Menlo Park, California
Menlo Park, California is home to some of the best trails and outdoor activities. The top pick is the Stanford Dish Hiking Trail, a 3.7-mile loop known for its scenic views of the Stanford campus and Silicon Valley. It's a moderate difficulty trail, perfect for a brisk walk or jog. The trail is also home to the historic Dish, a large radio telescope. For a more relaxed outdoor adventure, head to the Bedwell Bayfront Park. This 160-acre park offers a variety of walking trails and is a must-visit for bird watching. It's located near the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, offering views of salt ponds and the bay. Lastly, don't miss the Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. It offers a network of trails through grasslands and forests, with a stunning panorama of the bay and valley at the summit.
Top Spots in and near Menlo Park
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San Francisco, California
Twin Peaks and Mt. Sutro Loop
4.25.26 mi / 1145 ft gainAre you thinking, hit up two of the bigger peaks in SF, what a great idea? Well, you thought right! The first mile and a half is uphill as you charge to the top of Twin Peaks. This 6% grade leads to a 460 ft elevation gain. The good news is, if it's not foggy, the views of the bay are stunning, e...Read more -
Moraga, California
Bollinger Creek Loop Trail
1.43 mi / 213 ft gainLas Trampas Regional Wilderness offers an extensive trail system for hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. The trail is open year round and dogs are allowed. The Las Trampas and Bollinger faults spread apart to reveal a wonderful wilderness area with ancient remnants of beaches. The entir...Read more -
Oakland, California
East & West Ridge Loop
4.53.47 mi / 833 ft gainTucked away in the hills of Oakland, you will find one of the homes of California's Coastal Redwoods. Created by a unique geographical circumstance, this forest breathes winds funneled through the Golden Gate across the bay, which created environment opportune for Redwood growth. These Redwoods a...Read more -
Livermore, California
East Shore Trail Loop
4.45 mi / 1089 ft gainThis 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...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Alamo Park Square Park
4.7If you’re ever in San Francisco, you’ll definitely want to spend a bit of time in Alamo Square gazing at these stellar examples of San Francisco history. This is a beautiful and popular green space, where you have uninterrupted views of the iconic Painted Ladies. The Painted Ladies are row of...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Grand View Park ("Turtle Hill")
5.00.21 mi / 7 ft gainA recipe for happiness in the "cool grey city of love." To the seasoned San Franciscan there is no finer view in the Bay Area than that from San Francisco's front porch, Turtle Hill or "Grand View Park". If the North American continent / plate is a ship, then Grand View Park is the prow giving e...Read more -
Davenport, California
Greyhound Beach and Greyhound Rock
0.26 mi / 128 ft gainThe trailhead is at the Greyhound Rock State Marine Conservation Area which is directly off Highway 1. There is a large paved parking lot with a good amount of trees so finding a shady parking spot isn't that difficult (if that's important to you). The parking lot is located on the beach cliffs ...Read more -
San Francisco, California
16th Avenue Tiled Steps
4.60.09 mi / 79 ft gainThe 16th Avenue Tiled Steps also known as the Moraga steps are an impressive community achievement, and an equally killer workout. Take an easy lap up the stairs to check out the amazing art, take in the views from the top, then get down to business. You'll be glad you made the trek over to this ...Read more -
San Francisco, CaliforniaSunset Reservoir
0.69 mi / 62.99 ft gainHidden in the Sunset District, the Sunset Reservoir is more than just piece of city infrastructure — its surrounding paths make for a convenient urban stroll with peaceful views, a solar rooftop, and surprising vistas of San Francisco. Trail & Walk Details Many local walkers estimate the fu...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Hidden Garden Steps
4.30.1 mi / 39 ft gainThese tiles steps are ironically iconic, as they are called the "Hidden" Garden Steps. They are one of 3 tiled staircases that San Francisco is famous for. The others are the 16th Ave Tiled Steps and the Lincoln Park Steps. Tip: When calling an uber, try to get dropped off at the top of the ste...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Golden Gate Park Loop
6.32 mi / 482 ft gainGolden Gate Park Loop is a loop trail that takes you past some of the best sights of the park located in the heart of San Francisco, California. Starting in the Inner Sunset, you'll head out on the loop passing Stow Lake and continuing over Crossover drive into the Outer Richmond and Outer Sunset...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Conservatory of Flowers
4.7Spend a day exploring Golden Gate Park by jogging, cycling, or leisurely strolling. There are so many fantastic stops in the park including a variety of lakes, playgrounds, a golf course, the California Academy of Science, the Conservatory of Flowers, and much much more! It is definitely worth ...Read more -
San Francisco, California
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, California
Coit Tower Stairs
4.00.49 mi / 200 ft gainThere 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
Stow Lake And Strawberry Hill
4.92.09 mi / 253 ft gainStrawberry Hill is one of the hidden gems of Golden Gate Park. It is named after the once abundant strawberry fields that inhabited the island. The hill, which reaches up to 430ft, is located in the middle of Stow Lake and has 2 foot bridges for access. This is a great place to run if you're look...Read more -
San Francisco, CaliforniaStow Lake
5.0Not too many people know that you can rent a rowboat at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park, but you can. And you should! This is one of my favorite ways to spend a few hours on a beautiful day in San Francisco. Grab your loved one, your favorite bottle of wine, some snacks, and hop in a rowboat. You’...Read more
