Sand City, California
Sand City, California is a must-visit spot for outdoor adventures. One of the top attractions is the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. It's a scenic, paved path that stretches for 18 miles, providing ample opportunities for walking, jogging, and biking. For the more adventurous, the trail includes a challenging hiking route with a variety of terrain. Along the path, you'll find stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, unique rock formations, and the chance to spot local wildlife. Another must-visit is the Fort Ord Dunes State Park, a former military base turned into a state park. It offers a 4-mile stretch of beach, a boardwalk, and a scenic overlook of Monterey Bay. The best Trails and Outdoor Activities are all in and near Sand City, making it a top destination for outdoor activities.
Top Spots in and near Sand City
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Boulder Creek, California
Hike the Old Growth Redwoods Trail
4.50.5 miQuick half-mile stroll through the old growth Redwoods that will show you the nature of the ever-living redwood tree.Redwoods are capable of withstanding storms, floods, fire, droughts, and even termites. These legendary trees can live for over 2,000 years and possess incredible strength, vigor, ...Read more -
Sanborn County Park, California
Sanborn and San Andreas Trail Loop
4.03.88 mi / 1798 ft gainThis is a moderately rated 4-mile loop trail that winds through the redwoods west of Saratoga. It features a dirt trail with tall trees and a creek. The hike is very tranquil and there is lot s of greenery. There are big rocks in the creek that can you can sit on. People often meditate here a...Read more -
Los Gatos, California
Saratoga Gap & Ridge Trail Loop
4.64.73 mi / 1070 ft gainThe 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 -
Saratoga, California
Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail
4.430.22 mi / 3409 ft gainWant 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
Castle Rock Trail Camp via Saratoga Gap Trail
4.75.09 mi / 1158 ft gainCastle 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 requires reservations for 15 of the 20 campsites. If you can, grab a spot a Frog Flat Camp. To get to the camp, park your car at t...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Goat Camp via Twitchwell Flat Use Trail
5.09.2 mi / 3852 ft gainTo find this trailhead, head down Highway 1 towards Limekiln State Park Campground. Between Lucia and Limekiln, there should be a shoulder off the side of the road to park overnight. Cross the street to the trailhead of Twitchwell Flat Use Trail. Bear in mind that there is abundant poison oak alo...Read more -
Big Sur, California
3 Branches of the Limekiln
4.01.98 mi / 696 ft gainThe Limekiln Trails offer up a moderate hike with defined trails, creek crossings, and limited elevation. From the parking area, head east under the canopy of redwoods until you get to the bridge, where there’s a kiosk marking the trail. The three branches are ~0.5 miles each, making it easy to ...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Camping at Limekiln State Park
4.3This campsite is split into two sections and is located directly below a bridge along Route 1 the Pacific Coast Highway. Be cautious turning into the park as the incline and turn are quite serious.Below the bridge are campsites located both along the tree line and tiered up along the hill. Under ...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 -
Big Sur, California
Kirk Creek Campground
4.7Campsite:There is nothing quite like driving or biking along US-1, the Pacific Coast Highway. Make sure you get a chance to do the drive during the day so that you can see all that Big Sur has to offer. Be careful when pulling off especially onto the shoulder and never stop on a curve in the road...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Vicente Flat Trail via Kirk Creek Campground
10.12 mi / 3307 ft gainThe Vicente Flat Trail is well kept and wide, with many campsites at the end. This trail is very close to Cone Peak, and is used for mountain biking, trail running, birding, and nature trips. The turnaround point for this out-and-back trail is once you reach the junction with Vicente Flat Trial...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Cone Peak in Big Sur (Sea to Sky Backpacking Route)
4.519.72 mi / 7484 ft gainWhile you can make a day-hike out of it by driving up the gorgeous Sur-Nacimiento Road from Highway 1 to the Coast Ridge Road and take a 2 mile trail to the summit with 1300' of elevation gain (4 miles roundtrip), the more adventurous types do a Sea to Sky, starting at Kirk Creek Campground and u...Read more -
Saratoga, California
Seven Springs Trail Loop
2.75 mi / 541 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 -
La Honda, California
Portola Redwoods State Park Loop
4.88.21 mi / 1924.54 ft gainTake in the best of Portola Redwoods State Park: towering redwoods, a waterfall, wildflowers, and a mix of narrow singletrack and wide old logging roads. This loop comes in around 8 miles, with a shorter 5-mile option if you’re looking for something more mellow. Redwood hikes are always a trea...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Surf Willow Creek
4.0Willow Creek is a couple of miles south of Sand Dollar Beach. Sand Dollar is generally a mushier wave that is more welcoming. Willow Creek on the other hand, has more power and offers punchier waves for the more experienced. However, it is more fickle than Sand Dollar Beach. There are loads of ke...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
