San Jose, California
The San Jose area of California is a true wonderland. With its stunning vistas, abundance of lush parks, and wide variety of activities, it's a great spot to explore whether you want a leisurely day outdoors or an action-packed adventure. From the unique and beautiful Winchester Mystery House to the warm waters of the Guadalupe River, you won’t soon run out of places to visit. With its variety of sports and recreation options, the area is sure to provide everyone with fun and memories that will last a lifetime.
Top Spots in and near San Jose
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Pacific Grove, California
Asilomar Dunes Natural Preserve
4.00.59 mi / 52 ft gainAsilomar State Beach covers 107 acres of land. It is home to a delicate ecosystem that has been sustained through the years after it was almost destroyed. The intricate dunes at Asilomar are what have survived after the over-grazing back in the early 1900's that damaged about 480 acres of dunes. ...Read more -
Pacific Grove, California
Asilomar State Beach
Asilomar, or “refuge by the sea” definitely lives up to its name. The beach is expansive and less-populated than other nearby destinations. With large sandbars and rocky outcroppings, it is a great place to enjoy sunset. This beach is also known for its premium surf, so expect a show from the l...Read more -
Salinas, California
Goat Trail (Trail 41)
4.75.66 mi / 1093 ft gainFort Ord National Monument is a fantastic place to cruise around on your mountain bike, whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider looking for flowy trails to cruise on. Access is easy from the highway and there is ample room in the parking lot even on busy days. Dozens of trails wind t...Read more -
Pacific Grove, California
Spanish Bay Trail
5.02.9 mi / 108 ft gainThe Spanish Bay Trail in California is an easy, 2.9-mile coastal path near Pebble Beach, ideal for all skill levels. This scenic trail runs alongside the Pacific Ocean, offering stunning views of the rocky shoreline, sandy dunes, and diverse wildlife. Dog-friendly and accessible year-round, i...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Presidio Ecology Trail
5.01.82 mi / 427 ft gainPresidio Ecology Trail is a loop trail through the Presidio located near San Francisco, California. This loop can be started at the Upper Ecology Trail off of Arguello Blvd near Pacific or down at the Lower Ecology Trail near the Inn at the Presidio. This trail is dog friendly on-leash.Read more -
San Francisco, California
Presidio Loop
5.95 mi / 823 ft gainThis route starts and ends on Jackson street in the Presidio Terrace neighborhood of San Francisco. This loop can be started in several areas of the Presidio including off of the Lyon street steps, but this starting point creates a good midpoint of the loop. Along the route, be sure to keep an ...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Presidio Bay Area Ridge Trail
5.02.73 mi / 203 ft gainPresidio Bay Area Ridge Trail is a point-to-point trail where you may see wildflowers located near San Francisco, California.Read more -
San Francisco, California
The Wave Organ
The Wave Organ is an acoustic sculpture located on a jetty in the Marina district of San Francisco. Designed by Peter Richards and built in collaboration with sculptor George Gonzalez, this unique attraction was completed in 1986. It utilizes the natural movement of the waves to create a variety ...Read more -
Kensington, California
Tilden Little Farm
3.3First make sure to stop at the store and stock up on fresh lettuce and celery for the animals. Your kids (or just the kid in you) will love to feed them! Note that they're only allowed to eat lettuce and celery, so don't try to feed them your own snacks or get creative. ;) If you want to make it...Read more -
Monterey, California
Scuba Dive Breakwater Cove
Located near Cannery Row, San Carlos Beach is home to Breakwater Cove. This is a great place for beginner scuba divers to practice their diving, get open water certified, and do their first ocean dives. San Carlos Beach is home to a large colony of sea lions, and also features a reef, anemones...Read more -
San Francisco, CaliforniaGolden Gate Angling & Casting Club
5.0The golden gate casting pools are a hidden gem in the park located on the other side of JFK from the Buffalo Paddock. Here you can practice your fly casting basics or pick up new forms casting (i.e. spey or double haul). The Golden Gate Angling and Casting Club has a clubhouse at the pond where s...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Hopper's Hands via the San Francisco Bay Trail
4.63.07 mi / 69 ft gainHundreds of people touch Hopper's Hands every day as a turn-around point on their runs in and around Crissy Field and The San Francisco Bay Trail. Running west through Crissy Field, passing the Warming Hut and pier, you follow Marine Drive until you dead end at Fort Point. If you continue through...Read more -
Del Monte Forest, California
Spanish Bay Beach
Spanish Bay is a beach with a view point at the southern tip. You can see waves crashing into rocks and the many different shades of blue. This is a great spot for anyone exploring 17 Mile Drive, as it is scenic and perfect for picnics. There is a golf course nearby that offers some of the most a...Read more -
San Francisco, CaliforniaParadise Loop
4.337.61 mi / 2946 ft gainRiding this loop has long been a popular option for San Franciscan riders looking to escape the busy city streets. This 38-mile ride with 1,600 feet of elevation, is suitable for all personalities of rider: the fast paced racer or the person just out to relax and cruise. A great place to start t...Read more -
Monterey, California
Sail on Monterey Bay
Few places along the California coast are perfectly suited for a day of sailing. While San Diego, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, Long Beach, San Francisco, and Catalina Island offer sailing adventures, none of them offer wide open Pacific waters without dangerous commercial traffic to navigate. The...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Camp at the Rob Hill Campground
5.0Rob Hill Campground is a hidden treasure, located at the Presidio’s highest point above Baker Beach amid a beautiful eucalyptus grove. The campsite welcomes groups of all kinds and is also home to the Camping at the Presidio (CAP) program, which provides youth with meaningful outdoor experiences....Read more
