San Ramon, California
One of the best trails and outdoor activities in San Ramon, California is hiking the Las Trampas Regional Wilderness. This must-visit trail offers a challenging hike with a scenic view of the rolling hills and the San Francisco Bay. The trail is 5.7 miles long and is known for its steep, rugged terrain and rock formations. Along the way, you'll see the tranquil Madrone and Chamise creeks, which are home to various wildlife species. For a more leisurely outdoor adventure, visit the Memorial Park, a top spot for picnicking and bird watching. Nearby, you can also find the Iron Horse Regional Trail, a multi-use trail that’s perfect for biking and walking. These outdoor attractions in and near San Ramon provide a great way to enjoy California's natural beauty.
Top Spots in and near San Ramon
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Mill Valley, California
Explore WWII Ruins on Point Bonita
4.30.25 mi / 200 ft gainAll throughout the Marin Headlands are WWII-era bunkers, batteries and ruins, including a complex on the hillside above the Point Bonita Lighthouse that provide amazing views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate, and the north coast.Drive out to the parking lot for the Point Bonita Lighthouse in the...Read more -
Pacifica, California
Montara Mountain Trail
5.06.77 mi / 1900 ft gainMontara Mountain Trail is a loop trail that takes you through a forest out to ocean views at the top of Montara Mountain. This hike located near Pacifica, California. and can be accessed from Highway 1 as well. If you're looking to do a similar loop hike from the coast, consider Montara Mountain ...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 -
Los Altos, California
Park Day at Foothills Park
1.7Disclaimer: Foothills Park requires proof of residence in Palo Alto or being accompanied by a resident of the city. Learn more here.Foothills Park is 2.7 miles west of 280 after exiting Page Mill. After exiting you take a short scenic drive up the hill and come to the park entrance on your right...Read more -
Pacifica, California
Rockaway Beach
5.0Rockaway is a dark sandy beach located in the south of Pacifica, CA. It has numerous hiking trails around it, most notably Mori Point. The Mori Point trail will take you through the hills and overlooks Rockaway Beach. There are paths to come down to the beach. There are biking paths and park...Read more -
Santa Clara County, California
Black Mountain via Rhus Ridge Trail
9.75 mi / 2992 ft gainJust outside of Los Altos is a very long ridge of mountains, one of which is Black Mountain. This is a very dry hike, with no tree canopy, so it can get very hot! Be aware that this can make the hike feel a lot more difficult with the sun beating down on you. Follow Rhus Ridge Trail to Black Mo...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Rodeo Beach
5.0Rodeo beach is 10 minute drive past the Golden Gate. Pack up the car with a couple beverages and something to eat, then spend the afternoon and evening taking in the sunset. If you're taking the romantic angle, remember to pack a few blankets just in case the wind picks up or it's colder than ant...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Hill 88 Loop
4.05.5 mi / 1086 ft gainThis quick, yet challenging trail run is located just minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Grab your dog (on-leash), park in the large lot next to Rodeo Beach and hit the trail! The climb starts up the Coastal Trail to the right end of the parking lot if you're staring at the beach. Take the...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Coastal Trail from Rodeo Beach to Muir Beach
11.35 mi / 3264 ft gainThis hike has beautiful views in the Marin Headlands. You'll find easy parking in the Rodeo Beach Parking lot if you get there early (by 8:30 am). This hike goes along the Coastal Trail which has a few steep areas as you make your way to Tennessee Beach. The Tennessee Beach has gorgeous dark b...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Coyote Ridge Loop
5.06.15 mi / 1001 ft gainStarting just before the Tennessee Valley parking lot, head out from the Miwok Trailhead. This Mill Valley hike offers incredible views of the San Francisco Bay, the Pacific Ocean (fog permitting of course!), and on occasion, wildlife. Unfortunately, this trail is not dog-friendly. Keep in mind...Read more -
Mill Valley, CaliforniaTennessee Beach via Tennessee Valley Trail
4.63.64 mi / 266 ft gainThe Tennessee Valley trail is leisurely 3.6 mile roundtrip hike that turns around at Tennessee Valley Cove. Along the way, you’ll hike past shrublands, wetlands, and a lake before you get to a cool little secluded beach that many people picnic at. This is probably the easiest to access, and most...Read more -
Portola Valley, California
Hike the Windy Hill Loop
4.37.2 mi / 1400 ft gainThis 7.2-mile loop starts by heading out of the parking lot and onto the Spring Ridge Trail. Head Southeast On Spring Ridge Trail until you connect with Hamms Gulch Trail. When you jump on Hamms Gulch, head southwest for ~3.4 miles as you circle the far end of the OSP. At this point, you will con...Read more -
Pacifica, CaliforniaSurf at Pacifica State Beach
4.5If you're looking for a place to surf and Ocean Beach isn't quite your speed or Santa Cruz is too far, head to Pacifica, specifically Linda Mar. Linda Mar is usually more wind protected and user-friendly than ocean beach. Break out your longboard or hybrid board and head to this beach. There is e...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Goat Yoga at Lemos Farm
5.0This is a great way to destress and have fun! Goat yoga is like normal yoga, but with goats. Goats tend to like higher ground and flat surfaces. So, when you are in table top position, they are highly likely to jump onto your back! These goats are still young, and so do not weigh as much as f...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Hike or Bike the Old Growth Redwood Loop at El Corte de Madera
4.48.8 mi / 1900 ft gainThis hike starts at the middle parking lot of the El Corte de Madera Open Space Preserve. The middle lot is located roughly a mile south on Skyline Boulevard from the Skeggs Point Vista. From the parking lot, take the Methuselah Trail for 0.3 miles until you reach the Timberview Trail. Take this ...Read more -
Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, California
Hike Deer Hollow Farm Trail
4.02.7 mi / 259 ft gainRancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve has many beginner to intermediate hiking trails. Deer Hollow Farm Trail Loop is a hiking trail for beginners, families, or anyone wanting to go on a short hike with nice views of the bay. The trail passes by a farm and deer can often be seen wandering aroun...Read more
