Lafayette, California

Lafayette, California has everything you need for an unforgettable vacation. With its scenic views and must-visit attractions, there are plenty of activities for all types of visitors. The best trails are the Lafayette Ridge Trail, the Briones-Mt. Diablo Trail, and the Diablo Foothills Regional Park. For water activities, the Lafayette Reservoir is the perfect spot for fishing, boating, and swimming. For a unique experience, visitors can take a hot air balloon ride over the area. For a more relaxing adventure, there are numerous wineries and breweries to explore. With so many activities to choose from, Lafayette is the perfect place for a memorable trip.

Top Spots in and near Lafayette

  • Millbrae, California

    Sawyer Camp Trail: San Andreas Lake to Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir

    4.0
    5.35 mi / 354 ft gain
    Sawyer Camp Trail: San Andreas Lake to Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Millbrae, California.
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Camp at Bootjack Campground in Mount Tamalpais State Park

    4.0
    Bootjack Campground is located within California's Mount Tamalpais State Park. There are a couple of campsites within the park, but if you are driving on the Panoramic Highway from Mill Valley, this will be the first campground you pass.  The fee is $25 fee to camp, but they have bathrooms and ru...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Steep Ravine and Bootjack Trails Loop

    5.0
    6.66 mi / 2083 ft gain
    This hike is best done in the winter and spring in order for the creeks and waterfalls to be flowing. Park at the Bootjack Campground in Mount Tamalpais State Park. Cross the road to reach the Bootjack trail. Continue on this until you reach the Alpine trail. Go right towards the Pantoll Ranger ...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Bootjack Campground to Muir Woods

    6.02 mi / 1709 ft gain
    Getting permits into Muir Woods can be hard, but if you want to work for it, there's a much better way to visit the National Monument. To do this loop into Muir Woods National Monument, first drive to the Bootjack Parking Area in Mt. Tamalpais State Park.  The Bootjack Parking Area should be fou...
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  • Fairfax, California

    Lake Lagunitas

    4.0
    1.68 mi / 0 ft gain
    Located 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...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Steep Ravine Trail via Pantoll Station

    4.7
    3.96 mi / 1079 ft gain
    The trailhead Pantoll Station is easy to find on GPS and there are friendly rangers there as well to answer questions.Maps: Paper map are available at the trailhead Pantoll Station in Marin, CA.   For a moderate hike, I suggest going the one and a half miles down the trail to the ladder and retu...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Camp at Mt. Tam's Pantoll Campground

    5.0
    Need an escape from SF, but can't seem to find an available campground, then head to Pantoll Campground in Mount Tamalpais State Park. If you get there early on friday (or even better Thursday afternoon), you should be able to lock down one of these first-come, first-serve campgrounds. Each of th...
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  • Marin County, California

    Dipsea Trail - Steep Ravine Loop

    5.0
    3.97 mi / 1204 ft gain
    This is definitely a worthwhile short hike, with views of the Bay Area, Marin Headlands, Golden Gate, and the San Mateo coastline. It's a 3.8 mile loop which takes you through forests of Redwoods and out to the coastline, even above the clouds on a lucky day. The trailhead begins at the Pantoll ...
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  • Fairfield, California

    Bike the Gordon Valley to Wooden Valley Scramble

    5.0
    13.5 mi / 498 ft gain
    This is a 13.5 mile loop route in Fairfield, California. The route has a total ascent of 498 feet and has a maximum elevation of 369 feet.Begin your ride at the corner of Oliver Road and Mankas Corner Road. Along Mankas Corner Road you'll pass the Napa Grass Farmer community farm and Il Fiorello ...
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  • Marin County, California

    Mt. Tam's East Ridge

    5.0
    This road provides one of the most scenic views of the pacific from north of the Golden Gate. It's a little bit of a windy drive or ride along Highway 1 or Panoramic Highway (depending on which way you choose) to get to East Ridgecrest. But, if you remembered to pack a picnic, brought your friend...
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  • Pacifica, California

    Picnic at Sharp Park Beach

    4.0
    A medium size beach with darker sand with big rocks and a paved path for walkers and joggers.  The beach is a great place to bring a picnic and watch the sunset.  It is located next to Pacifica Pier, which is popular for fishing.
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  • Stinson Beach, California

    Cataract Trail Loop

    4.5
    8.7 mi / 1670 ft gain
    Duration: 3.5-4 hour hike at a moderate to quick pace with a short break for lunch. Starting at an elevation of 1989ft and maxing at 2001ft, you achieve 1428 of elevation gain through a beautiful peak and valley hike. From the free Rock Springs Parking Area, the basic trailheads to follow along...
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  • Pacifica, California

    Fish at Pacifica Pier

    5.0
    This is a great place for fishing or just taking a walk to watch the sunset.  It's a great place to walk or jog, or even bring a pup!  There are lot of people fishing throughout the pier.   A short walk away is Sharp Park Beach, where you can relax and bring a picnic to watch the sunset.
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Trojan Point

    4.7
    0.28 mi / 30 ft gain
    The endlessly scenic Trojan Point can be reached by taking the Panoramic Highway to Pantoll road from Stinson Beach to the west, or Mill Valley / Highway 1 to the east. It can also be reached by taking West Ridgecrest Boulevard from the north from the Fairfax-Bolinas road.  Park at the large par...
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  • Livermore, California

    East Shore Trail Loop

    4.45 mi / 1089 ft gain
    This 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...
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  • San Mateo, California

    Sugarloaf Mountain

    5.0
    1.64 mi / 417 ft gain
    Sugarloaf is tucked away in Laurelwood Park which is located in a residential neighborhood right off of Hwy 92 in San Mateo, making this a great hiking & trail running option for Peninsula residents. I always park on Glendora Dr. and follow the paved path down towards the playground. At the ...
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