San Bruno, California

San Bruno, California, is home to some of the best trails and outdoor activities. One of the top must-visit spots is the Sweeney Ridge Trail, a 7.7-mile round trip that offers scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay Area. The trail is moderately challenging, with some steep inclines and rocky terrain, but the panoramic views at the top are worth the effort. Another popular outdoor adventure is the San Andreas Lake trail, a 3.5-mile path that skirts the beautiful San Andreas Lake. It's a flat, easy walk, perfect for bird watching and wildlife spotting. If you're into fishing, the lake is stocked with trout and bass. For a unique attraction, visit the nearby Crystal Springs Reservoir, a man-made lake surrounded by lush greenery. These outdoor activities make San Bruno a must-visit for those seeking scenic outdoor adventures.

Top Spots in and near San Bruno

  • Mill Valley, California

    Point Bonita Lighthouse

    1 mi / 210 ft gain
    Point Bonita Lighthouse stands as a historic sentinel at the entrance to San Francisco Bay, offering visitors a unique blend of maritime history, stunning coastal views, and natural beauty. This comprehensive guide will help you plan an unforgettable visit to one of California's most dramatic l...
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  • Sausalito, California

    Marin Headlands Trail Loop

    11.56 mi / 2415 ft gain
    This trail starts at the Julian Trail in Marin Headlands Park, where there's a small parking lot and outhouse bathroom off the circle when coming from Conzelman Road. Take the Julian Trail until you intersect with Bunker Road (you can even turn right and spit off the trail just before intersecti...
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  • Sausalito, California

    Slacker Hill

    5.0
    1.02 mi / 344 ft gain
    Although the Headlands can be crowded, particularly at the parking-lot chaos of the Vista Point and pull-offs along Conzelman Road, the three routes leading to the summit of Slacker Hill remain relatively quiet, even during busy weekends. Each can be tied into larger loops throughout the Headland...
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  • Sausalito, California

    Ninja Loop

    4.3
    9.37 mi / 1831 ft gain
    This loop can start from several different locations, including Rodeo Beach and the Golden Gate Bridge parking lot. Starting from the GGB will add 2 more miles onto this run. I like to start at the Coastal Trailhead parking lot off of McCullough and Conzelman Roads (just a notch down from Hawk Hi...
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  • Redwood City, California

    Stulsaft Park Loop

    4.0
    0.91 mi / 98 ft gain
    Stulsaft Park Loop in Redwood City, California, is a scenic and family-friendly 0.9-mile loop trail, ideal for hiking, walking, and running. This is a relatively easy stroll with only 98 feet of elevation gain and is accessible for people of all fitness levels. This trail is also particularly pop...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Rodeo Cove to Point Bonita Lighthouse

    5.0
    3.64 mi / 568 ft gain
    If you're looking for a little hike and a lot of beach, you'll find your ideal combo at Rodeo Beach and Point Bonita Lighthouse. Park at the Marin Headlands Visitor Center at the head of the 0.8 mile trail to the beach. From the lighthouse to the beach, it will be another 1.5-2 miles there and ba...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Miwok, Marincello and Bobcat Trail

    8.17 mi / 1391 ft gain
    Miwok, Marincello and Bobcat Trail is a scenic 8.2-mile loop trail in the Marin Headlands offering panoramic Bay Area views Trail Overview Distance: 8.2 miles Elevation Gain: 1,177 feet Difficulty: Moderate Type: Loop Location: Marin Headlands, Golden Gate National Recreation Area Best...
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  • 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...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Coastal Trail from Rodeo Beach to Muir Beach

    11.35 mi / 3264 ft gain
    This hike has beautiful views in the Marin Headlands. You'll find easy parking in the Rodeo Beach Parking lot if you get there early (by 8:30 am). This hike goes along the Coastal Trail which has a few steep areas as you make your way to Tennessee Beach. The Tennessee Beach has gorgeous dark b...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Rodeo Beach

    5.0
    Rodeo beach is 10 minute drive past the Golden Gate. Pack up the car with a couple beverages and something to eat, then spend the afternoon and evening taking in the sunset. If you're taking the romantic angle, remember to pack a few blankets just in case the wind picks up or it's colder than ant...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Hill 88 Loop

    4.0
    5.5 mi / 1086 ft gain
    This quick, yet challenging trail run is located just minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Grab your dog (on-leash), park in the large lot next to Rodeo Beach and hit the trail! The climb starts up the Coastal Trail to the right end of the parking lot if you're staring at the beach. Take the...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Coastal Trail Loop

    2.57 mi / 420 ft gain
    Coastal Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Sausalito, California.
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  • Redwood City, California

    Methuselah and El Corte De Madera Creek Loop

    6.5 mi / 1778 ft gain
    This loop hike will provide people with the opportunity to experience the tranquility of the lower canyons of the preserve, which tend to be more isolated than the heavier-trafficked trails that are closer to the main highway. Be warned that this hike is fairly strenuous because of the large amo...
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  • Tiburon, California

    Camp on Angel Island

    5.0
    Thousands of years ago, this island was a fishing and hunting ground for the Miwok Native Americans. It has also been an outpost for the U.S. Army and a cattle ranch. Now, it’s one of the closest places to escape from the hustle of San Francisco and set up camp. Camping on the island requires ba...
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  • Belvedere Tiburon, California

    Mt. Livermore via North Ridge Trail

    4.5
    4.92 mi / 1178 ft gain
    Unless you own a boat or a kayak, this adventure requires a ride on the Blue and Gold Ferry from Pier 41 in San Francisco. But let’s be honest, that’s actually half the fun. Who doesn’t love a ferry ride? Angel Island State Park is the largest island in the Bay, and recommend the 6-mile loop aro...
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  • Tiburon, California

    Angel Island Perimeter Loop

    5.98 mi / 794 ft gain
    Angel Island Perimeter Loop is a loop trail around the circumference of the island in the San Francisco Bay. The island is located near Tiburon, California with views  of downtown San Francisco, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Oakland, Sausalito, and TIburon as you traverse around the island. ...
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