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
-
Novato, California
Buck Gulch Falls Trail
5.01.26 mi / 203 ft gainBuck 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...Read more -
Capitola, California
New Brighton Beach Trail
0.85 mi / 112 ft gainNew Brighton Beach Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Aptos, California.Read more -
Petaluma, CaliforniaUpland 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...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 -
Santa Cruz, California
Photograph the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum
5.0No matter the time you'll decide to visit the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum, you'll have thousands of interesting plants and birds to see and watch. The Arboretum is located on the west side of UCSC campus, between the main campus entrance and the west entrance. Parking is 5$ for adults and 2$ for chil...Read more -
Novato, California
Schwindt, Indian Valley, and Waterfall Trail Loop
3.51 mi / 594 ft gainSchwindt, Indian Valley, and Waterfall Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Novato, California.Read more -
Vacaville, California
Bike the Lake Berryessa Loop
55.82 mi / 1007 ft gainBegin your ride in Vacaville, California out of Alamo Creek Park (street parking is available and free). Head north on Alamo Drive and veer left onto Foothill Drive, then left (South) onto Pleasants Valley Road. After two miles, veer left onto Cherry Glen Road. Stay to the right when you reach th...Read more -
Davenport, California
Beach Picnic at Shark Fin Cove
4.3Shark Fin Cove is a large rock formation in an inlet off Highway 1 in Northern California. It is located 1 mile south of Davenport and 10 miles north of Santa Cruz. There is a sizable parking lot located on the side of Highway 1 to park in. Walk down the path left of the parking lot and cross the...Read more -
Napa, California
Kayak the Napa River
4.0The Napa River is one of the largest California Central Coast Range rivers, draining approximately 426 sq. miles on its 50 mile journey beginning just south of the summit of Mt. St. Helena to the San Pablo Bay, passing through many of the landmark towns of Napa Valley including an incredible 6 mi...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Surf the Hook
4.0The hook is a surf spot found on the east side of Santa Cruz, located along East Cliff drive. If you keep driving past Pleasure Point, you'll get to it. It's a right hand point break that is usually smaller in size than Pleasure Point. It's a very crowded spot due to the easy access parking lo...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
A Beach Bonfire in Santa Cruz at Twin Lakes SB
This one-mile stretch of beach is the perfect option for those looking for a peaceful Santa Cruz experience, but without the crowds. The beach features soft sand, playful surf, an awesome view of Walton Lighthouse, and a handful of fire pits to choose from. It's a great spot to spend the entire d...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Bonfire at Seabright State Beach
5.0This is a wide, beautiful beach that's an amazing spot to spend the day and enjoy a bonfire at night. Seabright is probably the most popular spot in Santa Cruz for a bonfire, due to its convenient proximity to the Beach Boardwalk. But luckily, this beach is tucked in between the San Lorenzo River...Read more -
Novato, California
North Levee Trail
3.78 mi / 157 ft gainNorth Levee Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Novato, California.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 -
Santa Cruz, California
Surf Pleasure Point
4.0Pleasure Point is located on the east side of Santa Cruz, California. It is a right hand point break that breaks year round. It is a popular surf spot for many people that live in the San Francisco Bay Area. There are 3 different peaks that break at Pleasure Point. Sewers, which is the furthest ...Read more
