Orinda, California

Orinda, California is a great place to explore the outdoors. Here, you'll find plenty of top-notch trails and outdoor activities to keep you busy. From scenic hikes to must-visit attractions, there's something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful stroll or an adrenaline-filled experience, you'll find it here. The best trails to explore include the Briones Regional Park and the San Pablo Reservoir. The San Pablo Reservoir is a great spot for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. For those looking for a more leisurely activity, the Briones Regional Park is perfect for bird watching, hiking, and picnics. Other must-visit attractions include the Orinda Theater, the Orinda Farmer's Market, and the Orinda Community Park. No matter what kind of outdoor activities you're looking for, Orinda, California has something for everyone.

Top Spots in and near Orinda

  • Pacifica, California

    Mori Point Loop

    4.8
    2.54 mi / 276 ft gain
    Start at the parking lots close to the pier, where bathrooms are also available. Walk along the pier to watch the sunset as it begins. Next, walk along Sharp Park Beach to discover the plethora of wild flowers and friendly locals always ready to guide you on your walk. Take the stairs up to the...
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  • Stinson Beach, California

    Dipsea Trail to Steep Ravine Trail Loop from Stinson

    5.0
    5.99 mi / 1568 ft gain
    Dipsea Trail to Steep Ravine Trail Loop from Stinson is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Stinson Beach, California.
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  • Stinson Beach, California

    Matt Davis-Steep Ravine Loop

    4.7
    6.62 mi / 1726 ft gain
    This loop is made up of three of the most popular Marin trails and for good reason. These trails offer not only expansive ocean views, but a variety of topography and environments. This 6+ mile loop offers up waterfalls, dense forests, redwoods, and open grasslands overlooking the pacific. Starti...
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  • Stinson Beach, California

    Matt Davis-Coastal Trail Loop

    4.7
    6 mi / 2231 ft gain
    This hike is an alternative to the famous Matt Davis to Steep Ravine Loop. The hike starts at Stinson Beach, just behind the fire Station. I recommend parking at the Beach parking lot. The Matt Davis trail is one of the best constructed trails I have ever seen. After 2.2 miles, turn left on the ...
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  • Fairfax, California

    Carson Falls

    4.0
    3.75 mi / 863 ft gain
    Are you tired of crowds on your hikes? First, shame on you for getting up so late and moving so slowly. Did you really need Philz before you got on the trail? Ok, now that you’ve been thoroughly chastised, let’s start planning a hike to the less-frequented Carson Falls. Like any of the falls in ...
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  • Novato, California

    Buck Gulch Falls Trail

    4.9
    1.26 mi / 203 ft gain
    Buck Gulch Falls (also known as Fairway Falls) is an easy, scenic hike that takes you through a beautiful forest on your way to a 15-foot waterfall. This little neighborhood treasure is tucked away in Novato, CA at the end of Fairway Drive and there is ample parking near the trailhead.  If you v...
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  • Stinson Beach, California

    Cataract Falls

    4.2
    2.81 mi / 1184 ft gain
    The Bay Area is home to many beautiful waterfalls, but Cataract Falls located about an hour north of San Francisco is one of the most stunning. Be sure to head out on this hike after a recent rain. Cataract Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Mt. Tamalpais Watershed near Stinson Beac...
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  • Petaluma, California

    Upland Game Bird Hunting/ Clay Shooting

    I’m sure all you hunters and are well aware that there are few, if any, hunting opportunities in San Francisco or Marin County. However, many of you don’t know that an epic hunting club exists just an hour North of San Francisco. At the Black Point Game Bird Club, you can hunt ring-necked pheasan...
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  • Stinson Beach, California

    Cruising Pacific Coast Highway in Northern California

    4.8
    Start your drive on US Highway 1 aka Pacific Coast Highway just North of San Francisco. The drive will take about 1 -2 days so plan on overnighting somewhere. Hotels are scarce in the unpopulated areas but there all lots of Cabin rentals throughout and several campgrounds around. Just make sure y...
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  • Stinson Beach, California

    Bouldering & BBQ at Stinson

    4.5
    Stinson offers up a great beach day with a few activities for everyone to enjoy. If you head toward the south end of the beach, you'll come across a few boulder problems, including the 2 most popular: Are You Experienced and The Old Man. Are You Experienced is the smaller of these 2 boulders, but...
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  • Pacifica, California

    Rockaway Beach

    5.0
    Rockaway is a dark sandy beach located in the south of Pacifica, CA.  It has numerous hiking trails around it, most notably Mori Point.  The Mori Point trail will take you through the hills and overlooks Rockaway Beach. There are paths to come down to the beach.   There are biking paths and park...
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  • Stinson Beach, California

    Stinson Beach

    4.3
    Stinson beach is a popular destination for Bay Area residents and tourists alike.  Located just 20 miles north of San Francisco, it is a 30-40 min drive away from the Golden Gate Bridge (it's a one-lane windy road once you're on HWY 1).  It is also a popular stop when hiking the nearby Mount Tama...
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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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  • Fremont, California

    Lake Elizabeth Loop

    3.0
    2.1 mi / 69 ft gain
    Lake Elizabeth is located in central Fremont.  It offers a nice break from the city streets and can be enjoyed by walkers, joggers, and bikers alike.  It is a park for all ages.   Other attractions include volleyball nets, multiple playgrounds, and aqua adventure park, geese, and peddle boats. ...
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  • Novato, California

    Schwindt, Indian Valley, and Waterfall Trail Loop

    3.51 mi / 594 ft gain
    Schwindt, Indian Valley, and Waterfall Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Novato, California.
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  • San Mateo County, California

    Sawyer Camp Trail

    5.0
    11.61 mi / 1152 ft gain
    The Sawyer Camp Trail is a popular paved trail that stretches alongside the Crystal Springs Reservoir all the way to Hillcrest Blvd. The sixth mile crosses over the San Andreas Dam with nice views of San Andreas Lake. There are markers every half mile which makes timing and tracking your run eas...
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