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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Antioch, California
Hike the Old Homestead Loop
5.06.5 miThis is a fun day hike that takes you through the beautiful hills of the Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve and a bit of the Contra Loma Recreational Area as well. You can hike here year round, but I suggest going in the spring time when the hills are covered in soft, green grass and the wild ...Read more -
Napa, California
Kayak the Napa River
4.0The Napa River is one of the largest California Central Coast Range rivers, draining approximately 426 sq. miles on its 50 mile journey beginning just south of the summit of Mt. St. Helena to the San Pablo Bay, passing through many of the landmark towns of Napa Valley including an incredible 6 mi...Read more -
Danville, California
Summit Mount Diablo via Rock City Trail
5.07.8 mi / 2299 ft gainAlthough steep in sections, this trail is a wonderful workout and hikers are more than rewarded for their efforts. The Rock City Trail is a direct route to the summit of Mount Diablo, and the park is an ecological treasure dear to the hearts of Bay Area residents. The best views are on clear days...Read more -
Danville, California
Hike in Mount Diablo's Madrone Canyon
2.8 mi / 550 ft gainThis hike starts at the Rock City area of Mount Diablo State Park. Begin at the Madrone Canyon Trail, hiking southeast towards the Devils Slide trail. Along this section of the hike, the trail dips into a wooded canyon and follows the path of a small creek. To best experience the beauty of the cr...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 -
Petaluma, CaliforniaUpland Game Bird Hunting/ Clay Shooting
I’m sure all you hunters and are well aware that there are few, if any, hunting opportunities in San Francisco or Marin County. However, many of you don’t know that an epic hunting club exists just an hour North of San Francisco. At the Black Point Game Bird Club, you can hunt ring-necked pheasan...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 -
Tiburon, California
Angel Island Perimeter Loop
5.98 mi / 794 ft gainAngel Island Perimeter Loop is a loop trail around the circumference of the island in the San Francisco Bay. The island is located near Tiburon, California with views of downtown San Francisco, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Oakland, Sausalito, and TIburon as you traverse around the island. ...Read more -
Napa, California
Westwood Hills Park Loop
4.02.12 mi / 476 ft gainThis park can get a little crowded on weekends, so best to go early if possible. In terms of parking, there's a lot at the trailhead, but also plenty of available street parking. The loop can be broken up in a various ways as there are several offshoots from the main trailhead/trail leaving fro...Read more -
Belvedere Tiburon, California
Mt. Livermore via North Ridge Trail
4.54.92 mi / 1178 ft gainUnless you own a boat or a kayak, this adventure requires a ride on the Blue and Gold Ferry from Pier 41 in San Francisco. But let’s be honest, that’s actually half the fun. Who doesn’t love a ferry ride? Angel Island State Park is the largest island in the Bay, and recommend the 6-mile loop aro...Read more -
Tiburon, California
Camp on Angel Island
5.0Thousands of years ago, this island was a fishing and hunting ground for the Miwok Native Americans. It has also been an outpost for the U.S. Army and a cattle ranch. Now, it’s one of the closest places to escape from the hustle of San Francisco and set up camp. Camping on the island requires ba...Read more -
Tiburon, California
Bouldering at Ring Mountain
0.5 mi / 400 ft gainItching to climb outdoors near San Francisco? With only a quick drive from the city, Ring Mountain is a beautiful nature preserve overlooking the city of San Francisco offering two main rock formations, Turtle Rock (Pictured) and Split Rock. Split Rock is the slabby rock south of the parking ar...Read more -
Corte Madera, California
Ring Mountain Loop
4.02.65 mi / 597 ft gainRing Mountain Open Space is an easy but uphill trail that take you to the top where you can explore more trails. Take the 101 exit for Paradise Dr in Corte Madera, follow the road, and park on the side of the road once you pass Westward Dr. Even though there are many places to start the trail fo...Read more -
Vacaville, California
Bike the Cantelow Climb
5.019.68 mi / 1119 ft gainBegin your ride from Lagoon Valley Park in Vacaville, California. There is a parking lot here if you drive to the start of your ride (the park entrance fee is $3 per vehicle per day). Head out of the parking lot and turn right onto Rivera Road where you'll cross over Hwy 80. The road becomes Cher...Read more -
Napa, California
Alston Park Loop Trail
2.76 mi / 184 ft gainAlston Park Loop Trail, located in Napa, California, is a 2.76-mile loop trail that offers a moderate level of difficulty for hikers. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and running and is accessible year-round. The trail is well-maintained and clearly marked, making it suitable for ...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Run the Coit Tower Stairs
3.8There 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...Read more
