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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Tiburon, California
Angel Island Perimeter Loop
5.98 mi / 794 ft gainAngel Island Perimeter Loop is a loop trail around the circumference of the island in the San Francisco Bay. The island is located near Tiburon, California with views of downtown San Francisco, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Oakland, Sausalito, and TIburon as you traverse around the island. ...Read more -
Belvedere Tiburon, California
Mt. Livermore via North Ridge Trail
4.54.92 mi / 1178 ft gainUnless you own a boat or a kayak, this adventure requires a ride on the Blue and Gold Ferry from Pier 41 in San Francisco. But let’s be honest, that’s actually half the fun. Who doesn’t love a ferry ride? Angel Island State Park is the largest island in the Bay, and recommend the 6-mile loop aro...Read more -
Tiburon, California
Camp on Angel Island
5.0Thousands of years ago, this island was a fishing and hunting ground for the Miwok Native Americans. It has also been an outpost for the U.S. Army and a cattle ranch. Now, it’s one of the closest places to escape from the hustle of San Francisco and set up camp. Camping on the island requires ba...Read more -
Oakland, California
Hike Redwood Regional Park via the Dunn Loop
5.03.6 mi / 606 ft gainThe Redwood Regional Dunn Loop is just outside of Oakland, and can be reached from anywhere in the Bay Area for a fun day or half-day trip. The trail is open year-round. In the spring, wildflowers are abundant. The trail has a great mix of sun and shade. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on leash.Read more -
Lafayette, California
Briones Park's Lafayette Ridge
4.35.31 mi / 981 ft gainThis is a nice and casual hike through the meadows and rolling hills, dotted with cows and hawks and sometimes goats or foxes. As you head up Lafayette Ridge, you'll be rewarded with the beautiful vista spanning from the Oakland Hills to sparkling Lafayette Reservoir. The hike is mostly through ...Read more -
Martinez, California
Muir Farm And Mount Wanda: John Muir Nature Trail
2.59 mi / 512 ft gainMuir Farm And Mount Wanda: John Muir Nature Trail is a loop trail located near Martinez, California.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 Francisco, California
Aquatic Park
3.7Take an early morning swim and watch the sunrise over the east bay or catch an afternoon swim on a sunny SF day. A full lap around the buoys (out-and-back) is about 1/3 mile and the perimeter of the park is 1 mile. Bring your dog for a swim too! Afterward, you can head up Columbus to one of the m...Read more -
Oakland, California
Run the Circumnavigation of Redwood Regional Park's Ultimate Trail Loop
5.07.5 mi / 1600 ft gainIt’s difficult to have a car in San Francisco, but oh-so worth it when it comes to weekend getaways, especially with all the Bay Area has to offer. This is a super accessible trail system just 30 minutes outside of the city that makes for a fun, easy trail run or hike.Redwood Regional Park, part ...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Catch a Sunrise at Ina Coolbrith Park
5.0This tucked away neighborhood gem is less than a square block in size, but offers some of the best views of San Francisco. After a quick, but steep, 5 minute walk, you'll be rewarded with incredible views of: the city skyline, Coit Tower, Alcatraz, and the Bay Bridge. There are a few benches avai...Read more -
San Francisco, CaliforniaFort Mason
4.8When the sun comes out in San Francisco, Fort Mason's Great Meadow Park transforms into ground zero for bocce ball, corn hole, wiffle ball, music, dancing, wine, and beer. While it lacks the diversity and quirkiness found at Dolores Park, it makes up for it with a beautiful panoramic view of the ...Read more -
Tiburon, California
Bouldering at Ring Mountain
0.5 mi / 400 ft gainItching to climb outdoors near San Francisco? With only a quick drive from the city, Ring Mountain is a beautiful nature preserve overlooking the city of San Francisco offering two main rock formations, Turtle Rock (Pictured) and Split Rock. Split Rock is the slabby rock south of the parking ar...Read more -
Corte Madera, California
Ring Mountain Loop
4.02.65 mi / 597 ft gainRing Mountain Open Space is an easy but uphill trail that take you to the top where you can explore more trails. Take the 101 exit for Paradise Dr in Corte Madera, follow the road, and park on the side of the road once you pass Westward Dr. Even though there are many places to start the trail fo...Read more -
Sausalito, California
Catch the Sunset at Swedes Beach
This is a small tucked away beach in Sausalito, CA. Being in the bay, it has very calm waters and is easy to swim in, though the water will be very cold. There are pilings in the water that are remnants of the old piers. It is a great beach to watch the sunset at. There is very limited street...Read more -
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 -
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
