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Oakland, California

Oakland, California is a popular spot for outdoor adventurers and nature buffs alike. There are plenty of trails, parks, and activities for everyone to enjoy. Popular attractions in the area include Lake Temescal, Joaquin Miller Park, and Redwood Regional Park. For those looking for a scenic hike, the East Bay Regional Park District offers several trails, including the popular Ohlone Wilderness Trail. For a more adventurous experience, visitors can try kayaking on the Oakland Estuary or take a guided tour of the Berkeley Hills. For a more leisurely experience, the Oakland Zoo and the Oakland Museum of California offer a great way to spend an afternoon. No matter what your outdoor interests are, Oakland has something for everyone. Explore the best trails and outdoor activities Oakland has to offer and make lasting memories.

Top Spots in and near Oakland

  • San Francisco, California

    Take a Ride on the Seward Street Slides

    4.2
    Tucked away in a small neighborhood park in Eureka Valley is a set of really fun, slippery, and surprisingly steep concrete slides. They were originally designed by a 14 year old kid over 30 years ago, and we all owe him a big hat tip. People use a variety of sliding materials (saucers, food tray...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Vulcan Steps

    5.0
    0.18 mi / 79 ft gain
    Vulcan Steps is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near San Francisco, California.
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  • San Francisco, California

    Glen Canyon Park Trail

    5.0
    1.76 mi / 394 ft gain
    Glen Canyon Park Trail is a loop most commonly used for running or hiking in the southwestern side of San Francisco, California. Parking for the loop is street parking, so be sure to take any valuables out of the car with you.  Note: There are restrooms available at the Glen Canyon Recreation Ce...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Bouldering at Glen Canyon Park

    5.0
    Want to get out of the climbing gym, and do some bouldering in the city? Head to Glen Canyon park! After you park the car, take a short hike on a shade-covered path to the boulders. This climbing spot has history dating back to the 1930s when people first started scaling these boulders. This is a...
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  • Walnut Creek, California

    Sugarloaf Open Space Loop

    1.91 mi / 243 ft gain
    Sugarloaf Open Space Loop is an almost 2-mile loop for hiking, running and walking. This trail is relatively easy and takes under one hour to hike. This loop is dog friendly. 
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  • San Francisco, California

    Catch a Sunset at Twin Peaks

    4.6
    Most locals have heard of Twin Peaks, so if you hop in an Uber or Taxi you should be just fine. If not or you are driving yourself, head for Twin Peaks Boulevard, then just follow it to the top. Voila!When you're there, be sure to catch a sunset, as it is absolutely breath-taking, If you are luck...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Tank Hill

    4.3
    0.14 mi / 49 ft gain
    Looking for a cool, under-the-radar spot that’s perfect for picnics, chilling out, and chasing the sunset? Look no further than Tank Hill. This little gem of a mini-park is 650 feet high and tucked away in Cole Valley. It’s so small that many maps of San Francisco don’t even include it. To get ...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Lyon Street Steps

    4.5
    Rumor has it there are almost 300 stairs from top to bottom. This is a great place to get some exercise in if you're up for running or walking up the stairs. Do a few laps (roundtrip) and you'll be pretty happy with your workout. If you're really looking to get after it, throw in a few pushups an...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Twin Peaks Loop

    4.0
    2.04 mi / 259 ft gain
    There are a ton of ways to get here (and obviously that can affect the total distance) but this is starting from Clarendon. Follow along up Twin Peaks boulevard where you'll see the peaks upon your approach. Keep an eye out for traffic as there may be visitors driving toward and away from Twin Pe...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Lover's Lane, Ecology, Mountain Lake Trail Loop

    4.5
    2.04 mi / 344 ft gain
    Tucked into a corner of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is the Presidio, a beautiful little oasis of forests, beaches, and sweeping views that locals love. While the coastal trails get most of the attention here, the park covers 300 acres of prime real estate with lots of notable attract...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve Loop

    4.4
    2.14 mi / 617 ft gain
    The Mount Sutro Open Space hike is one of those gems that's just hiding in plain site. Most people live in San Francisco for years without ever knowing this hike even exists - which is totally fine with us. This 2+ mile loop is an easy, quick way to get back in touch with nature after a long day....
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  • San Francisco, California

    Twin Peaks and Mt. Sutro Loop

    4.2
    6 mi
    Are 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...
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  • Daly City, California

    San Bruno Mountain

    4.0
    3.63 mi / 781 ft gain
    San Bruno Mountain is a fun, mellow hike that climbs easily on a well-graded path to the ridge line, and then drops back to the trailhead. Along the way, the trail runs along a creek, ascends through chaparral, and provides excellent views of downtown San Francisco, the East Bay hills, and the Sa...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Fairy Gates Trail

    5.0
    0.89 mi / 328 ft gain
    Fairy Gates Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you through a nice forest located near San Francisco, California.
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  • San Francisco, California

    Mount Davidson

    4.5
    1.03 mi / 299 ft gain
    Mount Davidson Park is located in the southwestern part of the city nestled between Diamond Heights and Portola Dr. The climb isn't too difficult, but to reach the top of the 928ft summit, you should wear close-toed shoes and be ready for some loose gravel or mud if it's been raining. The hike is...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Bike the Golden Gate to Sausalito

    4.7
    Riding your bike across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, and then enjoying some drinks on the back deck at Sam's, is a great way to spend a nice day. The views along the way are simply breathtaking. After your ride and a day of fun in Sausalito, you can return to San Francisco by ferry. It's ...
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