Woodside, California
With its stunning natural beauty and wide range of activities, Woodside, California is a great destination for those looking to explore the outdoors. Hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and more can be enjoyed in the area's many parks and trails, such as the Purisima Creek Trail, the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail, and the Redwood Gulch Trail. For those looking to uncover the area's history, there are several historic sites including the Filoli Estate, the Woodside Store, and the Woodside Glens. Additionally, visitors can tour the area's wineries and breweries, such as the Woodside Vineyards and the Skyline Ridge Winery. With so much to explore, Woodside, California is a true outdoor paradise.
Top Spots in and near Woodside
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Santa Cruz, California
Hike Natural Bridges to Lighthouse Field
3.54.8 mi / 121 ft gainThis is a paved trail that can be used for hiking, jogging, or walking. It offers over 2 miles of beautiful California coast. Walk through flowers, see the jagged cliffs, and of course the lighthouse at the end! This walk can be done from either direction. Start at Natural Bridges and head We...Read more -
Soquel, California
Land of Medicine Buddha Loop
4.55.74 mi / 915 ft gainNear the retreat, there is a short trail called "Eight Verses Pilgrimage Trail" providing people with the opportunity to meditate on thought transformation in a peaceful and picturesque outdoor setting. From there, a beautiful 6 mile loop will take you up to the top of the ridge and then back aro...Read more -
Danville, California
Summit Mount Diablo via Rock City Trail
5.07.8 mi / 2299 ft gainAlthough steep in sections, this trail is a wonderful workout and hikers are more than rewarded for their efforts. The Rock City Trail is a direct route to the summit of Mount Diablo, and the park is an ecological treasure dear to the hearts of Bay Area residents. The best views are on clear days...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Oakwood Trail, Marin Headlands
5.02.56 mi / 538 ft gainLooking 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 -
Danville, California
Hike in Mount Diablo's Madrone Canyon
2.8 mi / 550 ft gainThis 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...Read more -
Lafayette, California
Briones Park's Lafayette Ridge
4.35.31 mi / 981 ft gainThis is a nice and casual hike through the meadows and rolling hills, dotted with cows and hawks and sometimes goats or foxes. As you head up Lafayette Ridge, you'll be rewarded with the beautiful vista spanning from the Oakland Hills to sparkling Lafayette Reservoir. The hike is mostly through ...Read more -
Mount Hamilton, California
Stargaze at Lick Observatory
3.8Hop on Road 130 heading out of San Jose and follow the winding two lane road up, up, up to to the top of Mt. Hamilton and the Lick Observatory. There are lots of deer, wild turkey, and pigs in the area. If you are lucky you will get to see a herd of deer grazing in a meadow. But be careful that y...Read more -
Muir Beach, California
Pirate's Cove
5.03.43 mi / 856 ft gainPirate's Cove is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Mill Valley, California.Read more -
Muir Beach, California
Bonfire at Muir Beach
5.0Take in a scenic sunset and enjoy the warmth of a bonfire on the beach! Muir Beach changes the number of fire pits it has seasonally. May through November, the beach offers 6 fire pits, and in the colder months (December through April), there are 3 fire pits on the beach toward the south end of t...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Natural Bridges State Beach
4.3Natural 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 ...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Surf at Natural Bridges State Beach
4.5Natural Bridges is off of West Cliff Drive to the north of popular Santa Cruz break, Steamer Lane. The break is a right point break, which breaks on a rocky shelf and reef. The break is best during sizable swells (NW, SW, and West) and a low tide. Be sure to check the wind, this break gets blown ...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Photograph Monarch Butterflies at Natural Bridges' Monarch Grove
4.3The 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 f...Read more -
Morgan Hill, CaliforniaUvas Canyon Waterfall Hike
4.01.5 miUvas Canyon offers up to 6-miles of hiking trails, which includes a 1.5 mile loop, which runs along Swanson Creek and passes many of the park's waterfalls. To take short loop, head North out of the parking lot to the Swanson Creek Trail. Once you find Swanson Creek Trail, you'll be on the Waterfa...Read more -
Walnut Creek, California
Run the Mt. Diablo Foothill Loop
5.06.2 mi / 875 ft gainContinue by car down Castle Rock Road until it dead ends at the beginning of the trail. Parking is usually easy to find. If full, there is another overflow lot about 500 ft back the way you came in.You'll walk a good half mile down the trail before getting the main gate. As you're walking, you'll...Read more -
Santa Cruz, CaliforniaSurf Cowell's Cove
4.8Cowell's Cove is located just south of Santa Cruz’s iconic Steamer Lane. The break is a slow pealing right, and is a very user-friendly wave for beginners. It can get crowded on weekends, especially when it's sunny, but no need to worry, there are a lot people out on foam boards and most are begi...Read more -
Walnut Creek, California
Castle Rock Trail
5.06.06 mi / 971 ft gainLocated near Walnut Creek, the trail is easily accessible from anywhere in the Bay Area. The trail is kept open year-round, and happens to be part of the American Discovery Trail and the Coast to Crest trail. If you are not done hiking, connecting trails allow you to summit Mt. Diablo. This tra...Read more
