Pleasanton, California
Pleasanton, California is home to some of the best outdoor activities and attractions. From scenic trails to outdoor adventures, there's something for everyone. Must-visit attractions include the Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area, and the Pleasanton Golf Center. For the best trails and activities, head to the Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park for a hike or bike ride. Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area is great for fishing, swimming, and picnicking. Pleasanton Golf Center is a great spot for golfers of all levels. Whether you're looking for a peaceful day outdoors or an exciting experience, Pleasanton has it all.
Top Spots in and near Pleasanton
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Loma Mar, California
Camp Under the Redwoods at Memorial Park
With old growth redwoods and a creek swimming area, Memorial Park is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area. Memorial Park is only a few miles east of the town of Pescadero. To get here, you can either approach from Highway 1 and drive up Pescadero Creek Road or take Highway ...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Kirby Cove
4.73.01 mi / 774 ft gainThis scenic hike is a 2 mile out-and-back trail located near Sausalito, CA. From the trail and beach, you'll get scenic of the Golden Gate, San Francisco's skyline, and glimpses of the East Bay. The best news, there's rarely any crowd. Consider packing a blanket and a small picnic. With panorami...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Headlands Ride to Point Bonita Lighthouse
4.3The Headlands are a quick ride over the Golden Gate. On the ride, you'll see wildflowers, rugged coastline, and the Point Bonita Lighthouse. Once you cross the bridge, take Conzelman Rd up ~700 feet to Hawk Hill. From here, continue on to the lighthouse. On the return trip, head back on Conzelman...Read more -
Sausalito, California
Battery Spencer
4.00.47 mi / 46 ft gainThis is a very popular spot to hike up to from Conzelman Road. You can find parking in the lot or on the street and do the quick hike up to Battery Spencer. You can get a perfect view of the Golden Gate Bridge and SF from the Marin side of the Bay. This is a unique perspective as you also get the...Read more -
Sausalito, California
Vista Golden Gate
4.3The headlands offer great views of the Golden Gate Bridge, particularly at Vista Golden Gate. You can make the Vista Viewpoint your starting off point to leave your car or if you're riding, just stop in and enjoy the view. This spot allows you to capture views of the Golden Gate as well as Angel ...Read more -
Sausalito, California
Swedes Beach
This is a small tucked away beach in Sausalito, CA. Being in the bay, it has very calm waters and is easy to swim in, though the water will be very cold. There are pilings in the water that are remnants of the old piers. It is a great beach to watch the sunset at. There is very limited street...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Camp at Kirby Cove
4.5Yes, you can camp just over the Golden Gate! Kirby Cove Campground has 4 overnight campsites and 1 picnic area for day use. The campground is set near a coarse-sand beach and offers amazing views of the Golden Gate, as long as it’s not a super foggy SF day. From the parking lot, it's a steep ~1 m...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Gray Whale Cove Loop
5.01.22 mi / 518 ft gainStarting at the parking lot adjacent to Gray Whale Cove State Beach, proceed to the start sign indicating "Grey Whale Cove Trail". GWCT is a fun brisk hike with slight elevation gain that should be easy enough to take a small group or even children to. Take note of the tight spaces you may encou...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Gray Whale Cove Trail
4.52.23 mi / 367 ft gainGray whale cove trail is a splendid, short, and easy hike for the entire family with beautiful ocean views. The starting point is conveniently located near a parking lot that accesses Montara State Beach. From the south end of the parking lot, follow the trail up through the coastal scrub. Within...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Montara Mountain North & Middle Peaks Loop
4.37.22 mi / 1929 ft gainNOTE: as of 2019, North Peak has been fenced off around the installation of a radio tower and weather station. Additionally, the summit has been found to be a habitat for the endangered San Bruno elfin butterfly. The Gray Whale Cove State Beach is a popular seaside trail that’s just 20 minutes s...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 -
Vallejo, California
Camp at Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve
4.01 mi / 20 ft gainThis old Naval Base is now home to, well, almost nothing. As a weekend volunteer trip, myself and about 50 others got a little dirty creating 3 new campsites for you and your friends!During the day, the island has hikers exploring everywhere, but the preserve closes upon sunset and it's just you ...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Devil's Slide Bunker
4.3The Devil's Slide Bunker is perched out on a point the defiantly juts out into the ocean. The Bunker is covered in constantly changing graffiti, which provides a stunning contrast to the gorgeous seaside. Hop on Highway 1 South. Just south of Pacifica there is a tunnel. Once you go through the t...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
McNee Ranch to Planet of the Apes
4.88 mi / 1427 ft gainMcNee Ranch to Planet of the Apes is a 4.8 mile trail located near Montara State Beach that offers ocean views when it is not too cloudy. You can get amazing views when you hike up above the clouds. This hike follows one of the main trails up the mountain, but there are many smaller trails to e...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Sutro Baths Ruins
4.50.46 mi / 115 ft gainWhether 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
