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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Larkspur, California
Blithedale Loop
4.03.47 mi / 1027 ft gainBlithedale Loop is a loop trail that provides a good opportunity to see wildlife located near Corte Madera, California.Read more -
Clayton, California
Mount Diablo Summit Loop
4.413.12 mi / 3579 ft gainMt. Diablo has some of the most expansive views in California, despite it's relatively low peak elevation. It played a large role in the surveying the Bay Area during its early discovery. Getting There: To get to the staging area, take Interstate 80 to I-680 to Highway 4. Exit at Railroad Bou...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Sun, Redwood, Panorama, Lost and Fern Creek Loop
5.04.41 mi / 1030 ft gainSun, Redwood, Panorama, Lost and Fern Creek Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Mill Valley, California.Read more -
Larkspur, California
Baltimore Canyon Via Dawn Falls Trail Loop
5.93 mi / 1309 ft gainBaltimore Canyon via Dawn Falls Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you through a forested setting at the start, up switchbacks to Dawn Falls, and then to views of King Mountain Open Space Preserve as you loop back along Southern Marin Line Road. This is a dog friendly (on-leash) trail located ...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Bootjack Trail Loop
6.29 mi / 1634 ft gainBootjack Trail Loop goes through both Muir Woods National Monument and Mt. Tamalmpais State Park is located near Mill Valley, California. With the starting point for this hike at the entrance to Muir Woods, there will be an entry fee to enter the national monument (click here for more details). ...Read more -
Sausalito, California
Dipsea Trail to Steep Ravine Trail Loop via Coastal Trail
5.010.12 mi / 2021 ft gainDipsea Trail to Steep Ravine Trail Loop via Coastal Trail is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Sausalito, California.Read more -
Muir Beach, California
Muir Beach Overlook
4.9The Muir Beach Overlook is one of the most convenient spots to take in an amazing view of the entire coastline, and one of the best places to catch a dramatic sunset. It’s conveniently located one mile north of Muir Beach and parking is easy. It’s a 5 minute walk down the trail to the Overlook. O...Read more -
Muir Beach, California
Owl Trail
5.02.06 mi / 390 ft gainThe Owl Trail runs between Slide Ranch and the Muir Beach Overlook and is a great way to take in the breathtaking views, flora and fauna of the Northern California coast. The easiest way to access the trail is to park at the Muir Beach Overlook and to take the trail down to Slide Ranch and then...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Canopy, Panoramic, Redwood Trail, Sun, Dipsea Trail Loop
4.74.31 mi / 1145 ft gainWhile there are other, less crowded redwood groves in the Bay Area, Muir Woods National Monument is easily one of the best. It is a beautifully maintained site, with wooden footpaths meandering between towering redwoods that are between 600 – 800 years old. It’s home to some true giants, with its...Read more -
Larkspur, California
King Mountain Loop Trail
5.03.53 mi / 755 ft gainThis beautiful hike takes you around King Mountain and through the King Mountain Open Space Preserve. The first .5 miles is on an exposed gravel fire road that is fairly steep, but the loop itself slopes gently around the mountain and through the forest, providing lots of shade. This is a an ea...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Cordilleras & Dusty-Footed Woodrat Loop
3.73.83 mi / 676 ft gainGetting there: exit Highway 280 at Edgewood Road, travel .75 miles east, turn left on Crestview Drive, then immediately left again on Edmonds Road. Once parked, there are several different path options through the park. All of them connect in a large loop, and return to the parking lot. The Cord...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Hassler Loop Trail
4.01.48 mi / 289 ft gainExperience the natural beauty of the San Francisco Peninsula on the scenic Hassler Loop Trail, a 1.5-mile moderately challenging hiking trail nestled in Redwood City's Emerald Hills neighborhood. This beloved local trail offers hikers, nature enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers a perfect blend...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Devil's Slide Bunker
4.3The Devil's Slide Bunker is perched out on a point the defiantly juts out into the ocean. The Bunker is covered in constantly changing graffiti, which provides a stunning contrast to the gorgeous seaside. Hop on Highway 1 South. Just south of Pacifica there is a tunnel. Once you go through the t...Read more -
Emerald Hills, California
Edgewood Loop
4.03.29 mi / 607 ft gainEdgewood Park and Natural Preserve rests in San Mateo County, California. The sweeping hillsides exemplify the true native flora of California, as the foundation of rock and soil is poor in nutrients. Only a few specialized native plants are adapted to live here--don't miss the unique wildflower ...Read more -
Emerald Hills, California
Sylvan Loop Trail
2.53 mi / 522 ft gainSylvan Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Redwood City, California.Read more -
Clayton, California
Hike the Waterfalls of Mount Diablo Loop Trail
5.06 mi / 1627 ft gainWinter and spring rains create scenic waterfalls in this hike at Mount Diablo, the East Bay's signature peak. Be careful hiking immediately post-rain, watch for slippery sections of mud. The trail is moderately difficult and is used by hikers, walking groups, trail runners, and for nature trips. ...Read more
