Soquel, California
The Soquel Demonstration State Forest is a must-visit for the best trails and outdoor activities in Soquel, California. The hiking trail is moderately difficult, winding through towering redwood trees and offering scenic views of the surrounding forest. Along the way, you may spot unique rock formations and the clear, bubbling Soquel Creek. This trail is also popular for mountain biking. In the vicinity, Capitola Beach offers a different kind of outdoor adventure with opportunities for surfing, paddleboarding, and fishing. The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park is another top spot nearby, with over 30 miles of trails through redwood groves and along Aptos Creek. These outdoor attractions in and near Soquel provide a variety of scenic, engaging activities for all.
Top Spots in and near Soquel
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Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Secluded Beach Near Soberanes Point
5.00.32 mi / 121 ft gainWhen we stumbled upon this beach we were thrilled to have such great views with no crowds. There is plenty of room to lay out in the sun, you can swim in the ocean to cool off, and the beach is surrounded by beautiful landscape. If you decide to swim be very careful as the waves and currents can ...Read more -
Emerald Hills, California
Sylvan Loop Trail
2.53 mi / 522 ft gainSylvan Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Redwood City, California.Read more -
Emerald Hills, California
Edgewood Loop
4.03.29 mi / 607 ft gainEdgewood Park and Natural Preserve rests in San Mateo County, California. The sweeping hillsides exemplify the true native flora of California, as the foundation of rock and soil is poor in nutrients. Only a few specialized native plants are adapted to live here--don't miss the unique wildflower ...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Cordilleras & Dusty-Footed Woodrat Loop
3.73.83 mi / 676 ft gainGetting there: exit Highway 280 at Edgewood Road, travel .75 miles east, turn left on Crestview Drive, then immediately left again on Edmonds Road. Once parked, there are several different path options through the park. All of them connect in a large loop, and return to the parking lot. The Cord...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Hassler Loop Trail
4.01.48 mi / 289 ft gainExperience the natural beauty of the San Francisco Peninsula on the scenic Hassler Loop Trail, a 1.5-mile moderately challenging hiking trail nestled in Redwood City's Emerald Hills neighborhood. This beloved local trail offers hikers, nature enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers a perfect blend...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Whittemore Gulch and Harkins Ridge Loop Trail
4.66.43 mi / 1772 ft gainThere are two places to park for this specific loop- the main parking area on Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard) and a smaller parking lot on the western end of the park. I would recommend parking at whichever is closest. Find directions to both on Openspace.org. From the main parking lot, the trail...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Whittemore Gulch and Purisima Creek Loop Trail
9.27 mi / 2165 ft gainThe Whittemore Gulch and Purisima Creek Loop Trail, nestled in the scenic Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve near Redwood City, California, is a popular choice for hikers looking for a moderately challenging yet rewarding experience. This 9-mile loop trail winds through lush redwood fo...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Whittemore Gulch Trail
4.06.79 mi / 1791 ft gainThis trail starts out going downhill towards the ocean for the first half, which makes for a tough end to the hike as you trek back up the ridge. However, there are nice ocean and hilltop views that are worth the climb. On this trail, you'll pass 60+ banana slugs if conditions are right. They ar...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Whittemore Gulch via Purisima Creek Road
6.44 mi / 1870 ft gainThis beautiful mountain bike ride can be started at the Purisima Creek Road Trailhead or on Skyline Boulevard. There are many trails in the Purisisma Creek Redwoods, but Whittemore Gulch is by far the most beautiful and fun single track to descend on. Starting Options:Start at Purisima Creek Roa...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Purisima Creek Trail and Craig Britton Trail Loop
4.06.95 mi / 1411 ft gainThis hike is perfect for any time of year, always staying cool because it is near the coast, and there are multiple creeks that flow year-round. Even on foggy days, the fog condenses on trees to make it seem like it is "raining." Be warned that this hike has a lot of elevation change and is stre...Read more -
Fremont, California
Lake Elizabeth Loop
3.02.1 mi / 69 ft gainLake Elizabeth is located in central Fremont. It offers a nice break from the city streets and can be enjoyed by walkers, joggers, and bikers alike. It is a park for all ages. Other attractions include volleyball nets, multiple playgrounds, and aqua adventure park, geese, and peddle boats. ...Read more -
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Calla Lily Valley
4.60.31 mi / 46 ft gainParking for Calla Lily Valley is available along the dirt pullout at Gate 19 for Garrapata State Park, near mile-marker 63. Signs are small and difficult to see. Follow the path between the guide wires and take the right fork, heading north to the bluff overlooking the beach. Continue north and f...Read more -
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Garrapata Beach
4.5A wonderful roadside beach and state park. Easy parking on both sides of Hwy. 1 with short access trails. There are almost 2 miles of coastline trails heading north and south from the parking area. The north end of the beach is great for swimming and surfing when the sea is calm and the south ...Read more -
Cowell Ranch Beach Access, California
Cowell Ranch Beach
5.01.14 mi / 39 ft gainHike half a mile to this beautiful, secluded beach. There are high cliffs with a steep staircase down to the beach. The beach has wonderful rock formations on one side. It is a great place to watch the sunset or bring a picnic. A great place for a beach day if you are looking for something le...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail
4.56.8 mi / 528 ft gainThis trail begins at the Cowell State Beach parking lot and is only open on the weekends. From the lot, take the short Cowell Ranch Access trail to a scenic overlook. There are steps down to the secluded pocket beach just above the main trail. The trail playfully meanders along the cliffside with...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Hike the Cowell-Purisma Trail
5.07 mi / 400 ft gainThis is a popular trail that has beach access to Cowell Ranch Beach. Along the trail, there is a steep staircase that goes down to the beach. The trail also features fields, a bridge, and beautiful views of California's rugged coastline. This trail is paved in some parts, and can also be biked...Read more
