Marina, California
Marina, California, boasts some of the best outdoor activities and attractions. A must-visit is the Fort Ord Dunes State Park, a top spot for hiking, biking, and fishing. The park offers four miles of scenic ocean views, a boardwalk, and a 1,500-foot trail. The trail is moderately difficult, perfect for those looking for a bit of a challenge. Another fantastic trail is the Marina Dunes Preserve. This trail takes you through unique sand dune formations and offers striking views of the Pacific Ocean. It's a great place for bird watching and beachcombing. If you're up for more outdoor adventures, head to the Locke-Paddon Park. This community park features a beautiful lake, walking paths, and picnic areas. These are just a few examples of the best trails and outdoor activities in Marina, California.
Top Spots in and near Marina
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La Honda, CaliforniaHike through Portola Redwoods State Park
4.87 miLike redwood hikes? We do too, they're always very scenic and take you away from the hustle and bustle of the bay area. Not to mention, they also stay cool during the summer months. If you want a hike in the middle of the peninsula, this is a great bet.When starting this hike, head out from headq...Read more -
La Honda, California
Hike Peters Creek and Long Ridge
4.05.7 miFrom the parking lot, take the connector trail towards the Peters Creek Trail for 0.4 miles. As you descend into a small valley, notice the sound of running water that appears. When you reach the first trail intersection, turn left on the Peters Creek trail. This will give you your first encounte...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 -
Pescadero, California
Año Nuevo and Goat Trail Loop
4.03.76 mi / 761 ft gainThis steep and winding trail takes you to the top of a ridge where you can see the Pacific coastline and the redwoods piercing through the forest canopy. To do this trail connect the Ano Nuevo Trail, Olmo Fire Road, Goat Trail and the Six Bridges Trail. If you don't have all day to do the Canyon ...Read more -
Pescadero, California
Hike the Canyon Rim Route in Butano State Park
5.011.7 miLocated deep within the Santa Cruz Mountains, Butano State Park boasts a large redwood canyon with many miles of hiking trails as well as campsites. This state park is one of the quietest and least visited parks on the peninsula making a perfect place to escape the hustle of the Bay Area Butano S...Read more -
Pescadero, CaliforniaCamp at Butano State Park
Butano State Park definitely flies under the radar. But for those who love quick escapes, small crowds, fun hikes, and beautiful redwoods, it's a favorite. The park features miles of hiking trails, 21 drive-in campsites and 18 walk-in campsites. Restrooms with running water are provided. Drinking...Read more -
Pescadero, California
Hike the Little Butano Creek Trail
1.5 miThis short hike follows Little Butano Creek through a lush redwood forest. The trail crosses the creek multiple times as you walk over redwood pine needles and through pockets of ferns. Dogs can join on this trail, but must be on leash.Read more -
Pescadero, California
Explore the Pidgeon Point Lighthouse
5.0Pidgeon Point Lighthouse is conveniently located just 50 miles south of San Francisco. Constructed in 1872 and standing at 115 feet, it is among the tallest lighthouse in America.Part of the state park system, it is surprisingly secluded. Numerous parking space were available in the lot with hand...Read more -
Pescadero, California
Exploring Big Sur to Pigeon Point
We started off in Big Sur and took as many pull-off viewpoints as possible between Big Sur and the final destination, Pigeon Point Lighthouse. The weather was foggy in some spots but would open up to reveal the vast Pacific Ocean and sun in others. The weather was mild for us but we're familiar w...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 -
La Honda, California
Mountain Bike Skyline Ridge Preserve
4.03.5 mi / 313 ft gainThere are a bunch of beginner to intermediate mountain biking trails at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve (click here for a trail map). There are some beginner mountain biking classes that come here to learn. You can find specific trails that match your ability at MTB Project. There is a Chris...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Hike Russian Ridge
4.54 miRussian Ridge offers a great place to jump on the trail and in the right season, see some of the best wildflowers blooming. On top of that, you get access to amazing views from the ridge. Once you hit your parking space, add a little extra warm up before jumping on the trail to make this 3.7-mil...Read more -
Loma Mar, California
Bike Pescadero Creek County Park
5.012.5 mi / 1350 ft gainPescadero Creek County Park and the connected Sam McDonald and Memorial Park are located deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains holding a vast network of secluded trails. From biking to backpacking, this area is a perfect place for a day or weekend adventure. This area also has the added bonus having r...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Goat Camp via Twitchwell Flat Use Trail
5.09.2 mi / 3852 ft gainTo find this trailhead, head down Highway 1 towards Limekiln State Park Campground. Between Lucia and Limekiln, there should be a shoulder off the side of the road to park overnight. Cross the street to the trailhead of Twitchwell Flat Use Trail. Bear in mind that there is abundant poison oak alo...Read more -
La Honda, California
Hike the Brook Trail Loop
7.1 mi / 1500 ft gainThe Brook Trail Loop is a beautiful hike, starting off in Sam McDonald County Park and later entering into Pescadero Creek County Park. This adventure can be done in any season, with the trails almost entirely shaded for even the hottest summer days. Starting off from the Heritage Grove trailhead...Read more -
Los Altos, California
Hike to Black Mountain and Stevens Creek Canyon
4.06 mi / 950 ft gainThis hike can be done during any season, but for the creek to be running and for more comfortable temperatures, it is best to go on a cool winter or spring day. Starting at the preserve parking lot, take the Stevens Creek nature trail, allowing you to witness spectacular views of a large, foreste...Read more
