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Castro Valley, California

Castro Valley, California is a top pick for outdoor fun. With its scenic and serene views, it's a must-visit for those seeking a unique experience. There are plenty of top attractions in and near the area, including Lake Chabot Regional Park, Anthony Chabot Regional Park, and Skyline Wilderness Park. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, such as hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. There are also plenty of trails to explore, offering breathtaking views of the Bay Area. For those who love nature, there are plenty of wildlife areas to explore, including the Hayward Regional Shoreline and the Don Castro Regional Recreation Area. Whether you're looking for an adventure or a peaceful day out, Castro Valley has something for everyone.

Top Spots in and near Castro Valley

  • Boulder Creek, California

    Hike the Old Growth Redwoods Trail

    4.5
    0.5 mi
    Quick half-mile stroll through the old growth Redwoods that will show you the nature of the ever-living redwood tree.Redwoods are capable of withstanding storms, floods, fire, droughts, and even termites. These legendary trees can live for over 2,000 years and possess incredible strength, vigor, ...
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  • Boulder Creek, California

    Hike the Berry Creek Falls Loop

    4.8
    11 mi / 2000 ft gain
    Nestled in California's oldest state park, the popular Berry Creek Falls Loop hike begins at the Big Basin park headquarters. If you're up for 11 miles, a thousand feet of elevation gain through towering redwoods and along serene creeks, and spread out over a half-day, then this is the hike for y...
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  • Boulder Creek, California

    Camp at Big Basin Redwoods State Park

    4.0
    0.5 mi
    Big Basin is currently closed including the campgrounds. Please visit the Parks.ca.gov site for updated details.  An hour away from the thrumming city of San Jose, ancient immense trees live in a forest full of vibrant ferns and rushing waterfalls. Big Basin Redwoods State Park encompasses 10,00...
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  • Boulder Creek, California

    Hike the Ocean View Summit Loop

    4.0
    6 mi / 600 ft gain
    This hike begins at the Big Basin park headquarters. If you're up for 6 miles through giant redwoods and along serene creeks, and with an ocean view, then this is the hike for you. Ocean view summit loop starts on the Gazos Creek Road bridge, next turn right on to the Middle Ridge Fire Road, whic...
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  • Boulder Creek, California

    Big Basin's Sunset Trail Camp

    4.8
    9.46 mi / 2146 ft gain
    This trail and campsite is currently closed (learn more). Looking for a more authentic hiking and camping weekend, without having to drive hours away to find it? Then the Sunset Trail Camp within Big Basin Redwoods SP is your ticket. To access this site, you'll need to hike the famous Skyline-to...
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  • Pescadero, California

    Catch a Sunset at Bean Hollow State Beach

    5.0
    There are a bunch of places to photograph this beach if you head north on the trail that runs along the beach.There is parking at the beach but it can fill up quickly!The only warning you need is about the tide. Make sure you are watching it the entire time because it can creep up on you and will...
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  • Boulder Creek, California

    Hike to Sempervirens Falls

    4.0
    2.1 mi / 100 ft gain
    The hike to Sempervirens Falls is an easy 2.1 mile out-and-back hike on the Sequoia Trail. You'll travel through the redwood forest and some of the campgrounds located in Big Basin State Park. The hike is pleasant but on occasion, you'll be too close to the road to feel like you're deep in the wi...
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  • 21600 Big Basin Way, California

    Hike the Sequoia Trail at Big Basin Redwoods SP

    4.0
    4.3 mi / 600 ft gain
    This 4.3 mile hike in Big Basin Redwoods SP is a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.   In the first half, there is a quick detour you can take to Sempervirens Falls.  Just listen for sounds of water, read the signs, and cross the road.  The detour itself is as far as cross...
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  • Novato, California

    Buck Gulch Falls Trail

    5.0
    1.26 mi / 203 ft gain
    Buck Gulch Falls (also known as Fairway Falls) is an easy, scenic hike that takes you through a beautiful forest on your way to a 15-foot waterfall. This little neighborhood treasure is tucked away in Novato, CA at the end of Fairway Drive and there is ample parking near the trailhead.  If you v...
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  • Novato, California

    Schwindt, Indian Valley, and Waterfall Trail Loop

    3.51 mi / 594 ft gain
    Schwindt, Indian Valley, and Waterfall Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Novato, California.
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  • Petaluma, California

    Upland Game Bird Hunting/ Clay Shooting

    I’m sure all you hunters and are well aware that there are few, if any, hunting opportunities in San Francisco or Marin County. However, many of you don’t know that an epic hunting club exists just an hour North of San Francisco. At the Black Point Game Bird Club, you can hunt ring-necked pheasan...
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  • San Geronimo, California

    Roys Redwood Preserve Loop

    5.0
    2.37 mi / 430 ft gain
    Roy's Redwoods Preserve is an easily missed pocket of Redwoods off Nicasio Valley Road in Marin County. Don't miss it: heading North on Sir Francis Drake Blvd turn right onto Nicasio Valley Rd--the gate for this little park is about a half mile up on the right. From the main entrance you enter a ...
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  • Pescadero, California

    Explore the Pidgeon Point Lighthouse

    5.0
    Pidgeon Point Lighthouse is conveniently located just 50 miles south of San Francisco. Constructed in 1872 and standing at 115 feet, it is among the tallest lighthouse in America.Part of the state park system, it is surprisingly secluded. Numerous parking space were available in the lot with hand...
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  • Pescadero, California

    Exploring Big Sur to Pigeon Point

    We started off in Big Sur and took as many pull-off viewpoints as possible between Big Sur and the final destination, Pigeon Point Lighthouse. The weather was foggy in some spots but would open up to reveal the vast Pacific Ocean and sun in others. The weather was mild for us but we're familiar w...
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  • Novato, California

    North Levee Trail

    3.78 mi / 157 ft gain
    North Levee Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Novato, California.
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  • Bolinas, California

    Alamere Falls via Palomarin Trailhead

    4.5
    13.54 mi / 1614 ft gain
    Alamere Falls is the tallest waterfall in the bay area. It is known as a tide fall because it empties directly into the Pacific Ocean. This is extremely unique because there are only 34 tide falls in the world and two in California, the other being McWay Falls in Big Sur.  Enjoy stunning views of...
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