Sonoma County, California
Sonoma County, California, offers some of the best trails and outdoor activities for those seeking scenic outdoor adventures. The top must-visit is the Pomo Canyon Trail. This 6-mile round trip trail features a stunning redwood grove and panoramic views of the Russian River. It's moderately challenging, making it suitable for most hikers. If you're a fan of bird-watching, the Bodega Head Trail is perfect. This 1.7-mile loop trail offers views of the Pacific Ocean and is a prime spot for whale watching. For a unique adventure, try kayaking on the Russian River. It's a great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery and spot local wildlife. These are just a few of the top outdoor activities and attractions in and near Sonoma County.
Top Spots in and near Sonoma County
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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
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 -
Orinda, California
Wildcat Peak Loop
4.05.89 mi / 1050 ft gainFrom Inspiration Point, head toward Nimitz gate. Once you pass through the gate, keep an eye out for Curran Trailhead; this is the trail you'll be starting on. After about 1/8 of a mile, you'll reach a junction with the Meadows Canyon Trail. Turn right onto this trail to continue the loop. This p...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 -
Jenner, California
Stillwater Cove
4.0It's a short walk down to the beach and there is a nice trail that follows along the creek. Be sure to check the forecast when heading out to Stillwater Cove. If it's sunny a few miles inland, fog may still be on the coast, making it quite a bit cooler. Make sure you pack extra layers just in cas...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 -
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 -
San Francisco, California
Surf Under The Golden Gate at Fort Point
4.2This has to one of the coolest spots to surf in the world. The break itself is a left point that requires a healthy swell to wrap into the bay, and only gets good on occasion. But when it's good, it can be an experience you'll never forget.It's important to note, that when it's good, this is not ...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito
4.71.74 mi / 141 ft gainRiding your bike or walking across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, and then enjoying some drinks overlooking the bay, is a great way to spend a nice day. The views along the way are simply breathtaking. After your ride and a day of fun in Sausalito, you can return to San Francisco by ferry. ...Read more -
Orinda, CaliforniaBriones Reservoir Loop: Bear Creek, Oursan, Hampton Trails
5.013.12 mi / 1791 ft gainBriones Reservoir Loop: Bear Creek, Oursan, Hampton Trails is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Lafayette, California.Read more -
San Francisco, CaliforniaPicnic Beneath the Golden Gate
4.7If the weather forecast looks promising, you could do a lot worse than planning a picnic at the West Bluff Picnic Area in the Presidio. This area is south of Crissy Field (closer to the bridge) and before you get to Fort Point - situated perfectly to give you an amazing view of the Golden Gate, A...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Batteries to Bluffs Trail
4.82.33 mi / 417 ft gainThe Batteries to Bluffs Trail in the Presidio is a true gem of San Francisco. It has everything you could want in a hike: a sea-side path along the ocean, relatively easy parking, gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and a secluded beach that's perfect for picnics, sunbathing, and enjoying t...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Marshall's Beach
4.8If you're looking for one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marshall's Beach gives you just that without the tourist crowds of Baker Beach. This small and hidden beach offers a narrow stretch of sand for those looking to throw a frisbee around or just hang out with friends. As it's tu...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 -
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
