Top Spots in and near Big Basin Redwoods State Park
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Soquel, California
4.5
5.85 mi
/ 1051.84 ft gain
Near the retreat, there is a short trail called "Eight Verses Pilgrimage Trail" providing people with the opportunity to meditate on thought transformation in a peaceful and picturesque outdoor setting. From there, a beautiful 6 mile loop will take you up to the top of the ridge and then back aro...
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Cowell Ranch Beach Access, California
Hike half a mile to this beautiful, secluded beach. There are high cliffs with a steep staircase down to the beach. The beach has wonderful rock formations on one side. It is a great place to watch the sunset or bring a picnic. A great place for a beach day if you are looking for something le...
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Half Moon Bay, California
This trail begins at the Cowell State Beach parking lot and is only open on the weekends. From the lot, take the short Cowell Ranch Access trail to a scenic overlook. There are steps down to the secluded pocket beach just above the main trail. The trail playfully meanders along the cliffside with...
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Half Moon Bay, California
This is a popular trail that has beach access to Cowell Ranch Beach. Along the trail, there is a steep staircase that goes down to the beach. The trail also features fields, a bridge, and beautiful views of California's rugged coastline. This trail is paved in some parts, and can also be biked...
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Emerald Hills, California
4.0
3.29 mi
/ 607 ft gain
Edgewood 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 ...
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Redwood City, California
3.7
3.83 mi
/ 676 ft gain
Getting 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...
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Redwood City, California
4.0
1.48 mi
/ 289 ft gain
Experience 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...
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Santa Cruz, California
Pleasure Point is located on the east side of Santa Cruz, California. It is a right hand point break that breaks year round. It is a popular surf spot for many people that live in the San Francisco Bay Area.
There are 3 different peaks that break at Pleasure Point. Sewers, which is the furthest ...
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Santa Cruz, California
The hook is a surf spot found on the east side of Santa Cruz, located along East Cliff drive. If you keep driving past Pleasure Point, you'll get to it. It's a right hand point break that is usually smaller in size than Pleasure Point. It's a very crowded spot due to the easy access parking lo...
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Capitola, California
This Capitola camping spot is the place to be if you're looking to do a variety of activities in a variety of landscapes. You can swim, fish, or explore the nearby forest of Monterey Pine and coastal Oak. In the evening, walk into Capitola for live music and great fish tacos.
The S.S. Palo Alto,...
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Los Gatos, California
As with many trail systems there are multiple routes and loops available at Sequel Demonstration forest of varying lengths and difficulty. The 3 main trails are all accessed via the same parking area on highland way. The most popular trail is the all skill levels "Flow" trail, followed by two sho...
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Aptos, California
4.5
7.98 mi
/ 1089 ft gain
As you enter the park, you'll need to pay $8 for parking via a self-pay envelope, so it's recommended that you bring exact change. Fees may change, please check Parks.CA.Gov for updates. At the park booth, be sure to grab a map. The hike can be a little tricky with no cell service and limited tra...
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San Jose, California
3.0
8.76 mi
/ 256 ft gain
This 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...
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Half Moon Bay, California
4.6
5.51 mi
/ 220 ft gain
Start 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.
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Half Moon Bay, California
This is a great way to destress and have fun! Goat yoga is like normal yoga, but with goats. Goats tend to like higher ground and flat surfaces. So, when you are in table top position, they are highly likely to jump onto your back! These goats are still young, and so do not weigh as much as f...
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