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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Mount Hamilton, California
Lick Observatory
3.8Hop on Road 130 heading out of San Jose and follow the winding two lane road up, up, up to to the top of Mt. Hamilton and the Lick Observatory. There are lots of deer, wild turkey, and pigs in the area. If you are lucky you will get to see a herd of deer grazing in a meadow. But be careful that y...Read more -
Felton, California
Redwood Grove Loop
4.00.93 mi / 144 ft gainHenry Cowell Redwoods State Park is located just a few miles north of the city of Santa Cruz, along Highway 9. The park is home to an array of hiking and biking trails, but the crown jewel of the park is the Redwood Grove Loop Trail, which is only a 1/4 mile in from the park's entrance. Many peo...Read more -
Felton, California
Observation Deck Loop in Henry Cowell Redwoods SP
4.35.3 mi / 869 ft gainThe trail starts at the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Visitors Center. Grab a map in the center, as your hike has you turning onto a few different trails to get to the observation deck. Starting at the Redwood Grove Loop Trail, follow the trail until it connects with the Pipeline Road Trail ...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 -
Davenport, California
Old Davenport Pier
5.0The ruins of Davenport Pier are located on Davenport Pier Beach, just north of Davenport on Highway 1, which is about 11 miles north of Santa Cruz. The pier was never completed and the support system for it was left on the beach, the first pillar arch has had a chain swing added to it and can be ...Read more -
San Geronimo, California
Roys Redwood Preserve Loop
5.02.37 mi / 430 ft gainRoy'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 ...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 -
Davenport, California
Shark Fin Cove
4.3Shark Fin Cove is a large rock formation in an inlet off Highway 1 in Northern California. It is located 1 mile south of Davenport and 10 miles north of Santa Cruz. There is a sizable parking lot located on the side of Highway 1 to park in. Walk down the path left of the parking lot and cross the...Read more -
Novato, California
Buck Gulch Falls Trail
4.91.26 mi / 203 ft gainBuck 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...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 -
Scotts Valley, California
Panther Beach
5.00.27 mi / 22.97 ft gainPanther Beach: Santa Cruz's Hidden Coastal Gem Panther Beach is a stunning, secluded beach nestled among rocky cliff sides along California's Highway 1. This is a great place to catch an awesome sunset, and there's even some decent bouldering on the beach archway for climbing enthusiasts. Beach...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 -
Lagunitas, CaliforniaThe Inkwells
4.5These 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...Read more -
Los Gatos, California
Soquel Demonstration Forest Flow Trail
14.21 mi / 2080 ft gainAs 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...Read more -
Lagunitas, California
Bolinas Ridge Loop
10.27 mi / 1568 ft gainNestled 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 ...Read more -
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...Read more
