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
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San Francisco, California
Paddle at Crane Cove
5.0Crane Cove is a beautiful waterfront park with access for paddle boards and kayaks. This area is protected from the wind (it will be less choppy here than in the middle of the bay). If you decide to paddle up to mission bay or down towards Islais Creek you'll most likely face more currents and w...Read more -
Belmont, California
Hike San Mateo's Sugarloaf Mountain
5.01.5 mi / 500 ft gainSugarloaf is tucked away in Laurelwood Park which is located in a residential neighborhood right off of Hwy 92 in San Mateo, making this a great hiking & trail running option for Peninsula residents.I always park on Glendora Dr. and follow the paved path down towards the playground. At the bo...Read more -
Clayton, California
Hike Mt. Diablo
4.413 mi / 3323 ft gainMt. Diablo has some of the most expansive views in California, despite it's relatively low peak elevation. It played a large role in the surveying the Bay Area during its early discovery. Getting There: To get to the staging area, take Interstate 80 to I-680 to Highway 4. Exit at Railroad Bouleva...Read more -
Kensington, California
Tilden Little Farm
4.0First make sure to stop at the store and stock up on fresh lettuce and celery for the animals. Your kids (or just the kid in you) will love to feed them! Note that they're only allowed to eat lettuce and celery, so don't try to feed them your own snacks or get creative. ;) If you want to make it...Read more -
San Francisco, California
McLaren Park: Philosopher's Way Loop
5.02.25 mi / 315 ft gainBeyond McLaren's family friendly playgrounds and picnic areas, there are miles of trail to explore. The Philosopher's trail is a well-marked loop (notice the stone markings along the trail with arrows etched into them). There are several parking lots available where you can jump onto the loop. No...Read more -
Clayton, California
Hike the Waterfalls of Mount Diablo Loop Trail
5.06 mi / 1627 ft gainWinter and spring rains create scenic waterfalls in this hike at Mount Diablo, the East Bay's signature peak. Be careful hiking immediately post-rain, watch for slippery sections of mud. The trail is moderately difficult and is used by hikers, walking groups, trail runners, and for nature trips. ...Read more -
3160 North Shoreline Boulevard, California
SUP Shoreline Lake
3.0Shoreline Lake features a big lake, many hiking and biking trails, and lot of picnic areas in Mountain View, CA. Kayaks, SUP, and various boats can be rented from the boat house. This is a great place to enjoy the water no matter what season it is. There are large grassy areas for kids to run and...Read more -
Livermore, California
Condor, Volvan, Stone Corral, Coyote Loop
4.54.38 mi / 620 ft gainThis regional preserve is perfect for day hikes. There are also designated campsites and even a backpack campsite. Horses and dogs are welcome in the preserve. There are many different clearly marked trails that one can choose from. A good 4.5 mile loop is to start at the Park Residence entrance...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Bernal Heights Park
4.70.95 mi / 128 ft gainBernal Heights Park is an excellent week night adventure for those who need an escape from the city. Sit atop this small, grassy peak in peace and look out over the San Francisco skyline. Park on the street bordering the park and follow a pathway that leads up to the top. You will be instantly g...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Hike the Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve Loop
3.75.5 mi / 1000 ft gainGetting there: exit Highway 280 at Edgewood Road, travel .75 miles east, turn left on Crestview Drive, then immediately left again on Edmonds Road.Once parked, there are several different path options through the park. All of them connect in a large loop, and return to the parking lot. The Cordil...Read more -
Sunol, California
Little Yosemite via Canyon View Trail
4.03.01 mi / 705 ft gainPlease note this is a fragile ecosystem and watershed. There is NO swimming allowed in Alameda Creek and trespassing is prohibited on Water Department lands that are not accessible to the public. You can learn more about the restrictions and the area at ebparks.org. After entering the kiosk you...Read more -
Burlingame, California
Hike the Ed Taylor Loop Trail in Mills Canyon
4.01.4 mi / 300 ft gainThis 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...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Run the Coit Tower Stairs
3.8There are 2 sets of stairs for Coit Tower on Sansome St. The first set is at Greenwich and the second is at Filbert. The Filbert steps are a little deeper per step and are mostly wood and concrete. The Greenwich steps are a little tougher because of the shallower, brick stairs as you get toward t...Read more -
San Mateo County, California
Run Sawyer Camp Trail
5.012 mi / 300 ft gainThe Sawyer Camp Trail is a popular paved trail that stretches alongside the Crystal Springs Reservoir all the way to Hillcrest Blvd. The sixth mile crosses over the San Andreas Dam with nice views of San Andreas Lake.There are markers every half mile which makes timing and tracking your run easy....Read more -
Livermore, California
Hike the East Shore Trail Loop
3.7 mi / 1040 ft gainThis hike is best done during the spring, fall, or winter when moderate temperatures make the hike more comfortable. Be warned that this hike has a large elevation change despite being less than 4 miles. Starting at the Arroyo Road Staging Area, take the East Shore Trail east, heading towards a s...Read more -
Daly City, CaliforniaSan Bruno Mountain
4.03.63 mi / 781 ft gainSan Bruno Mountain is a fun, mellow hike that climbs easily on a well-graded path to the ridge line, and then drops back to the trailhead. Along the way, the trail runs along a creek, ascends through chaparral, and provides excellent views of downtown San Francisco, the East Bay hills, and the Sa...Read more
