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

  • Pescadero, United States

    Relax at Costanoa Lodge

    3.0
    Looking for a quick escape from the city, but sleeping on the ground isn’t really your thing? Look no further than Costanoa Lodge in Pescadero, an upscale "glamping" experience just an hour south of San Francisco with tons of hiking options. This is a really fun option for anyone who enjoys being...
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  • Lagunitas, California

    The Inkwells

    4.5
    These natural swimming holes are filled with water flowing from Kent Lake, so they're usually pretty refreshing. And by refreshing, we mean cold. We know this first-hand by testing the pools in the winter months. Let's just say if you can stay in for more than 5 seconds, you're a hero. If you jum...
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  • Novato, California

    Mount Burdell Open Space Loop

    5.0
    4.87 mi / 1234 ft gain
    Start at the wide gravel parking lot. You will find the start of the San Andreas Fire Road on the south side leading up the mountain.  The San Andreas Fire Road heads up the southern slope before joining the Middle Burdell Fire Road and then very quickly the Deer Camp Fire Road. Keep your eyes p...
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  • 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...
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  • Lagunitas, California

    Redwoods Camping at Samuel P Taylor

    These West Marin campsites are often overlooked. It does get busy during the summer, but take the rest of the year to explore this state park. The main campground boasts more than 50 campsites with restrooms, hot pay showers, and piped drinking water. A few spaces can accommodate trailers, but t...
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  • Lagunitas, California

    Bolinas Ridge Loop

    10.27 mi / 1568 ft gain
    Nestled in the Samuel P. Taylor State Park this ten miler was a perfect escape from the chaos of the city. Hikers are able to pay a $10.00 park entry fee that includes plenty of parking spaces and restrooms before you hit the trail. The hike starts along the Cross Marin Trail, a path popular to ...
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  • Pescadero, California

    Pick Berries at Swanton's Berry Farm

    4.0
    Take a spectacularly scenic drive or bike ride out to this quaint coastal berry farm. Look out onto the shimmering ocean while you pick the ripest and sweetest berries yourself. Head inside their shop to enjoy pre-made jams, pies, chocolate covered strawberries, and so much more. While you're ins...
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  • 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...
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  • Davenport, California

    Kitesurf Waddell Beach

    4.0
    Just north of Santa Cruz at the far west end of Big Basin State Park, Waddell Beach offers one of California's top spots for kiteboarding.  Each spring and summer, you'll find consistent northwesterly afternoon sea breezes.  With the added bonus of consistent waves from wind and ground swell, Wad...
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  • Davenport, California

    Greyhound Beach and Greyhound Rock

    0.26 mi / 128 ft gain
    The trailhead is at the Greyhound Rock State Marine Conservation Area which is directly off Highway 1. There is a large paved parking lot with a good amount of trees so finding a shady parking spot isn't that difficult (if that's important to you). The parking lot is located on the beach cliffs ...
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  • Napa, California

    Westwood Hills Park Loop

    3.8
    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...
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  • Los Gatos, California

    Soquel Demonstration Forest Flow Trail

    14.21 mi / 2080 ft gain
    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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  • Felton, California

    Tree Climb Mount Hermon

    5.0
    Climbing an aerial obstacle course through the redwoods of Mount Hermon is a great way to experience the thrill of climbing and being in the trees.  See what it's like to scurry through the trees like a squirrel.  This unique vantage point offers amazing views of the redwoods. There are many aeri...
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  • Vacaville, California

    Bike the Cantelow Climb

    4.5
    19.68 mi / 1119 ft gain
    Begin your ride from Lagoon Valley Park in Vacaville, California. There is a parking lot here if you drive to the start of your ride (the park entrance fee is $3 per vehicle per day). Head out of the parking lot and turn right onto Rivera Road where you'll cross over Hwy 80. The road becomes Cher...
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  • Felton, California

    Fall Creek Trail

    5.0
    7.21 mi / 1096 ft gain
    This quiet 10 mile hike features a winding creek and tall redwoods throughout the trail.  The parking at the Fall Creek Trailhead is limited, so it is best to get there before 10am.  There are redwoods very close to the trail and a good portion is alongside the creek.  Most of the trail is dirt, ...
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  • Scotts Valley, California

    Lodato Loop Trail

    5.0
    1.24 mi / 315 ft gain
    Lodato Loop Trail is a loop trail that is moderately difficult located near Scotts Valley, California.
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