Martinez, California

Located beside a residential neighborhood, Fitzgerald Marine Reserve offers a rare glimpse of life in the northern California intertidal zones. There are parking spaces and restrooms available, as well as ranger-led guided tours. Be sure to check the tide charts and go during low tide (preferab...

Hike to Gunsight Rock through Hood Mountain Regional Park to get a view overlooking Sonoma and Napa Valley. In order to get to the trailhead take Highway 12 to Los Alamos Rd, the road will then turn into Timberline Dr, this will take you to the trailhead. There is a parking fee of $8. From the p...

The 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...

Sitting 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...

Sculptured Beach along the Point Reyes National Seashore is reached by an an out-and-back trail along the Coastal Trail. Starting from Limantour Beach, leave the parking lot down toward the beach, then after a brief walk, head away from the coast shortly to join the Coastal Trail. This trail will...

From the northern entrance to the park, you can access an 18-hole disc golf course as well as a number of trails. The Eastern Trail takes you up a steep 1,000 feet to the top of Taylor Mountain, where you can see most of Sonoma County laid out before you. Mt. St. Helena is visible in the distance...

The entire drive to Pt. Reyes is picturesque, but once you make it to Limantour, you and your dog can both get out and enjoy it! This area, between Drake's Bay and an estuary, allows you to spend time relaxing or head out for a run (keep the dog on leash). If you're lucky you might either get a c...

Point Reyes Secret Beach, Amphitheater and Cathedral is located in Point Reyes National Seashore near Limantour Beach. This is an out-and-back coastal hike along the beach, which will shrink as the tide comes up. It is best to arrive at the Crater and Amphitheater when the tide is going out close...

This is a great hike for any season of the year, with rushing streams during the winter, wildflowers in the spring, and cool, shaded canyons during the summer. Starting from near the Zwierlein Picnic area, take the Crystal Springs to the left into the redwood forest. Stay straight at the next tr...

The Western Route to Eastern Route Loop in Santa Rosa, California, is a 2.3-mile moderately challenging trail popular for its scenic views and diverse landscape. The loop offers a steady ascent, rewarding hikers with panoramic vistas of Sonoma County and lush natural surroundings. It’s known for ...

This 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...

Maverick'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...

There 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...

The 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...

The Canyon Trail to Spring Creek Trail Loop is a popular hiking route in Trione-Annadel State Park in Sonoma County, California. This loop offers a mix of shaded woodland paths and open trails, making it a favorite for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Trail Highlights: Length & Difficulty: A...

This trail is a short, easy, accessible and beautiful trail for a nice afternoon walk (or photoshoot).   I recommend the River Walk Trail (~3 miles).  It is flat and easy to walk.  There are multiple loops so you can turn back at any time. There are small bridges, access to the water, meadows, e...