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

  • San Francisco, California

    Lyon Street Steps

    4.5
    0.2 mi / 102 ft gain
    Rumor has it there are almost 300 stairs from top to bottom. This is a great place to get some exercise in if you're up for running or walking up the stairs. Do a few laps (roundtrip) and you'll be pretty happy with your workout. If you're really looking to get after it, throw in a few pushups an...
    Read more
  • Mill Valley, California

    Dipsea Trail

    4.6
    13.03 mi / 3701 ft gain
    The Dipsea Race is the 2nd oldest foot race in the US. The race is named after the Dipsea Inn at the end of the trail at Stinson Beach. The good news is that you can enjoy this scenic trail and its sweeping ocean views at your leisure. The bad news is that the race is only one-way. If you choose,...
    Read more
  • Mill Valley, California

    Camp at Kirby Cove

    4.5
    Yes, you can camp just over the Golden Gate! Kirby Cove Campground has 4 overnight campsites and 1 picnic area for day use. The campground is set near a coarse-sand beach and offers amazing views of the Golden Gate, as long as it’s not a super foggy SF day. From the parking lot, it's a steep ~1 m...
    Read more
  • Mill Valley, California

    Temelpa Trail

    4.5
    2.94 mi / 1929 ft gain
    The Mt. Tam Hill Climb via Temelpa Trail is an iconic, "best-of" climb in the trail running community, drawing some of the world's greatest athletes to experience its breathtaking views and technical downhill. Surprisingly though, outside of locals and the running community, the trail remains lar...
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Lover's Lane, Ecology, Mountain Lake Trail Loop

    4.6
    2.04 mi / 344 ft gain
    Tucked into a corner of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is the Presidio, a beautiful little oasis of forests, beaches, and sweeping views that locals love. While the coastal trails get most of the attention here, the park covers 300 acres of prime real estate with lots of notable attract...
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Picnic Beneath the Golden Gate

    4.7
    If the weather forecast looks promising, you could do a lot worse than planning a picnic at the West Bluff Picnic Area in the Presidio. This area is south of Crissy Field (closer to the bridge) and before you get to Fort Point - situated perfectly to give you an amazing view of the Golden Gate, A...
    Read more
  • Mill Valley, California

    Homestead Open Space Big Loop

    5.0
    2.48 mi / 709 ft gain
    Homestead Open Space Big Loop is a moderately trafficked loop trail located near Mill Valley, California.
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Surf Under The Golden Gate at Fort Point

    4.2
    This has to one of the coolest spots to surf in the world. The break itself is a left point that requires a healthy swell to wrap into the bay, and only gets good on occasion. But when it's good, it can be an experience you'll never forget.It's important to note, that when it's good, this is not ...
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito

    4.7
    1.74 mi / 141 ft gain
    Riding your bike or walking across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, and then enjoying some drinks overlooking the bay, is a great way to spend a nice day. The views along the way are simply breathtaking. After your ride and a day of fun in Sausalito, you can return to San Francisco by ferry. ...
    Read more
  • Sausalito, California

    Hawk Hill

    5.0
    0.76 mi / 144 ft gain
    If you're leaving from SF, head over the bridge and exit onto Alexander Ave. Make the immediate left under the overpass and you'll be on the road to Hawk Hill. There's a parking area just below the gate leading up to Hawk Hill. From the parking lot you can walk west about ten yards along the outs...
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Alamo Park Square Park

    4.7
    If you’re ever in San Francisco, you’ll definitely want to spend a bit of time in Alamo Square gazing at these stellar examples of San Francisco history.   This is a beautiful and popular green space, where you have uninterrupted views of the iconic Painted Ladies.  The Painted Ladies are row of...
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Batteries to Bluffs Trail

    4.8
    2.33 mi / 417 ft gain
    The Batteries to Bluffs Trail in the Presidio is a true gem of San Francisco. It has everything you could want in a hike: a sea-side path along the ocean, relatively easy parking, gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and a secluded beach that's perfect for picnics, sunbathing, and enjoying t...
    Read more
  • Mill Valley, California

    Miwok, Coyote Ridge and Coastal Trail Loop

    5.0
    5.97 mi / 1191 ft gain
    Miwok, Coyote Ridge and Coastal Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Mill Valley, California.
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Presidio Ecology Trail

    5.0
    1.82 mi / 427 ft gain
    Presidio Ecology Trail is a loop trail through the Presidio located near San Francisco, California. This loop can be started at the Upper Ecology Trail off of Arguello Blvd near Pacific or down at the Lower Ecology Trail near the Inn at the Presidio. This trail is dog friendly on-leash. 
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Presidio Bay Area Ridge Trail

    5.0
    2.73 mi / 203 ft gain
    Presidio Bay Area Ridge Trail is a point-to-point trail where you may see wildflowers located near San Francisco, California.
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Presidio Loop

    5.95 mi / 823 ft gain
    This route starts and ends on Jackson street in the Presidio Terrace neighborhood of San Francisco. This loop can be started in several areas of the Presidio including off of the Lyon street steps, but this starting point creates a good midpoint of the loop.  Along the route, be sure to keep an ...
    Read more