Castro Valley, California

Castro Valley, California is a top pick for outdoor fun. With its scenic and serene views, it's a must-visit for those seeking a unique experience. There are plenty of top attractions in and near the area, including Lake Chabot Regional Park, Anthony Chabot Regional Park, and Skyline Wilderness Park. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, such as hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. There are also plenty of trails to explore, offering breathtaking views of the Bay Area. For those who love nature, there are plenty of wildlife areas to explore, including the Hayward Regional Shoreline and the Don Castro Regional Recreation Area. Whether you're looking for an adventure or a peaceful day out, Castro Valley has something for everyone.

Top Spots in and near Castro Valley

  • San Francisco, California

    Golden Gate Park Loop

    6.32 mi / 482 ft gain
    Golden Gate Park Loop is a loop trail that takes you past some of the best sights of the park located in the heart of San Francisco, California. Starting in the Inner Sunset, you'll head out on the loop passing Stow Lake and continuing over Crossover drive into the Outer Richmond and Outer Sunset...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Presidio Ecology Trail

    5.0
    1.82 mi / 427 ft gain
    Presidio Ecology Trail is a loop trail through the Presidio located near San Francisco, California. This loop can be started at the Upper Ecology Trail off of Arguello Blvd near Pacific or down at the Lower Ecology Trail near the Inn at the Presidio. This trail is dog friendly on-leash. 
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  • San Francisco, California

    Presidio Bay Area Ridge Trail

    5.0
    2.73 mi / 203 ft gain
    Presidio Bay Area Ridge Trail is a point-to-point trail where you may see wildflowers located near San Francisco, California.
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  • San Francisco, California

    Presidio Loop

    5.95 mi / 823 ft gain
    This route starts and ends on Jackson street in the Presidio Terrace neighborhood of San Francisco. This loop can be started in several areas of the Presidio including off of the Lyon street steps, but this starting point creates a good midpoint of the loop.  Along the route, be sure to keep an ...
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  • 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...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Bike the Golden Gate to Sausalito

    4.7
    Riding your bike across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, and then enjoying some drinks on the back deck at Sam's, is a great way to spend a nice day. The views along the way are simply breathtaking. After your ride and a day of fun in Sausalito, you can return to San Francisco by ferry. It's ...
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  • 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 ...
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  • Pacifica, California

    Milagra Overlook Trail

    5.0
    2.51 mi / 558 ft gain
    Found this hike with some friends after spending some time googling in my car when we were in the area looking for a quick hike with a view!   Dog friendly Free parking (but quite limited) Ocean views Known to have gorgeous wildflower blooms (we were not there during this)Porta-potty type toilet...
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  • 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...
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  • Palo Alto, California

    Arastradero Preserve: Juan Batista & Meadowlark Loop

    3.0
    4.65 mi / 597 ft gain
    Getting There: From Hwy 280, take the Page Mill Road exit and head West on Page Mill Road, away from Downtown Palo Alto (if you're taking 101, exit on Oregon Expressway). Then turn right on Arastradero Road. There will be a small sign indicating the dirt parking lot on the eastern side of the st...
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  • Woodside, California

    Meadow & Bear Gulch Loop

    5.0
    4.57 mi / 1089 ft gain
    Located in the iconic Silicon Valley town of Woodside, Wunderlich County Park offers a number of hiking trails as well as some horseback riding trails through the wilderness.  Once in the parking lot, you will see a number of stables, riding ring, as well as a beautiful historic stable that was ...
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  • Redwood City, California

    Hike Whittemore Gulch at Purisima Creek Redwoods OSP

    4.0
    9.3 mi / 2109 ft gain
    This trail starts out going downhill towards the ocean for the first half, which makes for a tough end to the hike as you trek back up the ridge.  However, there are nice ocean and hilltop views that are worth the climb. On this trail, you'll pass 60+ banana slugs if conditions are right. They ar...
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  • 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...
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  • Redwood City, California

    Hike Purisima Creek Redwoods OSP

    4.6
    7 mi
    There are two places to park for this specific loop- the main parking area on Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard) and a smaller parking lot on the western end of the park. I would recommend parking at whichever is closest. Find directions to both on Openspace.org. From the main parking lot, the trail ...
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  • Redwood City, California

    Mountain Bike at Purisima Creek

    This beautiful mountain bike ride can be started at the Purisima Creek Road Trailhead or on Skyline Boulevard. There are many trails in the Purisisma Creek Redwoods, but Whittemore Gulch is by far the most beautiful and fun single track to descend on. If you are starting from Skyline Boulevard, i...
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  • Richmond, California

    Hike the Wildcat Canyon Loop

    4.0
    10.5 mi / 2300 ft gain
    Starting off on Wildcat Creek Trail, the trail is wide and rolling. After about 4 miles make a left on Jewel Trail, then onto Sylvan Trail. Another left puts you on Wildcat Peak Trail. Be sure to check your map, as many trails intersect here. Wildcat Peak Trail runs into Nimitz Way, at which poin...
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