Kensington, California
A top outdoor adventure in Kensington, California is the Hillside Natural Area. This must-visit hiking trail is a scenic delight with its panoramic views of the city and bay. The 5-mile looped trail is moderately difficult, making it ideal for a challenging, yet enjoyable hike. Along the trail, you'll find a variety of natural features, including a large rock formation known as the Hillside Giant and a small creek that flows during the rainy season. In addition to hiking, the area offers picnic spots and bird watching opportunities. Close to Kensington, you'll find the Wildcat Canyon Regional Park, another outdoor attraction. It features over 22 miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding, and is home to Alvarado Park, a popular spot for family picnics. The best Trails and Outdoor Activities are waiting for you in Kensington!
Top Spots in and near Kensington
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Moss Beach, California
Cypress Tree Tunnels at Moss Beach
4.50.79 mi / 105 ft gainThe Cypress Tree Tunnels are a quick jaunt from San Francisco (22 miles) and make for a great half-day trip. Getting here depends on traffic, but 30 minutes from the center of the city is doable. Parking is relatively easy. You can either park at the south end of the area at the Cypress Cove entr...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Hassler Loop Trail
4.01.48 mi / 289 ft gainExperience the natural beauty of the San Francisco Peninsula on the scenic Hassler Loop Trail, a 1.5-mile moderately challenging hiking trail nestled in Redwood City's Emerald Hills neighborhood. This beloved local trail offers hikers, nature enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers a perfect blend...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Cordilleras & Dusty-Footed Woodrat Loop
3.73.83 mi / 676 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 Cord...Read more -
Moss Beach, California
Pillar Point Bluff Loop
4.71.84 mi / 154 ft gainSitting on a 140 acre bluff top, the Pillar Point Bluffs are a simple, easy hike with breathtaking views throughout. The bluffs are 22 miles from San Francisco – a 30 minute drive depending on the traffic. There is a small 10 car or so parking lot off of Airport Blvd, but there are two additional...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Paddle Half Moon Bay Jetty
5.0The Half Moon Bay Jetty is a calm place to paddle as it is covered on all sides. There is an opening into the ocean on the far side, but is mostly calm with plenty of beach area to launch. Keep in mind, there are boats in the harbor so keep an eye out. There is also a scenic hike nearby the West ...Read more -
Emerald Hills, California
Edgewood Loop
4.03.29 mi / 607 ft gainEdgewood Park and Natural Preserve rests in San Mateo County, California. The sweeping hillsides exemplify the true native flora of California, as the foundation of rock and soil is poor in nutrients. Only a few specialized native plants are adapted to live here--don't miss the unique wildflower ...Read more -
Emerald Hills, California
Sylvan Loop Trail
2.53 mi / 522 ft gainSylvan Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Redwood City, California.Read more -
Fremont, California
Lake Elizabeth Loop
3.02.1 mi / 69 ft gainLake Elizabeth is located in central Fremont. It offers a nice break from the city streets and can be enjoyed by walkers, joggers, and bikers alike. It is a park for all ages. Other attractions include volleyball nets, multiple playgrounds, and aqua adventure park, geese, and peddle boats. ...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Goat Yoga at Lemos Farm
5.0This is a great way to destress and have fun! Goat yoga is like normal yoga, but with goats. Goats tend to like higher ground and flat surfaces. So, when you are in table top position, they are highly likely to jump onto your back! These goats are still young, and so do not weigh as much as f...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Catch the Sunset at Maverick's Beach
5.01 miMaverick's beach is most well-known for the Maverick surf competition and the gnarly waves which surface here in the winter months. For the rest of the year, the beach is still a site to see. With huge waves crashing ¼ mile off shore and bluffs towering 100 feet above you, it’s a picturesque plac...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Stulsaft Park Loop
4.00.91 mi / 98 ft gainStulsaft Park Loop in Redwood City, California, is a scenic and family-friendly 0.9-mile loop trail, ideal for hiking, walking, and running. This is a relatively easy stroll with only 98 feet of elevation gain and is accessible for people of all fitness levels. This trail is also particularly pop...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Whittemore Gulch Trail
4.06.79 mi / 1791 ft gainThis trail starts out going downhill towards the ocean for the first half, which makes for a tough end to the hike as you trek back up the ridge. However, there are nice ocean and hilltop views that are worth the climb. On this trail, you'll pass 60+ banana slugs if conditions are right. They ar...Read more -
Point Reyes Station, California
Sky Trail Loop
5.09.55 mi / 1818 ft gainSky Trail in Point Reyes National Seashore is a dramatic, mostly single-track trail that runs along the main spine of the Inverness Ridge and across highest mountains in Point Reyes, looming above the Olema Valley and Highway 1 which mark the San Andreas Fault rift zone and the dividing line betw...Read more -
Point Reyes Station, California
Sky Campground via Sky Trail
2.66 mi / 495 ft gainEntering Point Reyes National Seashore from Bear Valley Road the Sky Trailhead is a 4.9 mile drive. Camping in Sky Camp requires a Camping Permit. Once at the Sky Trailhead parking lot. The Sky Trailhead will be on the left side pulling in. The hike is not very strenuous and not all that lo...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Whittemore Gulch and Harkins Ridge Loop Trail
4.66.43 mi / 1772 ft gainThere are two places to park for this specific loop- the main parking area on Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard) and a smaller parking lot on the western end of the park. I would recommend parking at whichever is closest. Find directions to both on Openspace.org. From the main parking lot, the trail...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Whittemore Gulch and Purisima Creek Loop Trail
9.27 mi / 2165 ft gainThe Whittemore Gulch and Purisima Creek Loop Trail, nestled in the scenic Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve near Redwood City, California, is a popular choice for hikers looking for a moderately challenging yet rewarding experience. This 9-mile loop trail winds through lush redwood fo...Read more
