San Rafael, California

Looking for the best chillin in San Rafael? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around San Rafael. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Chillin Spots in and near San Rafael

  • Sonoma County, California

    Kortum Trail

    5.0
    9.27 mi / 968 ft gain
    The Kortum Trail in the Sonoma Coast State Park connects Goat Rock with Wrights Beach, winding along the top of the sea cliffs and affording incredible views of the California Coast and its numerous sea rocks and arches.  To get there take the Pacific Coast Highway / Highway 1 to either Wright's...
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  • Calistoga, California

    Bald Hill via Oat Hill Mine Trail

    5.58 mi / 1388 ft gain
    Bald Hill is the first serious peak/summit that can be reached via the Oat Hill Mine Trail as it breaks from the more popular loop and heads into the heart of Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. To get there you can either begin at the less frequently used trailhead at Picket and Rosedale Roads h...
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  • Forestville, California

    Sunset Beach River Park

    4.0
    Sunset Beach River Park is located off River Road in Forestville, California. The beach offers up picturesque views of the Russian River and is a great spot to end your float if starting at Steelhead Beach. The Beach: The beach is about a quarter of a mile walk from the parking area. Keep this ...
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  • Forestville, California

    Mother's Beach ("Mom's Beach")

    4.0
    Mother's Beach, known locally as Mom's Beach, is located in Forestville, California. This beach is a hidden gem situated on the scenic Russian River, between Steelhead Beach and Sunset Beach.  Dog Friendly: Mom's Beach is a great spot to bring your pup on a leash.  Times of Operation: The bea...
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  • Monte Rio, California

    Monte Rio Community Beach

    Monte Rio Community Beach is located in the Sonoma County town of Monte Rio. The beach nestles up to the Russian River offering a great chance for families to kick back and relax by the water or bring your kayak or stand-up paddle board for fun on the water. Dog-Friendly: Monte Rio Community Be...
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  • Jenner, California

    Red Hill and Pomo Canyon Loop

    4.9
    3.91 mi / 937.66 ft gain
    Park in the Shell Beach parking lot, north of Bodega Bay proper but just south of Goat Rock State Beach on Highway 1. Cross the road to pick up the Dr. David C. Joseph Memorial Trail heading up away from the ocean. Follow the trail, staying right toward Red Hill. (The trail forks off down Pomo Ca...
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  • Jenner, California

    Shell Beach

    0.18 mi / 62 ft gain
    Shell Beach is a hidden gem along the rugged Sonoma Coast in Northern California, offering visitors a breathtaking coastal experience just minutes from the charming town of Jenner. Nestled within the Sonoma Coast State Park, this secluded beach features dramatic rocky shorelines, tide pools teemi...
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  • Stanford, California

    Kite Hill

    4.0
    Kite Hill is nothing more than what the name describes. A simple ascent less than 100 feet in elevation. But that 100 feet is all you need to feel like you discovered a little escape from the buzz below. To get there, you can park directly at the base of Kite Hill along Peter Coutts Rd and simpl...
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  • Guerneville, California

    Johnson's Beach

    Johnson's Beach is a public beach located on the Russian River in Guerneville, California. 
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  • 3160 North Shoreline Boulevard, California

    SUP Shoreline Lake

    4.0
    Shoreline Lake features a big lake, many hiking and biking trails, and lot of picnic areas in Mountain View, CA. Kayaks, SUP, and various boats can be rented from the boat house. This is a great place to enjoy the water no matter what season it is. There are large grassy areas for kids to run and...
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  • Jenner, California

    Bouldering at Lamb's Rock, Sunset Boulders

    5.0
    Lamb Boulder, located within the "Sunset Boulders" collection, contains four fun and challenging V2 - V6 bouldering routes. They are: Calambity: V6Rock Scar: V3+Skullcracker: V2 RThe Specialist: V4 Lamb Boulder is located directly across from the Sunset Boulder itself and its trad routes. To get ...
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  • Portola Valley, California

    Windy Hill: Spring Ridge, Anniversary Loop

    5.0
    6.18 mi / 1421 ft gain
    There are a few options to hiking Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. Usually I would recommend parking in the lot on Portola Road, but because the preserve doesn't open until 30 minutes before sunrise, it's best to park up on Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35). There are two places to park up on Skyline...
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  • Jenner, California

    Bouldering at Sunset Boulders

    5.0
    0.6 mi
    You can see the boulders off the left side of the road. Couple of different pullouts you can park at to start your approach. It’s about half a mile from the road all downhill. It’s easy going when you’re on your way, but kind of a pain after you’re whooped from climbing.  Bouldering, high balls, ...
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  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Southern Beaches at San Gregorio State Beach

    4.0
    1.48 mi / 16 ft gain
    Not a trail per se, but approximately 3 miles (down and back) of beautiful beach to walk down. Lots of interesting caves, wild animals, and rock formations to discover. This is a popular location for sea kayakers. San Gregorio State Beach was originally founded to protect the estuary at the back ...
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  • Los Altos, California

    Foothills Park: Boronda Lake

    3.0
    0.93 mi / 0 ft gain
    Situated in the hills above Palo Alto; Foothills Park is the perfect spot to spend the day outdoors. With hiking, fishing, picnic areas, wide open fields, and expansive views of the Bay Area, this hidden gem is a must visit. Foothills Park is 2.7 miles west of 280 after exiting Page Mill. After ...
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  • Guerneville, California

    Parson Jones and Colonial Armstrong Redwood Trees

    5.0
    The Parson Jones Tree is the tallest tree in the reserve, measuring more than 310 feet (94 m) in height. This is longer than the length of a football field!  Named after a lumberman who chose to preserve this portion of the park in the 1870s, the Colonel Armstrong Tree is the oldest tree in the ...
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