Walnut Creek, California

Walnut Creek, California, is the perfect destination for adventurers looking for the best trails and activities. From hikes to attractions, the area offers a variety of top adventures. Popular attractions in and near the area include the Shell Ridge Open Space, Mount Diablo State Park, and Lime Ridge Open Space. These locations offer activities such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Visitors can also take a stroll along the Iron Horse Regional Trail or explore the trails at the Las Trampas Regional Wilderness. With so many activities available, Walnut Creek is the perfect place to explore and enjoy nature.

Top Spots in and near Walnut Creek

  • San Francisco, California

    Stow Lake And Strawberry Hill

    4.9
    2.09 mi / 253 ft gain
    Strawberry Hill is one of the hidden gems of Golden Gate Park. It is named after the once abundant strawberry fields that inhabited the island. The hill, which reaches up to 430ft, is located in the middle of Stow Lake and has 2 foot bridges for access. This is a great place to run if you're look...
    Read more
  • Sausalito, California

    Hawk Hill

    5.0
    0.76 mi / 144 ft gain
    If you're leaving from SF, head over the bridge and exit onto Alexander Ave. Make the immediate left under the overpass and you'll be on the road to Hawk Hill. There's a parking area just below the gate leading up to Hawk Hill. From the parking lot you can walk west about ten yards along the outs...
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Stow Lake

    5.0
    Not too many people know that you can rent a rowboat at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park, but you can. And you should! This is one of my favorite ways to spend a few hours on a beautiful day in San Francisco. Grab your loved one, your favorite bottle of wine, some snacks, and hop in a rowboat. You’...
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Grand View Park ("Turtle Hill")

    5.0
    0.21 mi / 7 ft gain
    A recipe for happiness in the "cool grey city of love." To the seasoned San Franciscan there is no finer view in the Bay Area than that from San Francisco's front porch, Turtle Hill or "Grand View Park". If the North American continent / plate is a ship, then Grand View Park is the prow giving e...
    Read more
  • San Rafael, California

    China Camp Loop

    4.0
    9.23 mi / 1716 ft gain
    Park at the lot in the China Camp State Park. Hop onto the Bay View trail to gain to begin the loop trail. Switchbacks take you up to a long and easy path passing through shaded and open areas. Enjoy the grasslands speckled with oak trees and coyote brush. You can see the San Rafael bay and bridg...
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Hidden Garden Steps

    4.3
    0.1 mi / 39 ft gain
    These tiles steps are ironically iconic, as they are called the "Hidden" Garden Steps.  They are one of 3 tiled staircases that San Francisco is famous for. The others are the 16th Ave Tiled Steps and the Lincoln Park Steps. Tip: When calling an uber, try to get dropped off at the top of the ste...
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    16th Avenue Tiled Steps

    4.6
    0.09 mi / 79 ft gain
    The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps also known as the Moraga steps are an impressive community achievement, and an equally killer workout. Take an easy lap up the stairs to check out the amazing art, take in the views from the top, then get down to business. You'll be glad you made the trek over to this ...
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Crab Fishing at China Beach

    5.0
    It's illegal to catch Dungeness Crab inside the bay, but once you reach Baker Beach and China Beach, it's legal to catch 10 per valid fishing license. When you're ready to start your crabbing adventure, head to Gus' Discount Tackle. They'll get you set up with the right equipment (a crab trap, zi...
    Read more
  • San Rafael, California

    Gold Hill Grade to Nike Missile Site

    4.7
    4.37 mi / 988 ft gain
    The Gold Hill Grade to Nike Missile Site trail in San Rafael, California, is a moderately challenging hike. The trail spans approximately 4.37 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of about 988 feet. The path is well-maintained and marked, making it suitable for hikers of varying skill levels....
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Lands End Trail

    4.7
    3.26 mi / 518 ft gain
    The Lands End Trail is a 3.26 mile out-and-back hike located in the northwest corner of San Francisco along the city's rugged coastline. Offering spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, and the Pacific Ocean, the hike is one of the most popular trails in San Francisco for ...
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Mile Rock Beach

    4.7
    1.64 mi / 223 ft gain
    This rocky, secluded beach is tucked in along the Land’s End Coastal Trail in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Located 100 or so steps down from the main trail, you’ll find this mysterious little beach that will make you feel like you’re in an old pirate movie. There are a lot of logs an...
    Read more
  • Daly City, California

    San Bruno Mountain

    4.0
    3.63 mi / 781 ft gain
    San Bruno Mountain is a fun, mellow hike that climbs easily on a well-graded path to the ridge line, and then drops back to the trailhead. Along the way, the trail runs along a creek, ascends through chaparral, and provides excellent views of downtown San Francisco, the East Bay hills, and the Sa...
    Read more
  • Sausalito, California

    Black Sands Beach

    5.0
    0.54 mi / 285 ft gain
    Black Sand Beach is a beautiful, mile-long stretch of black sand just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. On a sunny day, it’s best to try and arrive in the morning, as the parking lot can fill up quickly. To get down to the beach, you’ll need to hike for about 5 minutes down 250 or so wooden steps....
    Read more
  • Fairfield, California

    Bike the Gordon Valley to Wooden Valley Scramble

    5.0
    13.5 mi / 498 ft gain
    This is a 13.5 mile loop route in Fairfield, California. The route has a total ascent of 498 feet and has a maximum elevation of 369 feet.Begin your ride at the corner of Oliver Road and Mankas Corner Road. Along Mankas Corner Road you'll pass the Napa Grass Farmer community farm and Il Fiorello ...
    Read more
  • Mill Valley, California

    Oakwood Trail

    5.0
    2.56 mi / 538 ft gain
    Looking to escape the hustle of San Francisco, but don't want to commit to an entire day on the trail? When setting out for this morning hike, be prepared for about 1.5 hour hiking adventure (longer if you stop for extra photos) and a 20 minute commute from San Francisco.   This hike is recomend...
    Read more
  • San Francisco, California

    Sunset Reservoir

    0.69 mi / 62.99 ft gain
    Hidden in the Sunset District, the Sunset Reservoir is more than just piece of city infrastructure — its surrounding paths make for a convenient urban stroll with peaceful views, a solar rooftop, and surprising vistas of San Francisco. Trail & Walk Details Many local walkers estimate the fu...
    Read more