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
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Half Moon Bay, California
McNee Ranch to Planet of the Apes
4.88 mi / 1427 ft gainMcNee Ranch to Planet of the Apes is a 4.8 mile trail located near Montara State Beach that offers ocean views when it is not too cloudy. You can get amazing views when you hike up above the clouds. This hike follows one of the main trails up the mountain, but there are many smaller trails to e...Read more -
San Rafael, California
Gold Hill Grade to Nike Missile Site
4.04.37 mi / 988 ft gainThe Gold Hill Grade to Nike Missile Site trail in San Rafael, California, is a moderately challenging hike. The trail spans approximately 4.37 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of about 988 feet. The path is well-maintained and marked, making it suitable for hikers of varying skill levels....Read more -
Fremont, California
Lake Elizabeth Loop
3.02.1 mi / 69 ft gainLake Elizabeth is located in central Fremont. It offers a nice break from the city streets and can be enjoyed by walkers, joggers, and bikers alike. It is a park for all ages. Other attractions include volleyball nets, multiple playgrounds, and aqua adventure park, geese, and peddle boats. ...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Summit of Mt. Tamalpais Loop
5.01.15 mi / 394 ft gainMt. Tam is a large park with plenty of amazing viewpoints, but the East routes and the East Peak are best for sunsets. Once you're at the top, it's an amazing spot to view a large number of Marin trails, which can help you can get a head start on planning your next adventure. At 2,570 feet, this ...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Goat Yoga at Lemos Farm
5.0This is a great way to destress and have fun! Goat yoga is like normal yoga, but with goats. Goats tend to like higher ground and flat surfaces. So, when you are in table top position, they are highly likely to jump onto your back! These goats are still young, and so do not weigh as much as f...Read more -
San Rafael, California
China Camp Loop
4.09.23 mi / 1716 ft gainPark at the lot in the China Camp State Park. Hop onto the Bay View trail to gain to begin the loop trail. Switchbacks take you up to a long and easy path passing through shaded and open areas. Enjoy the grasslands speckled with oak trees and coyote brush. You can see the San Rafael bay and bridg...Read more -
Vallejo, California
Camp at Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve
1 mi / 20 ft gainThis old Naval Base is now home to, well, almost nothing. As a weekend volunteer trip, myself and about 50 others got a little dirty creating 3 new campsites for you and your friends!During the day, the island has hikers exploring everywhere, but the preserve closes upon sunset and it's just you ...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Steep Ravine Trail via Pantoll Station
5.03.96 mi / 1079 ft gainThe trailhead Pantoll Station is easy to find on GPS and there are friendly rangers there as well to answer questions.Maps: Paper map are available at the trailhead Pantoll Station in Marin, CA. For a moderate hike, I suggest going the one and a half miles down the trail to the ladder and retu...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Camp at Mt. Tam's Pantoll Campground
5.0Need an escape from SF, but can't seem to find an available campground, then head to Pantoll Campground in Mount Tamalpais State Park. If you get there early on friday (or even better Thursday afternoon), you should be able to lock down one of these first-come, first-serve campgrounds. Each of th...Read more -
Marin County, California
Dipsea Trail - Steep Ravine Loop
5.03.97 mi / 1204 ft gainThis is definitely a worthwhile short hike, with views of the Bay Area, Marin Headlands, Golden Gate, and the San Mateo coastline. It's a 3.8 mile loop which takes you through forests of Redwoods and out to the coastline, even above the clouds on a lucky day. The trailhead begins at the Pantoll ...Read more -
Bootjack Campground, California
Bootjack Campground to Muir Woods
8.61 mi / 1594 ft gainGetting permits into Muir Woods can be hard, but if you want to work for it, there's a much better way to visit the National Monument. To do this loop into Muir Woods National Monument, first drive to the Bootjack Parking Area in Mt. Tamalpais State Park. The Bootjack Parking Area should be fou...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Camp at Bootjack Campground in Mount Tamalpais State Park
4.0Bootjack Campground is located within California's Mount Tamalpais State Park. There are a couple of campsites within the park, but if you are driving on the Panoramic Highway from Mill Valley, this will be the first campground you pass. The fee is $25 fee to camp, but they have bathrooms and ru...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Steep Ravine and Bootjack Trails Loop
5.06.66 mi / 2083 ft gainThis hike is best done in the winter and spring in order for the creeks and waterfalls to be flowing. Park at the Bootjack Campground in Mount Tamalpais State Park. Cross the road to reach the Bootjack trail. Continue on this until you reach the Alpine trail. Go right towards the Pantoll Ranger ...Read more -
Sunol, California
Hike the Pleasanton Ridge Trail
4.36.4 mi / 1443 ft gainPleasanton Ridge Trail is a 6.4 mile loop. The loop is shared by dog walkers, trail runners, hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. From the ridge your viewpoints will include Mount Diablo and the San Francisco Bay. This hike from the Foothills Staging Area is an excellent introduction ...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Paddle Half Moon Bay Jetty
The Half Moon Bay Jetty is a calm place to paddle as it is covered on all sides. There is an opening into the ocean on the far side, but is mostly calm with plenty of beach area to launch. Keep in mind, there are boats in the harbor so keep an eye out. There is also a scenic hike nearby the West ...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Hike Whittemore Gulch at Purisima Creek Redwoods OSP
4.09.3 mi / 2109 ft gainThis trail starts out going downhill towards the ocean for the first half, which makes for a tough end to the hike as you trek back up the ridge. However, there are nice ocean and hilltop views that are worth the climb. On this trail, you'll pass 60+ banana slugs if conditions are right. They ar...Read more