El Granada, California
El Granada, California is a top destination for outdoor adventures, boasting some of the best trails and outdoor activities. The Quarry Park Trail is a must-visit, featuring 40 acres of scenic beauty. This moderate difficulty trail winds through lush forests and rocky landscapes, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The trail is dotted with unique features such as a labyrinth and a stone circle. For water-based activities, the Pillar Point Harbor is ideal. Here, you can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Not far from El Granada, the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail offers a blend of beach views and bird-watching opportunities. Whether you're seeking a leisurely walk or an active hike, El Granada's outdoor attractions cater to all.
Top Spots in and near El Granada
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Livermore, California
East Shore Trail Loop
4.45 mi / 1089 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 about 4.5 miles. Starting at the Arroyo Road Staging Area, take the East Shore Trail east, heading towards a s...Read more -
Santa Cruz County, California
Camp at Henry Cowell Redwoods Campground
4.8/ 665 ft gainNestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a great weekend option for Bay Area residents. With approximately 30 miles of hiking trails, the incredible Garden of Eden swimming hole, and proximity to Santa Cruz - this campground is not to be missed! On sunny days, view...Read more -
Scotts Valley, CaliforniaLodato Loop Trail
5.01.24 mi / 315 ft gainLodato Loop Trail is a loop trail that is moderately difficult located near Scotts Valley, California.Read more -
Novato, California
Schwindt, Indian Valley, and Waterfall Trail Loop
3.51 mi / 594 ft gainSchwindt, Indian Valley, and Waterfall Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Novato, California.Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Rincon Fire Trail to San Lorenzo River
5.01.42 mi / 328 ft gainThe Rincon Fire Trail Starts at a small dirt parking lot next to CA-9 and traverses down the mountain to the San Lorenzo River Connecting with the Pipeline Trail. The trail can be a simple one of a mile out and back or up to 5 miles depending on your preference. The elevation will change by about...Read more -
Clayton, California
Mount Diablo Summit Loop
4.413.12 mi / 3579 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 Bou...Read more -
Point Reyes Station, California
Meadow Trail and Sky Trail to Coast Trail
4.014.45 mi / 2812 ft gainEmbark on a captivating journey through the diverse landscapes of Point Reyes National Seashore with the Meadow Trail and Sky Trail to Coast Trail loop. This approximately 10.8-mile hike offers adventurers a blend of lush forests, open meadows, and breathtaking coastal vistas, making it a must-...Read more -
Point Reyes Station, California
Bear Valley to Coast Camp Loop
5.016.18 mi / 2818 ft gainPermit and Trail Camp Info To stay overnight in Point Reyes, you must stay at one of the Trail Camps. Camping anywhere else in the park is not allowed. Permits for the Trail Camps can be booked up to 6 months in advance. If you are looking to go on a weekend, then you'll want to start loo...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 -
Vallejo, California
Camp at Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve
4.01 mi / 20 ft gainThis old Naval Base is now home to, well, almost nothing. As a weekend volunteer trip, myself and about 50 others got a little dirty creating 3 new campsites for you and your friends!During the day, the island has hikers exploring everywhere, but the preserve closes upon sunset and it's just you ...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Surf Four Mile Beach
4.0Four Mile is a reef/point break that is a couple of miles north of town. This spot usually picks up more swell than in town so it is a popular spot for many locals to surf. When the swell picks up, it offers long rights towards the beach. The current can be strong when there is a lot of swell in ...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
UC Santa Cruz Arboretum
5.0No matter the time you'll decide to visit the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum, you'll have thousands of interesting plants and birds to see and watch. The Arboretum is located on the west side of UCSC campus, between the main campus entrance and the west entrance. Parking is 5$ for adults and 2$ for chil...Read more -
Inverness, California
Sculptured Beach from Limantour
6.41 mi / 574 ft gainSculptured Beach along the Point Reyes National Seashore is reached by an an out-and-back trail along the Coastal Trail. Starting from Limantour Beach, leave the parking lot down toward the beach, then after a brief walk, head away from the coast shortly to join the Coastal Trail. This trail will...Read more -
Livermore, California
Del Valle Regional Park
4.5Looking for a quick summer escape filled with stand up paddling, canoeing, fishing, hiking, and picnics? Look no further than Del Valle Regional Park. Consistently considered one of the best campgrounds in the Bay Area, the centerpiece of Del Valle is a 5-mile long lake that allows swimming, fish...Read more -
San Jose, California
Coyote Peak & Rocky Ridge Trail Loop
4.53.8 mi / 755 ft gainThe Santa Teresa County Park loop is perfect for wildlife viewing! Be ready to see deer, coyote, hawks, turkeys, pigs and cows. The trail is rated as moderate - be cautious with mud if you are visiting the park after a rain shower. Dogs are allowed in the park, but must be kept on leash. There ...Read more -
Livermore, California
Murietta Falls
4.012.3 mi / 3947 ft gainGet ready for one of the toughest, lung busting hikes in the east bay with over 6-miles and 4,000ft of climbing in one direction. When you make it to the hike, it's also important to realize that without recent rain, there many not actually be a waterfall. With that said, you're still getting in ...Read more
