Nesting birds, rabbits, and coyotes are also often spotted. Does your business rank among the best in California? Limit the Use of Sensitive Personal Information. Among all of those, Cataract Falls is a favorite. Looking for more outdoor fun in the Golden state? If you are using a screen reader, or having trouble reading this website, please call Redfin Customer Support for help at 1-844-759-7732. OaklandDistance: Three milesTrailhead: Start in Joaquin Miller ParkThis mellow hike is great for all skill levels and anyone who want an easy out-and-back hike with a little bit of elevation gain (688 feet), lots of lush landscape (including second-growth redwood groves), and plenty of shade (at least at the beginning and end). Burlingames main street, Burlingame Ave., offers many options to people looking for shopping, such as J. Tamalpais is a welcome of wilderness just 20 miles from San Francisco. In the midst of change, San Mateo has preserved its old culture and family roots., One of the major benefits of Southside Berkeley is the easy access to transportation. 25 of the Most Beautiful Bay Area Beaches - VacationIdea.com No such fear here; the best hikes in the Bay Area offer something for every skill level, with views to boot. The passenger steamship ran aground during heavy fog in 1853 and became the namesake of the surrounding area. Youll need a permit to hike the Ohlone Wilderness Trail in the Ohlone Regional Wilderness (Del Valle is the eastern gateway to this scenic area). Lands End offers all the drama of windswept cypresses and cliff faces descending into the crashing ocean. 10 best Bay Area hikes, according to 600,000 AllTrails reviews Castro ValleyDistance: 3.64 miles or nine milesTrailhead: Lake Chabot Marina, Lake Chabot Regional ParkTake the paved West Shore trail (3.64 miles roundtrip) from the Marina to the dam for views of the lake and the (to be fair: very slim) chance of seeing a bald eagle soaring above the water searching for trout. During your hike, you can bird watch, admire the wildflowers, and take in the tantalizing view of the California coastline. There is a BART station centrally located that is close to most houses. Enjoy spring's blue skies and the promise of longer days with one of these outdoor escapes in the East Bay. 10 Pros and Cons to Consider. But the Lands End Trail is one of the most popular hikes in San Franciscoand for good reason. San Francisco walks: Perfect strolls for summer - Curbed SF Walk along six miles of trails: a half-hour loop, a one-hour loop, and a 1.5-hour loop, as well as longer hikes extending into Mount Tamalpais State Park. For a challenging adventure, try Dipsea Trail. 58 Free Things To Do In The San Francisco Bay Area, California Easy going and dog friendly right in the city center. Elevation gain: 3,732 feet. Seeing the impeccable skyline under fluffy clouds make all the effort worth it, though. The Centennial neighborhood itself has a good mix of housing options, from bungalow-style homes to contemporary condo developments. You understand that your consent is not a condition of purchase, and that you can opt-out at any time. Angel Islandthe largest island in the San Francisco Bayoffers a great hiking experience. All the nearby amenities make this a popular place for families, said Redfin Agent Kalena Masching. From 1934 to 1963, it served as a federal penitentiary, housing the likes of George "Machine Gun" Kelly and Al Capone. Another perk that you may not know about the East Bay is that it also has proximity to incredible open-air spaces (the East Bay Park District alone is 125,000 acres), and therefore lots of amazing public parks (73) and trails (1,250 miles). Youll get pushed along by the stiff wind and be a mere metal fence away from multiple lanes of car traffic, but in return, youll get great views of San Francisco, the rolling hills of Marin and Sausalito, the prison fortress atop Alcatraz, the beauty of Angel Island, and the busy sailboats and container ships. Twin Peaks Trail, Twin Peaks Nature Area, 3. The trail is stroller friendly and perfect for those in need of an escape from the hustle and bustle of San Francisco. Youll gain about 2,000 feet in elevation (it takes about five hours round-trip), so youll definitely want to bring water and probably also snacks. The descent can be steep, but the views sure are purdy. Leave time to explore China Camp Village itself, the remains of a late 19th-century shrimp fishing camp that remained remarkably intact. is chock-full of charming neighborhoods, trendy restaurants and loads of amenities, but, with a median sale price of $1.25 million, it also happens to be the most expensive place to live in the nation. TREC: Info About Brokerage Services, Consumer Protection Notice. But the Lands End Trail is one of the most popular hikes in San Franciscoand for good reason. ClaytonDistance: 7.9 milesTrailhead: Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center, Mount Diablo State ParkWaterfalls in the East Bay? You can go roundtrip or do a one-way trek knowing that public transit services both ends of the trail. Updated January 2020: By searching, you agree to the Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy. ; Take a walking tour of the best Art Deco San Francisco architecture. Luckily for Bay Area residents, the region is bursting with tantalizing destinationsfrom verdant forests and rugged mountains to coastline bluffs and rolling hillsidesthat are best explored by foot. While the demanding trail isnt for novice hikers, it's a great option for those who are looking for challenging hikes in the Bay Area. Image: Mac Holt State of the Union Cheshiahud Lake Union Loop Access Point: Gas Works Park Approximate Length: 6 miles The Gourmet Ghetto offers endless options for locals. Diablo State Park after a recent rainfall to see for yourself. Half of the appeal of hiking Angel Island, in the middle of the San Francisco Bay, is the journey therea scenic ferry ride from Fishermans Wharf or the Marin town of Tiburon. A redwood escape, with minimal driving, Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park feels remote but is just a few miles from downtown Oakland. You also might want to explore the only tunnel in the park that allows visitors inside with a short side adventure to San Cristobal Tunnel. As long as shes exploring, thats her new favorite trip. While the park has some of the best Bay Area hikes, the Grand Loop is the most rewarding of the bunch, serving up stunning views for your entire hike to the top of Mt. 5,487 we love Northern California: 150-foot coastal redwood trees in our backyard. About 10 million years old, the volcano is the source of volcanic rocks scattered all over the beloved East Bay park, which is best seen along the Round Top, Volcanic, and Skyline Loop Trail. In the same general area, downtown San Mateo and downtown Redwood City are similarly walkable but a lot larger. Street parking is available on Stonewall Road (no special lot). From forested pathways to coastal trails, these are the best hiking trails in the Bay Area to explore this weekend. Located in Point Reyes National Seashore, a few hours north of the San Francisco Bay area, Tomales Point (aka Pierce Point) is out on the northern tip of the peninsula. The paved path of the mile-long Stream Trail takes you through the heart of Redwood Canyon at any skill or accessibility level, while more ambitious hikers have a wealth of trails to choose from in this well-marked, well-connected network. The Staumbaugh-Heller neighborhood has recently invested in revitalizing the area and improving the infrastructure. The stroll-friendly Angel Island Perimeter Loop boasts jaw-dropping panoramas of the water and S.F. The Golden City by the Bay has fantastic viewpoints accessible from any number of incredible hikes. Oaklands beautiful hills once held many creeks that fed into Lake Merritt. By clicking subscribe, you are verifying this is your information and in response to your request, you consent to receive e-mail communications from California.com about their news, events and offers. And that's just the beginning, Summer is officially here, and its time to escape into nature and enjoy invigorating outdoor activities in, Nothing will boost your mood this season like adventures along. The area around Malcolm X Boulevard and 125th Street is full of tree-lined blocks and enough good food to ensure you . The neighborhood also has some nearby schools including a high school and a Marin Day school. For this, Start at Juniper Campground and head clockwise via Deer Flat and Meridian Ridge roads, and Bald Ridge and North Peak trails. . Its slopes appear gradual from a distance, but a full 6.8-mile ascent to the top via the Summit Trail is best attempted by serious hikers. Breezing through the Skyline Gate Staging Area is your approximate halfway marker, where youll link on to the West Ridge Trail (where you have wide-open views towards Contra Costa) to complete the circuit. The Bay Area of San Francisco has some great hikes for you to enjoy. The loop trail starts exactly where the edge of San Francisco ends, featuring dramatic coastal views and hills rich in flora and fauna. A climb to the top of the island rewards you with 360-degree views of the city and the bay. Youll quickly climb out of the woods as you gain elevation. Alternatively, start at Stinson Beach and Pantoll will be a convenient halfway break point. . Print this self-guided volcanoes tour before you go (or hope you have cell service the entire time) to get all of the real geological dirt. The pathway starts in a forest and takes you deep into the rolling grassy hills, coming to an end when you connect with the East Bay Skyline National Recreation Trail. Amenities within a 5 minute walk (.25 miles) are given maximum points. Here are the best places to take a walk in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. The area has a rare combination of beautiful large homes, highly ranked schools, a low crime rating and easy walkability to the downtown area, said, . You can combine Islais Creek, Coyote Crags, and Gum Tree Girls trails to create an easy, 1.8-mile loop. There are also four remarkable historical sites here. Round-trip length: 9.7 miles Type: Out and back Level of difficulty: Moderate Among the terrific Bay Area hikes is Tomales Point Trail, which offers a stunning view of the Point Reyes coastline and Tomales Bay. Tamalpais watershed. Not all of the locals know that Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve is home to a volcano, making this East Bay hike a, . Bathe in the warm embrace of the city known for its friendly folk and fresh, locally-caught seafood. To enjoy one of the most renowned waterfall hikes the Bay Area has to offer, head to Pine Mountain and view this series of small falls. Last update on 2023-07-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. Spring also yields tons of wildflowers. Lance Iversen/The Chronicle Spanning close to 1000 acres in . Visit the San Francisco city website for details. But the reward is always better when you really earn it, right? and Tomales Bay. Maybe not in the summer and fall when its hot and dry, but possibly in the winter and spring when theyve been activated by Mother Nature. Whether youre a newbie or a professional hiker, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area has something for you. The 6 Best Bay Area Hikes to Escape the Crowds - Backpacker THE ESSENTIAL WEST: 50 essential Western travel experiences. Trails wind through the thick groves of these fragrant giant trees and make you feel completely removed from city life. San Francisco; Climb the stairways of Potrero Hill on a San Francisco photo walk. The Bay Area of San Francisco has some great hikes for you to enjoy. From there, youll go left to reach the Cinderella Trail (watch out for mountain bikers), where youll climb a small hill to reach a hilltop redwood grove. Walk Score also measures pedestrian friendliness by analyzing population density and road metrics such as block length and intersection density. Downtown Berkeley is a unique area in that it is a fully functioning downtown with a large university just one block off the main strip. There are classic old shops that have been here for more than 30 years mixed in with many brand-new places, making it a great place for diverse and unique shopping options. The Redwood City Centennial neighborhood shares the same great weather, and same downtown area as the Staumbaugh-Heller neighborhood. , which is best seen along the Round Top, Volcanic, and Skyline Loop Trail. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); MyOpenCountry is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. To extend the hike, continue on the French Trail, then descend on the Chown or Orchard trails. Nov. 1, 2022 | Updated: Nov. 22, 2022 3:30 p.m. By one expert estimate, the Bay Area has 10,000 miles of trails.