Burbank, California

This hike can be done at any time of year. Hiking in winter and spring means that many varieties of wildflowers will be present, and the creek will have much more water. Summer and fall mean higher temperatures and drier conditions, but the hike is still a pleasant experience. Begin the hike at t...

Maverick's beach is most well-known for the Maverick surf competition and the gnarly waves which surface here in the winter months. For the rest of the year, the beach is still a site to see. With huge waves crashing ¼ mile off shore and bluffs towering 100 feet above you, it’s a picturesque plac...

Sitting on a 140 acre bluff top, the Pillar Point Bluffs are a simple, easy hike with breathtaking views throughout. The bluffs are 22 miles from San Francisco – a 30 minute drive depending on the traffic. There is a small 10 car or so parking lot off of Airport Blvd, but there are two additional...

The Cypress Tree Tunnels are a quick jaunt from San Francisco (22 miles) and make for a great half-day trip. Getting here depends on traffic, but 30 minutes from the center of the city is doable. Parking is relatively easy. You can either park at the south end of the area at the Cypress Cove entr...

Located beside a residential neighborhood, Fitzgerald Marine Reserve offers a rare glimpse of life in the northern California intertidal zones. There are parking spaces and restrooms available, as well as ranger-led guided tours. Be sure to check the tide charts and go during low tide (preferab...

Starting at the parking lot adjacent to Gray Whale Cove State Beach, proceed to the start sign indicating "Grey Whale Cove Trail". GWCT is a fun brisk hike with slight elevation gain that should be easy enough to take a small group or even children to. Take note of the tight spaces you may encou...

Elkhorn Slough is located in Moss Landing, which is in the dead center of Monterey Bay, California. Elkhorn Slough is one of California's largest wetlands and part of a National Estuarine Reserve located in central Monterey Bay, California, just a short trip from the Monterey Peninsula and the Sa...

The Devil's Slide Bunker is perched out on a point the defiantly juts out into the ocean. The Bunker is covered in constantly changing graffiti, which provides a stunning contrast to the gorgeous seaside. Hop on Highway 1 South. Just south of Pacifica there is a tunnel. Once you go through the t...

This 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...

Disclaimer: Please keep a respectful distance from the whales and other sea wildlife for their protection and your own. Note, changing the animal's natural behavior is a violation of federal law.Every year, humpbacks whale migrate north from their winter and breeding grounds down in southern Mex...

Start at the parking lots close to the pier, where bathrooms are also available. Walk along the pier to watch the sunset as it begins. Next, walk along Sharp Park Beach to discover the plethora of wild flowers and friendly locals always ready to guide you on your walk. Take the stairs up to the...

The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is home to some of the most diverse and rich waters in our oceans, and you have the chance to see it up close and personal! The big prize is getting to see a whale, but these waters are teeming with other wildlife from dolphins to otters to sea lions.  F...

Found this hike with some friends after spending some time googling in my car when we were in the area looking for a quick hike with a view!   Dog friendly Free parking (but quite limited) Ocean views Known to have gorgeous wildflower blooms (we were not there during this)Porta-potty type toilet...

Tucked away in the hills of Oakland, you will find one of the homes of California's Coastal Redwoods. Created by a unique geographical circumstance, this forest breathes winds funneled through the Golden Gate across the bay, which created environment opportune for Redwood growth. These Redwoods a...

Mount Diablo's summit in Mount Diablo State Park rises to 3,848ft, with Juniper Campground in Mount Diablo SP is at approximately 3,000ft in elevation.  Juniper Campground overlooks the valley below and some of the San Francisco Bay.  Reservations for Juniper Campground can be made at Reserveamer...

Mussel rock, a three-story, 50 million year old rock that has been carried some 500 miles northwest from Southern California, is where the San Andreas fault meets the Pacific Ocean. It's also an excellent spot to drink some wine and catch a sunset. From San Francisco, take Highway 1 south towar...