Aptos, California
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park in Aptos, California, is the top spot for outdoor adventures. It offers a variety of hiking trails, each boasting unique scenic beauty. The Aptos Creek Trail, a must-visit, is a moderately challenging 7-mile hike that takes you through redwood forests and to the historic Loma Prieta Mill site. If you're up for a more strenuous hike, the Sand Point Overlook Trail offers panoramic views of Monterey Bay. For a leisurely stroll, the Old Growth Loop is a flat, easy trail that meanders through towering, ancient redwoods. Nearby, Capitola Beach is perfect for sunbathing, surfing, and fishing. The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Aptos offer something for everyone.
Top Spots in and near Aptos
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Portola Valley, California
Windy Hill via Anniversary Trail Loop
0.89 mi / 164 ft gainTo get a good viewing point for the sunrise, take a quick on the Anniversary Trail up to Windy Hill. This is a real bang-for-your-buck adventure as the trail isn't too long and you get to see a spectacular sunrise combined with great views of both the Bay Area and out towards the ocean. Note tha...Read more -
3160 North Shoreline Boulevard, California
SUP Shoreline Lake
4.0Shoreline Lake features a big lake, many hiking and biking trails, and lot of picnic areas in Mountain View, CA. Kayaks, SUP, and various boats can be rented from the boat house. This is a great place to enjoy the water no matter what season it is. There are large grassy areas for kids to run and...Read more -
Stanford, California
Stanford Dish Loop
4.43.67 mi / 472 ft gainIf you live in the Palo Alto area and are looking for a place to hike or run, The Dish is a close, and great way to get that exercise. Located right on the corner of Stanford Ave and Junipero Serra, you'll see that small gated entrance right when you drive on by. As far as parking goes, you're le...Read more -
Stanford, California
Kite Hill
4.0Kite Hill is nothing more than what the name describes. A simple ascent less than 100 feet in elevation. But that 100 feet is all you need to feel like you discovered a little escape from the buzz below. To get there, you can park directly at the base of Kite Hill along Peter Coutts Rd and simpl...Read more -
Woodside, California
Meadow & Bear Gulch Loop
5.04.57 mi / 1089 ft gainLocated in the iconic Silicon Valley town of Woodside, Wunderlich County Park offers a number of hiking trails as well as some horseback riding trails through the wilderness. Once in the parking lot, you will see a number of stables, riding ring, as well as a beautiful historic stable that was ...Read more -
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Soberanes Point
1.82 mi / 295 ft gainGarrapata State Park is located along California's Highway 1, roughly 5 miles south of Carmel, California. The park is entirely free with multiple pull-outs and serves as one of the first grand views travelers encounter while heading south from the Monterey Peninsula to southern California. Garra...Read more -
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Secluded Beach Near Soberanes Point
5.00.32 mi / 121 ft gainWhen we stumbled upon this beach we were thrilled to have such great views with no crowds. There is plenty of room to lay out in the sun, you can swim in the ocean to cool off, and the beach is surrounded by beautiful landscape. If you decide to swim be very careful as the waves and currents can ...Read more -
Fremont, California
Mission Peak via Hidden Valley Trail
4.26.16 mi / 2116 ft gainBreathtaking views of the Bay Area are your reward for making this climb to the top of Mission Peak. It’s a 3-mile trek to the top of the peak and then back down the same way. This is a moderate hike that provides a nice workout – so be prepared. Park at the Stanford Avenue entrance gate. There ...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Southern Beaches at San Gregorio State Beach
4.01.48 mi / 16 ft gainNot a trail per se, but approximately 3 miles (down and back) of beautiful beach to walk down. Lots of interesting caves, wild animals, and rock formations to discover. This is a popular location for sea kayakers. San Gregorio State Beach was originally founded to protect the estuary at the back ...Read more -
Sunol, California
Little Yosemite via Ohlone Road
5.02.17 mi / 207 ft gainLittle Yosemite via Ohlone Road is an out-and-back trail that is good for all skill levels located near Sunol, California. The trail follows Alamdeda Creek along a wide gravel road with hills offering up better views of the creek at times. Keep in mind this trail is very exposed and can get hot...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Old Growth Redwood Loop
4.45.68 mi / 1480 ft gainThis hike starts at the parking lot of the El Corte de Madera Open Space Preserve. The lot is located roughly a mile south on Skyline Boulevard from the Skeggs Point Vista. From the parking lot, take the Methuselah Trail for 0.3 miles until you reach the Timberview Trail. Take this trail for anot...Read more -
Sunol, California
Little Yosemite via Canyon View Trail
3.93.01 mi / 705 ft gainPlease note this is a fragile ecosystem and watershed. There is NO swimming allowed in Alameda Creek and trespassing is prohibited on Water Department lands that are not accessible to the public. You can learn more about the restrictions and the area at ebparks.org. After entering the kiosk you...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Methuselah and El Corte De Madera Creek Loop
6.5 mi / 1778 ft gainThis loop hike will provide people with the opportunity to experience the tranquility of the lower canyons of the preserve, which tend to be more isolated than the heavier-trafficked trails that are closer to the main highway. Be warned that this hike is fairly strenuous because of the large amo...Read more -
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Calla Lily Valley
4.60.31 mi / 46 ft gainParking for Calla Lily Valley is available along the dirt pullout at Gate 19 for Garrapata State Park, near mile-marker 63. Signs are small and difficult to see. Follow the path between the guide wires and take the right fork, heading north to the bluff overlooking the beach. Continue north and f...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Stulsaft Park Loop
4.00.91 mi / 98 ft gainStulsaft Park Loop in Redwood City, California, is a scenic and family-friendly 0.9-mile loop trail, ideal for hiking, walking, and running. This is a relatively easy stroll with only 98 feet of elevation gain and is accessible for people of all fitness levels. This trail is also particularly pop...Read more -
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Garrapata Beach
4.5A wonderful roadside beach and state park. Easy parking on both sides of Hwy. 1 with short access trails. There are almost 2 miles of coastline trails heading north and south from the parking area. The north end of the beach is great for swimming and surfing when the sea is calm and the south ...Read more
