Foster City, California
Foster City, California, offers some of the best trails and outdoor activities for outdoor adventures. The top attraction is the scenic Bayfront Trail, a must-visit for hikers. This trail offers stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, with its shimmering waters and bustling birdlife. With a moderate difficulty level, it caters to both beginners and seasoned hikers. The trail is also dotted with unique rock formations that add to its charm. For water-based activities, the Lagoon is a popular spot for kayaking and paddleboarding. Close by, the Seal Point Park is another outdoor gem, known for its beautiful landscapes and bird-watching opportunities. These attractions in and near Foster City make it a prime destination for outdoor fun.
Top Spots in and near Foster City
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Davenport, California
Kitesurf Waddell Beach
4.0Just 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...Read more -
San Jose, California
Hike the Quicksilver Trail
4.35.1 mi / 915 ft gainThe trails are well maintained and offer good visibility. The trail can be muddy after it rains, and does not have much shade (so bring extra water in the summer). Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be kept on leash. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife - this trail is frequently used for bir...Read more -
San Rafael, California
Gold Hill Grade to Nike Missile Site
4.04.37 mi / 988 ft gainThe Gold Hill Grade to Nike Missile Site trail in San Rafael, California, is a moderately challenging hike. The trail spans approximately 4.37 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of about 988 feet. The path is well-maintained and marked, making it suitable for hikers of varying skill levels....Read more -
Ross, California
Phoenix Lake Loop
4.52.85 mi / 518 ft gainEnjoy the peacefulness of making it out to the lake for a quick hike without worrying too much about challenging climbs or difficult terrain. Take the wide fire road from the car uphill and then jump on the Phoenix Lake Trail. From here, you’ll combine this trail with the Gertrude Orr and Bill Wi...Read more -
Fairfax, California
Lake Lagunitas
4.01.6 mi / 176 ft gainLocated near Fairfax, California, this trail is relatively flat and provides peaceful views of the lake as you pass over small creeks and groves of redwoods. It's good for all skill levels and is accessible year-round. It's a great trail for families and beginner mountain bikers.It can be a littl...Read more -
Stinson Beach, California
Cataract Falls
4.22.81 mi / 1184 ft gainThe Bay Area is home to many beautiful waterfalls, but Cataract Falls located about an hour north of San Francisco is one of the most stunning. Be sure to head out on this hike after a recent rain. Cataract Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Mt. Tamalpais Watershed near Stinson Be...Read more -
Davenport, California
Hike around Greyhound Beach and Climb Greyhound Rock
0.7 mi / 0 ft gainThe 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 ...Read more -
San Rafael, California
China Camp Loop
4.09.23 mi / 1716 ft gainPark at the lot in the China Camp State Park. Hop onto the Bay View trail to gain to begin the loop trail. Switchbacks take you up to a long and easy path passing through shaded and open areas. Enjoy the grasslands speckled with oak trees and coyote brush. You can see the San Rafael bay and bridg...Read more -
Fairfax, California
Carson Falls
4.03.75 mi / 863 ft gainAre you tired of crowds on your hikes? First, shame on you for getting up so late and moving so slowly. Did you really need Philz before you got on the trail? Ok, now that you’ve been thoroughly chastised, let’s start planning a hike to the less-frequented Carson Falls. Like any of the falls in ...Read more -
San Jose, California
Explore Santa Teresa County Park
4.58.3 mi / 2053 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 i...Read more -
San Rafael, California
Terra Linda Sleepy Hollow Ridge Trail
5.05.85 mi / 1089 ft gainThis San Rafael neighborhood trail is quite popular, but there is plenty of room for everyone and the parking is easy. After you park at the trailhead, you walk (or bike) up a relatively short and steep path that takes you to the beginning of the trail. This hike takes you along a scenic ridge ...Read more -
Antioch, California
Hike the Old Homestead Loop
5.06.5 miThis is a fun day hike that takes you through the beautiful hills of the Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve and a bit of the Contra Loma Recreational Area as well. You can hike here year round, but I suggest going in the spring time when the hills are covered in soft, green grass and the wild ...Read more -
Vallejo, California
Camp at Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve
1 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 -
Felton, California
Hike to Limestone Kilns and Big Ben Redwood
5.08 mi / 1500 ft gainHenry Cowell Redwood State Park is a super easy destination to get to from Santa Cruz, but the seclusion of the Fall Creek Unit makes this a big bang for buck hike. This hike will take you to Big Ben, a medium sized old growth Redwood, and the abandoned Henry Cowell Lime and Cement Company Kilns ...Read more -
Felton, California
Hike Fall Creek at Henry Cowell SP
5.09.7 mi / 2191 ft gainThis 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, ...Read more -
Bolinas, California
Alamere Falls via Palomarin Trailhead
4.513.54 mi / 1614 ft gainAlamere 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...Read more
