Outbound Collective logo

Burlingame, California

The best trails and outdoor activities in Burlingame, California, offer a mix of scenic views and physical challenges. One of the top spots is the Sawyer Camp Trail, a must-visit for its 6-mile path along the Crystal Springs Reservoir. The trail is flat and well-maintained, making it suitable for all fitness levels. It offers stunning views of the reservoir, unique rock formations, and an array of local wildlife. For a more challenging hike, head to the Mills Canyon Wildlife Area. This 1.5-mile trail features steep inclines and descents, with views of the canyon and surrounding woodlands. Both trails are perfect for hiking, jogging, and bird-watching. Near Burlingame, you'll find the Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve, a beautiful 366-acre space with a variety of trails and a dedicated off-leash dog area. These outdoor adventures offer a great escape from city life.

Top Spots in and near Burlingame

  • Santa Cruz, California

    A Beach Bonfire in Santa Cruz at Twin Lakes SB

    This one-mile stretch of beach is the perfect option for those looking for a peaceful Santa Cruz experience, but without the crowds. The beach features soft sand, playful surf, an awesome view of Walton Lighthouse, and a handful of fire pits to choose from. It's a great spot to spend the entire d...
    Read more
  • Inverness, California

    Photograph the Cypress Tree Tunnel in Point Reyes

    4.3
    Just north of San Francisco, there's a row of giant Monterey cypress trees that forms a “tree tunnel”. Loved by Bay Area locals, it's a tucked away spot in the Point Reyes National Seashore for photographers to capture early morning sun rays, or for anyone to get some moments of solitude. At the ...
    Read more
  • Aptos, California

    Hike to Nisene Marks' Maple Falls

    4.6
    8.5 mi / 900 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. At the park booth, be sure to grab a map. The hike can be a little tricky with no cell service and limited trail signage. Once you've grabbed your map, keep driving p...
    Read more
  • Capitola, California

    Camp at New Brighton Campground

    / 0 ft gain
    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,...
    Read more
  • Capitola, California

    New Brighton Beach Trail

    0.85 mi / 112 ft gain
    New Brighton Beach Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Aptos, California.
    Read more
  • Sonoma, California

    Sonoma Valley Wine Tour Bike Ride

    This 12 mile bike path starts at a rental shop in Sonoma Country called Sonoma Valley Bike Tours and Rentals. Follow the trail through the quaint residential area and into the back country vineyards and dirt trails. This ride can be anything between a hardcore 2 hour cycling workout with a few in...
    Read more
  • Napa, California

    Lake Marie Road, Marie Creek, Buckeye Trail Loop

    3.5
    5.8 mi / 961 ft gain
    Enter the parking lot just off of Hwy 221. Plan to pay a $5 entrance fee at the kiosk. The trail head begins at the edge of the parking lot where you'll soon be passing by the Martha Walker Native Habitat Garden on your right. Veer left to continue along Lake Marie Road where you'll enter the blu...
    Read more
  • Santa Cruz, California

    Surf the Hook

    4.0
    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...
    Read more
  • Santa Cruz, California

    Surf Pleasure Point

    4.0
    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 ...
    Read more
  • Inverness, California

    Abbotts Lagoon Trail

    4.6
    3.43 mi / 102 ft gain
    If you like beaches, headlands, scenic landscapes, wildflowers, and tons of wildlife viewing, you should give this hike a try. Although it only takes about an hour to complete the out-and-back, the vibe surrounding this area is just begging you to slow down and enjoy your natural surroundings. T...
    Read more
  • Napa, California

    Kayak the Napa River

    4.0
    The 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
  • Inverness, California

    Marshall Beach Trail

    5.0
    2.41 mi / 305 ft gain
    Marshall Beach Trail is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to see wildlife located near Inverness, California.
    Read more
  • Napa, California

    Westwood Hills Park Loop

    4.0
    2.12 mi / 476 ft gain
    This 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
  • Fairfield, California

    Bike the Gordon Valley to Wooden Valley Scramble

    5.0
    13.5 mi / 498 ft gain
    This is a 13.5 mile loop route in Fairfield, California. The route has a total ascent of 498 feet and has a maximum elevation of 369 feet.Begin your ride at the corner of Oliver Road and Mankas Corner Road. Along Mankas Corner Road you'll pass the Napa Grass Farmer community farm and Il Fiorello ...
    Read more