stairs. After the first flight of stairs you'll see a path on the left...
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  • Berkeley, California

    Berkeley Rose Garden

    4.0
    I'm always surprised at how few people know of this beautiful garden. I'm often alone when I visit, which allows for perfect serenity. Visit in early spring for maximum blooms. Park on Euclid Ave, which is where you'll find the entrance to the amphitheater (you can't miss the giant sign). Spend ...
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  • Berkeley, California

    Bouldering at Indian Rock

    4.8
    Indian Rock is one of the most popular outdoor bouldering spots in Berkeley. With over 80 problems, there's plenty of routes for beginners to the most advanced climbers. After parking in the surrounding neighborhood, it's an easy walk into the park. Aside from enjoying the challenge of new routes...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Bayview Hill Loop

    4.0
    1.24 mi / 184 ft gain
    Bayview Hill Loop is a loop trail that starts with a paved uphill climb and views of the bay facing toward the East Bay located in the Bayview neighborhood of San Francisco, California.
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  • Berkeley, California

    Swim at Lake Anza in Tilden Park

    5.0
    Lake Anza makes for a great warm weather swimming hole. The parking area is close to the beach along with the trail, which will take you around the lake. The beach gets plenty of sun and is fairly wind protected, which makes for a relaxing day. Bring some picnic food out to the lake and snag your...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Run the Coit Tower Stairs

    3.8
    There are 2 sets of stairs for Coit Tower on Sansome St. The first set is at Greenwich and the second is at Filbert. The Filbert steps are a little deeper per step and are mostly wood and concrete. The Greenwich steps are a little tougher because of the shallower, brick stairs as you get toward t...
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  • Berkeley, California

    Seaview and Big Springs Loop

    4.5
    4.28 mi / 1007 ft gain
    The trail is dog and horse friendly, and many trail loops make Tilden Regional Park fun for families and those of any skill level. The Seaview and Big Springs Trail loop is typically used by avid hikers, trail runners, or mountain bikers. The first half of the trail is exposed to the sun and rock...
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Camping and Lodging in Alameda

San Francisco North / Petaluma KOA
Petaluma, California

San Francisco North / Petaluma KOA

Santa Cruz North / Costanoa KOA
Pescadero, California

Santa Cruz North / Costanoa KOA

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