Tyler DrakeTeam
COO / Co-Founder
Founder of the Outbound Collective. On a mission to make the outdoors more accessible for everyone!
Watershed View was a good family-friendly trail for my 3-year-old, my dad, and me. The trail is short enough without too much elevation gain that I could carry my daughter in some parts and hike in others. Parking is a little limited as it’s a pull-off that holds about 8-10 cars and shares a trailhead with a longer trail. Dogs are permitted on the trail and there were a few groups taking their pups out for a walk.
4.0
The beach park at Kailua was a great stop with our young family. It was a little windy (windy side of the island) and rainy, but it didn’t slow us down. It was really helpful to have the larger parking lot and shower to rinse the sand off the kids. Added bonus: town is so close, which makes it great for grabbing a bite or treats after.
4.0
This loop hike in Point Lobos was a great one for the whole family. We used a carrier for our infant because it's not a good trail for strollers with steps and some rocks. Our 3-year-old did pretty great too, just a little bit of carrying. The trail itself has great views of the coast and a nice change of pace when you hit the Cypress grove. It's best to get there early - we parked just before 10 on a Saturday with no problem. Our parking lot was full by 11:30 when we got back to our car. There is a few to drive into Point Lobos. As of 2023 it's $10, but free if you have a CA state parks pass.
5.0
Salmon Creek is one the most popular breaks in Sonoma County. There is a parking lot and several pull-offs for parking. The lot has put toilets if needed. The beach is not dog friendly and if considering bringing small kids, the current can be pretty strong so you may be better off at other less exposed beaches.
4.0
Ives is great for the whole family. The park is located only a couple of blocks off Main Street. The pool usually stays pretty busy with a small fee to swim. There are also picnic tables and BBQs you can use.
4.0
Sunset Beach River Park has an ample parking lot. There is a small fee you have to pay to park there with rangers checking in occasionally. Note that it's about a quarter mile walk from the parkint lot to the water.
4.0
Mom's Beach was a great afternoon stop in Forestville. The beach is gravel with a little bit of sand close to the water. The water was decently warm for 6pm in August. My almost 3-year old was able to walk out ab9ut 25 feet from the shoreline and still have her head above water. Added bonus is a trip into downtown for pizza at Sonoma Pizza Co.
4.0
We made a family trip here during the holiday weekend. The entrance is a little further off HWY 1, which may have played a part in it being less crowded + the fee to access the state beach/campground. This was a great family spot with plenty of other fams bringing their wagons and sun shades. Definitely recommend it!
4.0
This review is for the trailhead on Petaluma Ave to Llano Road. From this point the trail is great for running, walking with dogs/kiddos or going for a ride. This portion of the trail is about 3.3 miles round trip and is surprisingly quiet given its closeness to highway 12.
4.0
Wildcat Peak provides great views of the Bay Area and downtown San Francisco. The trail is a paved path for about 3/4 of the way up. Keep in mind that if it has rained recently, the final part can be pretty muddy. Parking was easy in a big lot and there are restrooms at the trailhead.
5.0
Islands in the sky vista loop is just off highway 116 in Duncans Mills. I did the loop counterclockwise. The trail was still a little muddy single track. On the route up, the trail had good end of the day sun. At the top, unfortunately the fog had rolled in, so there wasn't a great view. Completing the loop was easier than the start as it was a fire road on the way down.
4.0
The Ontario Ridge Loop offers up stunning views of the coastline from Shell Beach to Avila Beach. The trail can be very steep and challenging when muddy after a recent rain.
4.0
Great place to relax in the middle of San Francisco with views of the Painted Ladies. Grab a coffee at The Mill on Divisadero and head on up!
5.0
Bernal Heights Park has a scenic, paved loop around the circumference with dirt paths heading to the top of the hill for 360 degree views of San Francisco. You’ll also see plenty of pups on this dog-friendly trail.
5.0
This loop in Walnut Creek is a great spot to stretch your legs on a hike or really push your legs on a run. Keep in mind there isn’t much shade so bring plenty of water.
4.0
There are multiple routes and starting points if you want to hike steep ravine, but this is a great option with a central starting at Pantoll Ranger Station, shorter loop that the Matt Davis-Steep Ravine-Dipsea loop, and a change different scenery for the trip back to the car by adding in the dipsea.
5.0
This is a scenic path that is used frequently by runners, bikers, hikers, and walkers. The other starts in the town of Mammoth Lakes just off of Minaret Rd.
5.0
Coyote Ridge Loop is Tennessee Valley is a trail close to San Francisco with ocean views, easy parking, and restrooms at the trailhead. I’d you’re heading here on the weekend, be sure to arrive early as it starts to get crowded later in the morning.
5.0
This cove is located next to the parking area for the Halona Blow Hole Lookout. The path down to the cove is just southwest of the parking area. If you get there early in the morning, you'll beat the crowds of tour buses coming to blow hole parking lot. Keep in mind, the current can be very strong at the cove, so this may be a great place to relax and sit on the beach, but please don't go in the water if you're not comfortable or a strong swimmer.
5.0
Koko Crater Arch isn't a long hike, but it's a little tricky to get started. From the parking area, you cross the highway to the start of the hike. From the GPX track, I recommend starting at the point further from the parking area -- the path is slightly clearer and the scramble up the rocks, quite a bit easier. As mentioned in the other review, be sure to keep an eye out for rain in the forecast. The rock surface up to the arch could get pretty slippery and unsafe!
5.0
Kuliʻouʻou Beach was a place to take my 13-month-old. With the shallow water quite a ways out, it was great place to let her walk/wade in the water, then head back onto shore to play in the sand. Bonus, there's an outdoor shower at the restroom, which was really helpful in rinsing her off after rolling around on the beach. If you can, head here at sunset for the view!
5.0
The Koko Head Botanical Garden is a great trail for the whole family. We saw running strollers on the dirt trail, but easiest with a carrier. Grandparents can head out on this trail as well. The path is well-marked and provides insights into the different regions the plants are from. Keep in mind there is some shade, but not too much, so head out earlier in the day if you can.
5.0
Pirate's Cove can be accessed from Muir Beach or from the Tennessee Valley Trailhead (with a longer hike). This makes for a great spot to bring your lunch or just catch your breath.
5.0
Walking the Brooklyn Bridge from either direction is a must-do. I'll admit it's a bit crowded and touristy, but definitely worth it for the experience.
5.0
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