Sunnyvale, California

Panther Beach: Santa Cruz's Hidden Coastal Gem Panther Beach is a stunning, secluded beach nestled among rocky cliff sides along California's Highway 1. This is a great place to catch an awesome sunset, and there's even some decent bouldering on the beach archway for climbing enthusiasts. Beach...

Sitting on a 140 acre bluff top, the Pillar Point Bluffs are a simple, easy hike with breathtaking views throughout. The bluffs are 22 miles from San Francisco – a 30 minute drive depending on the traffic. There is a small 10 car or so parking lot off of Airport Blvd, but there are two additional...

The Cypress Tree Tunnels are a quick jaunt from San Francisco (22 miles) and make for a great half-day trip. Getting here depends on traffic, but 30 minutes from the center of the city is doable. Parking is relatively easy. You can either park at the south end of the area at the Cypress Cove entr...

Located beside a residential neighborhood, Fitzgerald Marine Reserve offers a rare glimpse of life in the northern California intertidal zones. There are parking spaces and restrooms available, as well as ranger-led guided tours. Be sure to check the tide charts and go during low tide (preferab...

This beach is less crowded compared to other beaches in Santa Cruz.  I got there early on a Saturday and found easy street parking.  There was plenty of space to spread out on the soft sand.  Later in the day I saw dolphins several times!  This is close to the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum.  It’s al...

Natural Bridges State Beach is a wonderful place to photograph located in Santa Cruz off of West Cliff Drive. This is a great place to practice long exposure photography to capture awesome water movement as it passes through the "Natural Bridge" formation. The best time to shoot this spot is at ...

The park's Monarch Grove provides a temporary home for thousands of Monarchs. From late fall into winter they make this their home and if you time it perfectly you can see them in clusters in the trees.  When you reached the Natural Bridges State Park, on the right of the Visitors Center you'll ...

Starting at the parking lot adjacent to Gray Whale Cove State Beach, proceed to the start sign indicating "Grey Whale Cove Trail". GWCT is a fun brisk hike with slight elevation gain that should be easy enough to take a small group or even children to. Take note of the tight spaces you may encou...

The Devil's Slide Bunker is perched out on a point the defiantly juts out into the ocean. The Bunker is covered in constantly changing graffiti, which provides a stunning contrast to the gorgeous seaside. Hop on Highway 1 South. Just south of Pacifica there is a tunnel. Once you go through the t...

Start at the parking lots close to the pier, where bathrooms are also available. Walk along the pier to watch the sunset as it begins. Next, walk along Sharp Park Beach to discover the plethora of wild flowers and friendly locals always ready to guide you on your walk. Take the stairs up to the...

Found this hike with some friends after spending some time googling in my car when we were in the area looking for a quick hike with a view!   Dog friendly Free parking (but quite limited) Ocean views Known to have gorgeous wildflower blooms (we were not there during this)Porta-potty type toilet...

Mussel rock, a three-story, 50 million year old rock that has been carried some 500 miles northwest from Southern California, is where the San Andreas fault meets the Pacific Ocean. It's also an excellent spot to drink some wine and catch a sunset. From San Francisco, take Highway 1 south towar...

Tucked away in the hills of Oakland, you will find one of the homes of California's Coastal Redwoods. Created by a unique geographical circumstance, this forest breathes winds funneled through the Golden Gate across the bay, which created environment opportune for Redwood growth. These Redwoods a...

Bernal Heights Park is an excellent week night adventure for those who need an escape from the city. Sit atop this small, grassy peak in peace and look out over the San Francisco skyline. Park on the street bordering the park and follow a pathway that leads up to the top. You will be instantly g...

This hike starts at the Rock City area of Mount Diablo State Park. Begin at the Madrone Canyon Trail, hiking southeast towards the Devils Slide trail. Along this section of the hike, the trail dips into a wooded canyon and follows the path of a small creek. To best experience the beauty of the cr...

Most locals have heard of Twin Peaks, so if you hop in an Uber or Taxi you should be just fine. If not or you are driving yourself, head for Twin Peaks Boulevard, then just follow it to the top. Voila! When you're there, be sure to catch a sunset, as it is absolutely breath-taking, If you are lu...