Bodega Bay, California
Bodega Bay, California, is a top spot for outdoor adventures, offering some of the best trails and outdoor activities. The Bodega Head Trail is a must-visit, featuring a 1.7-mile loop with scenic views of the Pacific Ocean, migratory whales, and various bird species. The trail is of moderate difficulty, making it accessible for most. Another highlight is the Pinnacle Gulch Coastal Access Trail, a 1.9-mile hike with unique rock formations and a secluded beach. Doran Regional Park is an attraction near the location, offering a 2-mile stretch of sandy beach, ideal for picnicking, bird-watching, and fishing. Whether you're a hiker, birder, or beachgoer, Bodega Bay has something to offer.
Top Spots in and near Bodega Bay
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Sausalito, California
Battery Spencer
4.00.47 mi / 46 ft gainThis is a very popular spot to hike up to from Conzelman Road. You can find parking in the lot or on the street and do the quick hike up to Battery Spencer. You can get a perfect view of the Golden Gate Bridge and SF from the Marin side of the Bay. This is a unique perspective as you also get the...Read more -
Lake County, California
Hike to Wright Peak near Clearlake California
7.6 mi / 1853 ft gainHiking to Wright peak offers some of the best views of Clear Lake, California's largest natural freshwater lake. Located just about 2.5 hours north of San Francisco, this hike is accessible and easy to follow. To get to the trailhead, follow the 101 north to Hopland. Then take the 175 west towar...Read more -
Richmond, California
Hike the Wildcat Canyon Loop
4.010.5 mi / 2300 ft gainStarting off on Wildcat Creek Trail, the trail is wide and rolling. After about 4 miles make a left on Jewel Trail, then onto Sylvan Trail. Another left puts you on Wildcat Peak Trail. Be sure to check your map, as many trails intersect here. Wildcat Peak Trail runs into Nimitz Way, at which poin...Read more -
San Francisco, CaliforniaRide Paradise Loop
4.3Riding this loop has long been a popular option for San Franciscan riders looking to escape the busy city streets. This 38-mile ride with 1,600 feet of elevation, is suitable for all personalities of rider: the fast paced racer or the person just out to relax and cruise.A great place to start thi...Read more -
San Francisco, CaliforniaRun to Hopper's Hands
4.6Hundreds of people touch Hopper's Hands every day as a turn-around point on their runs in and around Crissy Field and The San Francisco Bay Trail. Running west through Crissy Field, passing the Warming Hut and pier, you follow Marine Drive until you dead end at Fort Point. If you continue through...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Surf Under The Golden Gate at Fort Point
4.2This 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
Batteries to Bluffs Trail
4.82.33 mi / 417 ft gainThe 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 -
San Francisco, California
Take in a Sunset on Marshall's Beach
4.8If you're looking for one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marshall's Beach gives you just that without the tourist crowds of Baker Beach.This small and hidden beach offers a narrow stretch of sand for those looking to throw a frisbee around or just hang out with friends. As it's tuck...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Sutro Baths Ruins
4.5Whether you simply look down on the ruins from the [conveniently located] parking lot above, or choose to walk down the stairs and explore, you will be greeted with stunning views of the Baths, and the Pacific Ocean stretching infinitely beyond. The highlight of any trip to the Sutro Baths is ...Read more -
San Francisco, CaliforniaPicnic Beneath the Golden Gate
4.4If 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 -
San Francisco, California
Bouldering at Ocean Beach
4.0Tired of climbing in a gym, check out one of the city's best outdoor climbing spots! Below the Cliff House at the north-end of Ocean Beach, there are several great bouldering problems and a retaining wall to climb. The rock is comprised of greenstone and sandstone with cracks and edges. These rou...Read more -
Sand Ladder, California
Baker Beach Sand Ladder
4.40.25 mi / 138 ft gainThe Baker Beach Sand Ladder is a section of the Pacific Coast Trail that is comprised of 200 ten foot poles tied together to form stairs down to North Baker Beach from Lincoln Blvd. If you’re looking for a lung and butt-busting workout, and you’d like a break from your standard routine, you need...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Mile Rock Beach
4.71.64 miThis rocky, secluded beach is tucked in along the Land’s End Coastal Trail in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Located 100 or so steps down from the main trail, you’ll find this mysterious little beach that will make you feel like you’re in an old pirate movie. There are a lot of logs an...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Lands End Trail
4.73.26 mi / 500 ft gainThe Lands End Trail is a 3.26 mile out-and-back hike located in the northwest corner of San Francisco along the city's rugged coastline. Offering spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, and the Pacific Ocean, the hike is one of the most popular trails in San Francisco for ...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Camp at the Rob Hill Campground
5.0Rob Hill Campground is a hidden treasure, located at the Presidio’s highest point above Baker Beach amid a beautiful eucalyptus grove. The campsite welcomes groups of all kinds and is also home to the Camping at the Presidio (CAP) program, which provides youth with meaningful outdoor experiences....Read more -
San Francisco, California
Baker Beach
4.8If you're looking for a beach that's a little more protected and scenic than Ocean Beach, then Baker Beach is it. Bring a cooler and some burritos out and kick it with your friends. On a sunny weekend day in SF, there's usually a sizable crowd here, so if you need parking, be sure to get here ear...Read more
