Petaluma, California
The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Petaluma, California offer a variety of outdoor adventures. The Helen Putnam Regional Park is a top spot with a 6-mile network of trails perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The scenic views of rolling grasslands, groves of heritage oaks, and panoramic vistas are a must-visit. Shollenberger Park is another great location for bird-watching and walking, with a 2-mile trail encircling a beautiful wetland. For a more challenging hike, head to the Tolay Lake Regional Park. The 8-mile trek takes you past unique rock formations and offers stunning views of the lake. These outdoor attractions in and near Petaluma are perfect for those seeking a mix of leisurely strolls and more strenuous hikes.
Top Spots in and near Petaluma
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San Francisco, California
Presidio Ecology Trail
5.01.82 mi / 427 ft gainPresidio Ecology Trail is a loop trail through the Presidio located near San Francisco, California. This loop can be started at the Upper Ecology Trail off of Arguello Blvd near Pacific or down at the Lower Ecology Trail near the Inn at the Presidio. This trail is dog friendly on-leash.Read more -
San Francisco, California
Presidio Loop
5.95 mi / 823 ft gainThis route starts and ends on Jackson street in the Presidio Terrace neighborhood of San Francisco. This loop can be started in several areas of the Presidio including off of the Lyon street steps, but this starting point creates a good midpoint of the loop. Along the route, be sure to keep an ...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, CaliforniaLover's Lane, Ecology, Mountain Lake Trail Loop
4.62.04 mi / 344 ft gainTucked 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...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 -
Martinez, California
Muir Farm And Mount Wanda: John Muir Nature Trail
5.02.59 mi / 512 ft gainMuir Farm And Mount Wanda: John Muir Nature Trail is a loop trail located near Martinez, California.Read more -
Orinda, CaliforniaBriones Reservoir Loop: Bear Creek, Oursan, Hampton Trails
5.013.12 mi / 1791 ft gainBriones Reservoir Loop: Bear Creek, Oursan, Hampton Trails is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Lafayette, California.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, CaliforniaSurf Ocean Beach
4.8Ocean Beach has long stints of good waves during the fall and winter months. During the fall, winds are favorably offshore creating warm and hollow conditions. Once winter hits, wave size can increase to the 12-15ft range on big swells and it gets pretty cold - that's when you'll see people break...Read more -
San Francisco, CaliforniaBeach Bonfire at Ocean Beach
4.3Yes, it's often cold in the city. So, what's the best way to warm up? Bring some blankets, a jacket or two, and come out to Ocean Beach to enjoy a bonfire, a sunset, and some quality time with friends. The fire pits are between Fulton and Lincoln. On a sunny day, get there early if you want to ge...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, CaliforniaGolden Gate Angling & Casting Club
5.0The golden gate casting pools are a hidden gem in the park located on the other side of JFK from the Buffalo Paddock. Here you can practice your fly casting basics or pick up new forms casting (i.e. spey or double haul). The Golden Gate Angling and Casting Club has a clubhouse at the pond where s...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 -
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, 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 -
Berkeley, California
Panoramic Hill, Chaparral Peak and Strawberry Canyon Loop
4.06 mi / 1670 ft gainThe Panoramic Hill, Chaparral Peak, and Strawberry Canyon Loop in Berkeley, California is a moderately challenging hiking trail that spans approximately 6 miles. The trail is known for its steep inclines and declines, making it a suitable choice for intermediate to advanced hikers. The trail be...Read more
