San Francisco, California
The San Francisco, California area is a great place to explore and experience. With its stunning landscapes, unique attractions, and myriad activities, visitors to the area are sure to be delighted. From beaches to state parks, there is something to suit everyone's tastes. Whether you're looking for a peaceful stroll or an adrenaline-pumping hike, you can find the perfect spot. Whatever your adventure calls for, the San Francisco area has something to offer.
Top Spots in and near San Francisco
-
Sunol, California
Little Yosemite via Canyon View Trail
4.03.01 mi / 705 ft gainPlease note this is a fragile ecosystem and watershed. There is NO swimming allowed in Alameda Creek and trespassing is prohibited on Water Department lands that are not accessible to the public. You can learn more about the restrictions and the area at ebparks.org. After entering the kiosk you...Read more -
Pescadero, California
Año Nuevo and Goat Trail Loop
4.03.76 mi / 761 ft gainThis steep and winding trail takes you to the top of a ridge where you can see the Pacific coastline and the redwoods piercing through the forest canopy. To do this trail connect the Ano Nuevo Trail, Olmo Fire Road, Goat Trail and the Six Bridges Trail. If you don't have all day to do the Canyon ...Read more -
Inverness, California
Marshall Beach Trail
5.02.41 mi / 305 ft gainMarshall Beach Trail is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to see wildlife located near Inverness, California.Read more -
Saratoga, California
Hike the Seven Springs Trail Loop
2.8 mi / 500 ft gainThe Seven Springs loop is only one great option of several in the preserve. Starting from the Prospect Rd parking lot the loop is 2.8 miles of rolling hills in and out of the shade. Most of the trail is at least 2 person width so easy to walk with a friend or furry companion. There have been larg...Read more -
Pescadero, California
Explore the Pidgeon Point Lighthouse
5.0Pidgeon Point Lighthouse is conveniently located just 50 miles south of San Francisco. Constructed in 1872 and standing at 115 feet, it is among the tallest lighthouse in America.Part of the state park system, it is surprisingly secluded. Numerous parking space were available in the lot with hand...Read more -
Pescadero, California
Exploring Big Sur to Pigeon Point
We started off in Big Sur and took as many pull-off viewpoints as possible between Big Sur and the final destination, Pigeon Point Lighthouse. The weather was foggy in some spots but would open up to reveal the vast Pacific Ocean and sun in others. The weather was mild for us but we're familiar w...Read more -
Napa, California
Lake Marie Road, Marie Creek, Buckeye Trail Loop
3.55.8 mi / 961 ft gainEnter the parking lot just off of Hwy 221. Plan to pay a $5 entrance fee at the kiosk. The trail head begins at the edge of the parking lot where you'll soon be passing by the Martha Walker Native Habitat Garden on your right. Veer left to continue along Lake Marie Road where you'll enter the blu...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 -
Livermore, California
Hike the East Shore Trail Loop
3.7 mi / 1040 ft gainThis hike is best done during the spring, fall, or winter when moderate temperatures make the hike more comfortable. Be warned that this hike has a large elevation change despite being less than 4 miles. Starting at the Arroyo Road Staging Area, take the East Shore Trail east, heading towards a s...Read more -
Napa, California
Westwood Hills Park Loop
4.02.12 mi / 476 ft gainThis park can get a little crowded on weekends, so best to go early if possible. In terms of parking, there's a lot at the trailhead, but also plenty of available street parking. The loop can be broken up in a various ways as there are several offshoots from the main trailhead/trail leaving fro...Read more -
Saratoga, California
Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail
4.530.8 miWant to experience one of the bay area's most memorable backpacking trips? We've got the details to get you out on the trail. To start the trek, drop your car at the Castle Rock State Park Parking Lot, which is located ~2.5 miles south of the junctions of Highways 35 and 9 off of Highway 35. Not...Read more -
Saratoga, California
Backpack Castle Rock State Park
4.7Castle Rock Trail Camp has a different policy than other backcountry camps in the area (i.e. campsites along Skyline to the Sea). This campground is open all year and is available on a first come, first served basis. If you can, grab a spot a Frog Flat Camp. To get to the camp, park your car at t...Read more -
Los Gatos, California
Hike the Saratoga Gap Trail
4.64.7 miThe Saratoga Gap Trail is relatively lightly trafficked trail that is good year round, although waterfalls peak in late winter and spring. Overall, this 4.7 mile partial loop hike is moderate, with about 1000 feet in elevation change. Trailhead elevation is about 3090 feet. The featured hike desc...Read more -
Marshall, California
Kayak Tomales Bay
5.0Kayak 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...Read more -
21600 Big Basin Way, California
Hike the Sequoia Trail at Big Basin Redwoods SP
4.04.3 mi / 600 ft gainThis 4.3 mile hike in Big Basin Redwoods SP is a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In the first half, there is a quick detour you can take to Sempervirens Falls. Just listen for sounds of water, read the signs, and cross the road. The detour itself is as far as cross...Read more -
Pescadero, United StatesRelax at Costanoa Lodge
3.0Looking for a quick escape from the city, but sleeping on the ground isn’t really your thing? Look no further than Costanoa Lodge in Pescadero, an upscale "glamping" experience just an hour south of San Francisco with tons of hiking options. This is a really fun option for anyone who enjoys being...Read more
