Saint Helena, California

The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Saint Helena, California offer a range of top outdoor adventures. The Robert Louis Stevenson State Park is a must-visit for hiking aficionados. Its five-mile trail to the summit of Mount St. Helena provides panoramic views of Napa Valley and beyond. The trail is moderately difficult with steep inclines, rock formations, and dense forests. For a less strenuous hike, the Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park has a scenic trail that passes by a historic water-powered mill. Near Saint Helena, Lake Berryessa offers boating and fishing opportunities. Its shoreline is dotted with picnic spots, perfect for a relaxing day out. These outdoor activities make Saint Helena a top destination for those seeking outdoor adventures.

Top Spots in and near Saint Helena

  • Novato, California

    Schwindt, Indian Valley, and Waterfall Trail Loop

    3.51 mi / 594 ft gain
    Schwindt, Indian Valley, and Waterfall Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Novato, California.
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  • Novato, California

    Buck Gulch Falls Trail

    4.9
    1.26 mi / 203 ft gain
    Buck 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...
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  • Vallejo, California

    Camp at Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve

    4.0
    1 mi / 20 ft gain
    This 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 ...
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  • Monte Rio, California

    Islands in the Sky Vista Loop

    4.0
    3.83 mi / 883 ft gain
    The Islands in the Sky Vista Loop in Monte Rio, California, is a moderately challenging hiking trail. Spanning approximately 3.83 miles, the loop offers a variety of terrain, including forested areas, open meadows, and rocky outcrops. The trail is well-marked and maintained, making it suitable fo...
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  • Nicasio, California

    Nicasio Reservoir

    5.0
    0.67 mi / 3 ft gain
    Nicasio is a quaint town just inland of the more popular coastal town of Point Reyes. It's most known for it's wine country, rolling hills, and the home of Skywalker Ranch, George Lucas's getaway home. Most visitors of this area either pass right on through for Point Reyes or use it's scenic road...
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  • Marshall, California

    Kayak Tomales Bay

    5.0
    Kayak Beautiful Tomales bay and experience the bioluminescence ecology of the bay. Timed during the lowest crescent of the moon, and starting around sunset, you will paddle into the sunset and wait until it is completely dark, continuing on around the bay to experience the bio-luminescence natur...
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  • Bodega Bay, California

    Camp at Bodega Dunes Campground

    These kind of getaways shouldn't be planned many weeks before the trip. So we didn't booked a campground. And from this experience we learn that you don't have to reserve a campground. Just go there - don't panic when you see campground is full sign in the entrance. There are always available spo...
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  • Sonoma County, California

    Salmon Creek State Beach

    4.0
    Salmon Creek State Beach located is located just off Highway 1, north of Bodega, California. This beach has a parking lot and restroom on the cliff side, just a short walk down to the beach. DogsBoth North and South Salmon Creek sections of the state beach are not dog friendly due to the Federa...
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  • Inverness, California

    Tomales Point Trail

    4.7
    9.47 mi / 1165 ft gain
    This 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...
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  • Bodega Bay, California

    Portuguese Beach

    4.0
    Portuguese Beach in Bodega Bay is a scenic gem along the Northern California coastline, offering visitors a tranquil retreat amidst stunning natural beauty. Nestled between rugged cliffs, this beach is known for its expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and its serene atmosphere. It's a popular sp...
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  • Bodega Bay, California

    Bodega Dunes Beach

    4.0
    Bodega Dunes Beach is located through the same entrance as Bodega Dunes Campground. There is a fee to enter the parking area for day use, but you can also access it without payment if you have a CA State Parks Pass. From the parking area heading toward the beach, you will see two picnic areas wi...
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  • Inverness, California

    McClures Beach

    1.44 mi / 243 ft gain
    This 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...
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  • San Rafael, California

    China Camp Loop

    4.0
    9.23 mi / 1716 ft gain
    Park at the lot in the China Camp State Park. Hop onto the Bay View trail to gain to begin the loop trail. Switchbacks take you up to a long and easy path passing through shaded and open areas. Enjoy the grasslands speckled with oak trees and coyote brush. You can see the San Rafael bay and bridg...
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  • Bodega Bay, California

    Miwok Campground at Doran Regional Park

    5.0
    Doran Regional Park is located along the coast just south of the town of Bodega Bay, California. There are 5 campgrounds at Doran and Miwok is the tent-only campground with 13 campsites. There is a parking lot at the campground and bathrooms with coin-operated showers.  FEES: If camping, your e...
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  • Inverness, California

    Marshall Beach

    5.0
    2.41 mi / 305 ft gain
    Marshall Beach located on the Tomales Bay side of Point Reyes National Seashore is reached via an out-and-back hiking or mountain biking trail.  Camping:There are boat-in campsites available at Marshall Beach. The campsite does not permit hike-in campers, boat-in only via kayak, canoe, paddleboa...
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  • Bodega Bay, California

    Doran Beach

    5.0
    4.02 mi / 75 ft gain
    Doran Beach is nestled within the picturesque landscape of Doran Regional Park near Bodega Bay, California. Offering pristine shores and captivating vistas, this is a coastal gem that allows visitors a more protected coastal landscape than nearby Salmon Creek State Beach. Explore sandy beaches ...
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