Palo Alto, California
Palo Alto, California is a popular outdoor getaway for those who love to explore the outdoors. There are plenty of top trails and activities to enjoy in and near the area. Must-visit attractions include the Stanford Dish, the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve, and the Foothills Park. The Dish is a great spot for a scenic hike and offers incredible views of the Bay Area. The Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve is a great place to observe wildlife. The Foothills Park is a great spot for outdoor activities, with plenty of trails and activities to keep you busy. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed outing or an action-packed outing, Palo Alto has something for everyone.
Top Spots in and near Palo Alto
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San Francisco, CaliforniaCrab Fishing at China Beach
5.0It's illegal to catch Dungeness Crab inside the bay, but once you reach Baker Beach and China Beach, it's legal to catch 10 per valid fishing license. When you're ready to start your crabbing adventure, head to Gus' Discount Tackle. They'll get you set up with the right equipment (a crab trap, zi...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Baker Beach
4.8If you're looking for a beach that's a little more protected and scenic than Ocean Beach, then Baker Beach is it. Bring a cooler and some burritos out and kick it with your friends. On a sunny weekend day in SF, there's usually a sizable crowd here, so if you need parking, be sure to get here ear...Read more -
Lafayette, California
Lafayette Reservoir via Nature Area Rim Trail
5.05 mi / 758 ft gainLafayette Reservoir is perfect for canoeing, mountain biking, trail running, and hiking. The Reservoir trail system is also used for nature walks and birding. The loop has several high points that have amazing views. The trails become very muddy after wet weather - so tread with caution. Th...Read more -
Walnut Creek, California
Sugarloaf Open Space Loop
1.91 mi / 243 ft gainSugarloaf 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.Read more -
San Francisco, California
Lands End Trail
4.73.26 mi / 500 ft gainThe Lands End Trail is a 3.26 mile out-and-back hike located in the northwest corner of San Francisco along the city's rugged coastline. Offering spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, and the Pacific Ocean, the hike is one of the most popular trails in San Francisco for ...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Camp at the Rob Hill Campground
5.0Rob Hill Campground is a hidden treasure, located at the Presidio’s highest point above Baker Beach amid a beautiful eucalyptus grove. The campsite welcomes groups of all kinds and is also home to the Camping at the Presidio (CAP) program, which provides youth with meaningful outdoor experiences....Read more -
San Francisco, California
Mile Rock Beach
4.71.64 miThis rocky, secluded beach is tucked in along the Land’s End Coastal Trail in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Located 100 or so steps down from the main trail, you’ll find this mysterious little beach that will make you feel like you’re in an old pirate movie. There are a lot of logs an...Read more -
Sand Ladder, California
Baker Beach Sand Ladder
4.40.25 mi / 138 ft gainThe Baker Beach Sand Ladder is a section of the Pacific Coast Trail that is comprised of 200 ten foot poles tied together to form stairs down to North Baker Beach from Lincoln Blvd. If you’re looking for a lung and butt-busting workout, and you’d like a break from your standard routine, you need...Read more -
Oakland, California
Grizzly Peak
4.8A well-known sunset spot in the East Bay, and rightfully so - the views from Grizzly Peak are stunning. You have several pull-offs to pick from. The larger ones have logs to sit upon. The smaller pull-offs offer benches and sturdy rocks. Take your pick! You will share the sunset with some strang...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Bouldering at Ocean Beach
4.0Tired of climbing in a gym, check out one of the city's best outdoor climbing spots! Below the Cliff House at the north-end of Ocean Beach, there are several great bouldering problems and a retaining wall to climb. The rock is comprised of greenstone and sandstone with cracks and edges. These rou...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Sutro Baths Ruins
4.5Whether you simply look down on the ruins from the [conveniently located] parking lot above, or choose to walk down the stairs and explore, you will be greeted with stunning views of the Baths, and the Pacific Ocean stretching infinitely beyond. The highlight of any trip to the Sutro Baths is ...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Take in a Sunset on Marshall's Beach
4.8If you're looking for one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marshall's Beach gives you just that without the tourist crowds of Baker Beach.This small and hidden beach offers a narrow stretch of sand for those looking to throw a frisbee around or just hang out with friends. As it's tuck...Read more -
San Francisco, CaliforniaPicnic Beneath the Golden Gate
4.4If the weather forecast looks promising, you could do a lot worse than planning a picnic at the West Bluff Picnic Area in the Presidio. This area is south of Crissy Field (closer to the bridge) and before you get to Fort Point - situated perfectly to give you an amazing view of the Golden Gate, A...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Batteries to Bluffs Trail
4.82.33 mi / 417 ft gainThe Batteries to Bluffs Trail in the Presidio is a true gem of San Francisco. It has everything you could want in a hike: a sea-side path along the ocean, relatively easy parking, gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and a secluded beach that's perfect for picnics, sunbathing, and enjoying t...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Explore Panther Beach
4.5Panther Beach's white sand, clear water, and interesting rock formations make it one of the most stunning beaches along this stretch of CA1. But this is a hidden gem for a reason - there are no signs along CA1 for Panther Beach. You need to keep you eyes peeled for cars parked along the side of t...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Photographing the Sunset at Panther Beach
5.0Probably my favorite beach in the Santa Cruz area. Panther Beach lies just south of Davenport along the beautiful Hwy 1. Park at a large dirt pull out on the left hand side if your heading north from Santa Cruz. The trail down to the beach is steep and not that well maintained so watch your step....Read more
