Scotts Valley, California
Top Spots in and near Scotts Valley
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Loma Mar, California
With old growth redwoods and a creek swimming area, Memorial Park is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area. Memorial Park is only a few miles east of the town of Pescadero. To get here, you can either approach from Highway 1 and drive up Pescadero Creek Road or take Highway ...
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Santa Clara County, California
Just outside of Los Altos is a very long ridge of mountains, one of which is Black Mountain.
This is a very dry hike, with no tree canopy, so it can get very hot! Be aware that this can make the hike feel a lot more difficult with the sun beating down on you. Follow Rhus Ridge Trail to Black Mo...
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La Honda, California
5.0
12.19 mi
/ 2192 ft gain
The Pescadero Creek Park Complex is a great place to escape for a day or overnight hike in the heart of the Bay Area. You will need to get a permit to stay overnight - these can be attained on a first-come, first-serve basis from the ranger station. Most of the campsites here are also available f...
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Pescadero, California
Pidgeon 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...
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Pescadero, California
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...
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Los Altos, California
Disclaimer: Foothills Park requires proof of residence in Palo Alto or being accompanied by a resident of the city. Learn more here.Foothills Park is 2.7 miles west of 280 after exiting Page Mill. After exiting you take a short scenic drive up the hill and come to the park entrance on your right...
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Palo Alto, California
Getting There:
From Hwy 280, take the Page Mill Road exit and head West on Page Mill Road, away from Downtown Palo Alto (if you're taking 101, exit on Oregon Expressway). Then turn right on Arastradero Road. There will be a small sign indicating the dirt parking lot on the eastern side of the str...
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Pescadero, California
There are a bunch of places to photograph this beach if you head north on the trail that runs along the beach.There is parking at the beach but it can fill up quickly!The only warning you need is about the tide. Make sure you are watching it the entire time because it can creep up on you and will...
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Portola Valley, California
4.3
7.2 mi
/ 1400 ft gain
This 7.2-mile loop starts by heading out of the parking lot and onto the Spring Ridge Trail. Head Southeast On Spring Ridge Trail until you connect with Hamms Gulch Trail. When you jump on Hamms Gulch, head southwest for ~3.4 miles as you circle the far end of the OSP. At this point, you will con...
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Portola Valley, California
There are a few options to this hike. 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, but the main parking lot i...
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Stanford, California
4.4
3.67 mi
/ 472 ft gain
If you live in the Palo Alto area and are looking for a place to hike or run, The Dish is a close, and great way to get that exercise. Located right on the corner of Stanford Ave and Junipero Serra, you'll see that small gated entrance right when you drive on by. As far as parking goes, you're le...
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San Jose, California
This tranquil 20.6 acre park is open year round from 8am to sunset. It’s the gateway to the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. It is filled with boardwalks, trails, and all kinds of wildlife. I went here with the sole intent of catching a pretty sunset after a long week. I g...
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Stanford, California
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 simply ...
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San Jose, California
5.0
1.94 mi
/ 240 ft gain
North Rim Trail to Eagle Rock is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near San Jose, California.
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3160 North Shoreline Boulevard, California
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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Marina, California
From the moment you turn into the parking lot, you know Marina State Beach is special. Grab a parking spot in the large lot and then run down the dunes and onto the shoreline! The beach feels spacious on this section of the shore and gives plenty of room to run around or to put down a blanket to ...
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