Benicia, California
Benicia, California is home to some of the top outdoor adventures and must-visit attractions. Among the best trails and outdoor activities is the scenic Benicia State Recreation Area. This trail offers a moderate difficulty level, perfect for a leisurely hike. It features a beautiful lake and unique rock formations that add to the charm of the trail. Another notable attraction is the Dillon Point, a rocky outcrop that provides a panoramic view of the Carquinez Strait. The Benicia Marina is also a popular spot for boating and fishing. Nearby, the Matthew Turner Shipyard Park allows for leisurely picnics with a view of the waterfront. For bird watchers, the Southampton Bay Wetland Natural Preserve is a must-visit. These outdoor activities make Benicia a prime destination for those seeking scenic outdoor adventures.
Top Spots in and near Benicia
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Half Moon Bay, California
Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail
4.65.51 mi / 220 ft gainStart at the visitor center along Kelly Avenue. Take note that the day parking fee is $10 in 2024 for each vehicle. You will then be able to enjoy both the Coastside Trail and Francis Beach (plus other beaches) with access to the amenities such as coin-operated showers and a semi-private beach. ...Read more -
Calistoga, California
Hike the Oat Hill Mine Trail
5.08.3 miThe incline on this trail begins pretty much right away and is fairly gradual for the entire hike, some of it is quite rocky, making this an easy to moderate level hike. However, with some shade (probably wouldn't attempt it on a hot summer day) and the sweeping views of the valley that get bette...Read more -
Calistoga, California
Bald Hill via Oat Hill Mine Trail
5.58 mi / 1388 ft gainBald Hill is the first serious peak/summit that can be reached via the Oat Hill Mine Trail as it breaks from the more popular loop and heads into the heart of Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. To get there you can either begin at the less frequently used trailhead at Picket and Rosedale Roads h...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Purisima Creek Trail and Craig Britton Trail Loop
4.06.95 mi / 1411 ft gainThis hike is perfect for any time of year, always staying cool because it is near the coast, and there are multiple creeks that flow year-round. Even on foggy days, the fog condenses on trees to make it seem like it is "raining." Be warned that this hike has a lot of elevation change and is stre...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 -
Half Moon Bay, California
Whittemore Gulch via Purisima Creek Road
6.44 mi / 1870 ft gainThis beautiful mountain bike ride can be started at the Purisima Creek Road Trailhead or on Skyline Boulevard. There are many trails in the Purisisma Creek Redwoods, but Whittemore Gulch is by far the most beautiful and fun single track to descend on. Starting Options:Start at Purisima Creek Roa...Read more -
San Jose, California
Alviso Slough Loop
3.08.76 mi / 256 ft gainThis tranquil 20.6 acre park is open year round from 8am to sunset. It’s the gateway to the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. It is filled with boardwalks, trails, and all kinds of wildlife. I went here with the sole intent of catching a pretty sunset after a long week. I g...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 -
Inverness, California
Tomales Point Trail
4.79.47 mi / 1165 ft gainThis hike will take you through the Tule Elk Preserve in Point Reyes Nation Seashore, and offers fantastic views of Bodega and Tomales Bay, as well as the Pacific Ocean. Start at the Tomales Point Trailhead near the Historic Pierce Point Ranch. Follow the trail for roughly three miles. This trai...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 -
Inverness, California
McClures Beach
1.44 mi / 243 ft gainThis beach is really easy to get to. Just follow Pierce Point Road until you see the sign to the beach. It's an easy hike down from the parking lot. There is very little shade, so make sure to bring some sunscreen. Be extremely cautious with getting into the water. There is likely underwater cu...Read more -
Santa Rosa, California
Santa Rosa Creek Trail: Willowside Road to Fulton Road
5.04.2 mi / 46 ft gainThe Santa Rosa Creek Trail segment from Willowside Road to Fulton Road offers a delightful 2.3-mile journey through one of Santa Rosa's most accessible urban nature corridors. This well-maintained paved trail provides cyclists, walkers, and runners with a scenic route that perfectly balances natu...Read more -
Sebastopol, California
Hilltop Trail Loop
5.00.71 mi / 49 ft gainHilltop Trail Loop is a loop trail in Ragle Ranch Park located near Sebastopol, California. This trail is dog and family-friendly. Ragle Ranch also has a playground for young children as an additional option for before or after hitting the trail.Read more -
Sebastopol, California
Blackberry - Thistle Loop
5.01.45 mi / 69 ft gainThe Blacberry - Thistle Loop is a relatively easy hiking trail at Ragle Ranch park. This trail is used for hiking and running and offers some cover/shade as well as great views of foliage especially in the fall months. This trail is located on the west side of Sebastopol, California. The park i...Read more -
Sebastopol, California
Ragle Ranch Extended Loop
5.01.86 mi / 82 ft gainRagle Ranch Extended Loop is a loop trail where you may see local wildlife located near Sebastopol, CaliforniaRead more -
Chimney Rock Trail Head, California
Chimney Rock
4.51.82 mi / 151 ft gainChimney Rock is a 1.8-mile out-and-back, single-track trail. The trailhead gets crowded (even on weekdays) with amateur and professional photographers, as well as nature lovers clutching field guides. Hikers seeking a quiet nature experience may wish to look elsewhere. The display is impressive, ...Read more
