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
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Santa Rosa, CaliforniaHiking, Swimming, and Fishing in Wine Country
5.0Annadel State Park is located in the historic Valley of the Moon, just 60 miles north of San Francisco, in Sonoma. This popular 5,200 acre park features a wonderful variety of options to explore, boasting views of the Sonoma Valley, rolling meadows of wildflowers, and direct access to 26 acre Lak...Read more -
Pescadero, CaliforniaCamp at Butano State Park
Butano State Park definitely flies under the radar. But for those who love quick escapes, small crowds, fun hikes, and beautiful redwoods, it's a favorite. The park features miles of hiking trails, 21 drive-in campsites and 18 walk-in campsites. Restrooms with running water are provided. Drinking...Read more -
Pescadero, California
Hike the Little Butano Creek Trail
1.5 miThis short hike follows Little Butano Creek through a lush redwood forest. The trail crosses the creek multiple times as you walk over redwood pine needles and through pockets of ferns. Dogs can join on this trail, but must be on leash.Read more -
Mount Hamilton, California
Stargaze at Lick Observatory
3.8Hop on Road 130 heading out of San Jose and follow the winding two lane road up, up, up to to the top of Mt. Hamilton and the Lick Observatory. There are lots of deer, wild turkey, and pigs in the area. If you are lucky you will get to see a herd of deer grazing in a meadow. But be careful that y...Read more -
Santa Rosa, California
Gunsight Rock via Hood Mountain Trail
5.07.91 mi / 2372 ft gainHike 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...Read more -
Inverness, California
Tomales Point Trail
4.79.47 mi / 1165 ft gainThis hike will take you through the Tule Elk Preserve in Point Reyes Nation Seashore, and offers fantastic views of Bodega and Tomales Bay, as well as the Pacific Ocean. Start at the Tomales Point Trailhead near the Historic Pierce Point Ranch. Follow the trail for roughly three miles. This trai...Read more -
Pescadero, California
Hike the Canyon Rim Route in Butano State Park
5.011.7 miLocated deep within the Santa Cruz Mountains, Butano State Park boasts a large redwood canyon with many miles of hiking trails as well as campsites. This state park is one of the quietest and least visited parks on the peninsula making a perfect place to escape the hustle of the Bay Area Butano S...Read more -
Pescadero, California
Año Nuevo and Goat Trail Loop
4.03.76 mi / 761 ft gainThis steep and winding trail takes you to the top of a ridge where you can see the Pacific coastline and the redwoods piercing through the forest canopy. To do this trail connect the Ano Nuevo Trail, Olmo Fire Road, Goat Trail and the Six Bridges Trail. If you don't have all day to do the Canyon ...Read more -
Inverness, California
McClures Beach
1.44 mi / 243 ft gainThis beach is really easy to get to. Just follow Pierce Point Road until you see the sign to the beach. It's an easy hike down from the parking lot. There is very little shade, so make sure to bring some sunscreen. Be extremely cautious with getting into the water. There is likely underwater cu...Read more -
Galt, California
Hike the Cosumnes River Walk Trail
3.1 mi / 16 ft gainThis 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...Read more -
San Jose, California
Hike the Quicksilver Trail
4.35.1 mi / 915 ft gainThe trails are well maintained and offer good visibility. The trail can be muddy after it rains, and does not have much shade (so bring extra water in the summer). Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be kept on leash. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife - this trail is frequently used for bir...Read more -
Boulder Creek, California
Hike the Old Growth Redwoods Trail
4.50.5 miQuick half-mile stroll through the old growth Redwoods that will show you the nature of the ever-living redwood tree.Redwoods are capable of withstanding storms, floods, fire, droughts, and even termites. These legendary trees can live for over 2,000 years and possess incredible strength, vigor, ...Read more -
Boulder Creek, California
Hike the Berry Creek Falls Loop
4.811 mi / 2000 ft gainNestled in California's oldest state park, the popular Berry Creek Falls Loop hike begins at the Big Basin park headquarters. If you're up for 11 miles, a thousand feet of elevation gain through towering redwoods and along serene creeks, and spread out over a half-day, then this is the hike for y...Read more -
Boulder Creek, California
Camp at Big Basin Redwoods State Park
4.00.5 miBig Basin is currently closed including the campgrounds. Please visit the Parks.ca.gov site for updated details. An hour away from the thrumming city of San Jose, ancient immense trees live in a forest full of vibrant ferns and rushing waterfalls. Big Basin Redwoods State Park encompasses 10,00...Read more -
Boulder Creek, California
Hike the Ocean View Summit Loop
4.06 mi / 600 ft gainThis hike begins at the Big Basin park headquarters. If you're up for 6 miles through giant redwoods and along serene creeks, and with an ocean view, then this is the hike for you. Ocean view summit loop starts on the Gazos Creek Road bridge, next turn right on to the Middle Ridge Fire Road, whic...Read more -
21600 Big Basin Way, California
Hike the Sequoia Trail at Big Basin Redwoods SP
4.04.3 mi / 600 ft gainThis 4.3 mile hike in Big Basin Redwoods SP is a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In the first half, there is a quick detour you can take to Sempervirens Falls. Just listen for sounds of water, read the signs, and cross the road. The detour itself is as far as cross...Read more
