San Mateo County, California
San Mateo County, California, is home to some of the best trails and outdoor activities. A must-visit is the Sawyer Camp Trail, a scenic 6-mile path that winds along the Crystal Springs Reservoir. It's a top spot for walking, jogging, and cycling, with views of the sparkling water and unique rock formations. Another notable trail is the Devil's Slide Trail, a 1.3-mile path with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. For those who enjoy bird-watching, the Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve is a must-visit. Here, you'll find a variety of bird species and a network of trails that meander through the marsh. These outdoor adventures in San Mateo County offer a unique and scenic way to enjoy the great outdoors.
Top Spots in and near San Mateo County
-
Tiburon, California
Camp on Angel Island
5.0Thousands 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...Read more -
Tiburon, California
Angel Island Perimeter Loop
5.98 mi / 794 ft gainAngel 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. ...Read more -
Belvedere Tiburon, California
Mt. Livermore via North Ridge Trail
4.54.92 mi / 1178 ft gainUnless 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...Read more -
Oakland, California
Grizzly Peak
4.8A well-known sunset spot in the East Bay, and rightfully so - the views from Grizzly Peak are stunning. You have several pull-offs to pick from. The larger ones have logs to sit upon. The smaller pull-offs offer benches and sturdy rocks. Take your pick! You will share the sunset with some strang...Read more -
Berkeley, California
Hidden Waterfall in Codornices Park
4.00.5 miPark along the street in front of Codornices Park in Berkeley. Follow the stream to the left of the playground. Take the path up the hill to the right (don't head over the bridge on the left). Keep walking up multiple concrete stairs. After the first flight of stairs you'll see a path on the left...Read more -
Berkeley, California
Berkeley Rose Garden
4.0I'm always surprised at how few people know of this beautiful garden. I'm often alone when I visit, which allows for perfect serenity. Visit in early spring for maximum blooms. Park on Euclid Ave, which is where you'll find the entrance to the amphitheater (you can't miss the giant sign). Spend ...Read more -
Mill Valley, CaliforniaTennessee Beach via Tennessee Valley Trail
4.63.64 miThe Tennessee Valley trail is leisurely 3.6 mile roundtrip hike that turns around at Tennessee Valley Cove. Along the way, you’ll hike past shrublands, wetlands, and a lake before you get to a cool little secluded beach that many people picnic at. This is probably the easiest to access, and most...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Coyote Ridge Loop
5.06.15 mi / 1001 ft gainStarting just before the Tennessee Valley parking lot, head out from the Miwok Trailhead. This Mill Valley hike offers incredible views of the San Francisco Bay, the Pacific Ocean (fog permitting of course!), and on occasion, wildlife. Unfortunately, this trail is not dog-friendly. Keep in mind...Read more -
Berkeley, CaliforniaBouldering at Indian Rock
4.8Indian Rock is one of the most popular outdoor bouldering spots in Berkeley. With over 80 problems, there's plenty of routes for beginners to the most advanced climbers. After parking in the surrounding neighborhood, it's an easy walk into the park. Aside from enjoying the challenge of new routes...Read more -
Berkeley, California
Lake Anza in Tilden Park
5.0Lake Anza makes for a great warm weather swimming hole. The parking area is close to the beach along with the trail, which will take you around the lake. The beach gets plenty of sun and is fairly wind protected, which makes for a relaxing day. Bring some picnic food out to the lake and snag your...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Oakwood Trail, Marin Headlands
5.02.56 mi / 538 ft gainLooking to escape the hustle of San Francisco, but don't want to commit to an entire day on the trail? When setting out for this morning hike, be prepared for about 1.5 hour hiking adventure (longer if you stop for extra photos) and a 20 minute commute from San Francisco. This hike is recomend...Read more -
Lafayette, California
Lafayette Reservoir via Nature Area Rim Trail
5.05 mi / 758 ft gainLafayette Reservoir is perfect for canoeing, mountain biking, trail running, and hiking. The Reservoir trail system is also used for nature walks and birding. The loop has several high points that have amazing views. The trails become very muddy after wet weather - so tread with caution. Th...Read more -
Berkeley, California
Seaview and Big Springs Loop
4.54.28 mi / 1007 ft gainThe trail is dog and horse friendly, and many trail loops make Tilden Regional Park fun for families and those of any skill level. The Seaview and Big Springs Trail loop is typically used by avid hikers, trail runners, or mountain bikers. The first half of the trail is exposed to the sun and rock...Read more -
Muir Beach, California
Pirate's Cove
5.03.43 mi / 856 ft gainPirate's Cove is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Mill Valley, California.Read more -
Muir Beach, California
Bonfire at Muir Beach
5.0Take in a scenic sunset and enjoy the warmth of a bonfire on the beach! Muir Beach changes the number of fire pits it has seasonally. May through November, the beach offers 6 fire pits, and in the colder months (December through April), there are 3 fire pits on the beach toward the south end of t...Read more -
Berkeley, California
Wildcat Peak via Nimitz Way
4.74.16 mi / 459 ft gainTilden Park is a beautiful recreational area with scenic hiking trails, a swimming lake, small animal farm, a steam train and botanical gardens. The versatility of this park makes it very family and kid friendly, and those who are looking for a moderate hike within the park have almost forty mile...Read more
