Novato, California
The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Novato, California, offer top outdoor adventures. The Indian Tree Preserve is a must-visit for hikers, renowned for its scenic views and diverse vegetation. This 6.5-mile loop trail is moderately difficult, with an elevation gain of 1,200 feet. The trail features a stunning array of native plants and wildlife, with a creek crossing adding to its allure. For those interested in bird watching, the Rush Creek Open Space Preserve is a prime location. The flat terrain and wetlands attract a variety of bird species. The Stafford Lake Park, set against the backdrop of Mount Burdell, offers fishing, picnicking, and disc golf. For rock climbing, Ring Mountain is the place to be, known for its unique rock formations and panoramic views of the bay. These attractions make Novato a top spot for outdoor activities.
Top Spots in and near Novato
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Santa Rosa, California
Western Route to Eastern Route Loop
2.26 mi / 535 ft gainThe Western Route to Eastern Route Loop in Santa Rosa, California, is a 2.3-mile moderately challenging trail popular for its scenic views and diverse landscape. The loop offers a steady ascent, rewarding hikers with panoramic vistas of Sonoma County and lush natural surroundings. It’s known for ...Read more -
Berkeley, California
Seaview and Big Springs Loop
4.54.28 mi / 1007 ft gainThe trail is dog and horse friendly, and many trail loops make Tilden Regional Park fun for families and those of any skill level. The Seaview and Big Springs Trail loop is typically used by avid hikers, trail runners, or mountain bikers. The first half of the trail is exposed to the sun and rock...Read more -
San Francisco, CaliforniaCrab Fishing at China Beach
5.0It's illegal to catch Dungeness Crab inside the bay, but once you reach Baker Beach and China Beach, it's legal to catch 10 per valid fishing license. When you're ready to start your crabbing adventure, head to Gus' Discount Tackle. They'll get you set up with the right equipment (a crab trap, zi...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Mile Rock Beach
4.71.64 mi / 223 ft gainThis rocky, secluded beach is tucked in along the Land’s End Coastal Trail in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Located 100 or so steps down from the main trail, you’ll find this mysterious little beach that will make you feel like you’re in an old pirate movie. There are a lot of logs an...Read more -
Berkeley, California
Wildcat Peak via Nimitz Way
4.74.16 mi / 459 ft gainTilden Park is a beautiful recreational area with scenic hiking trails, a swimming lake, small animal farm, a steam train and botanical gardens. The versatility of this park makes it very family and kid friendly, and those who are looking for a moderate hike within the park have almost forty mile...Read more -
Orinda, California
Wildcat Peak Loop
4.05.89 mi / 1050 ft gainFrom Inspiration Point, head toward Nimitz gate. Once you pass through the gate, keep an eye out for Curran Trailhead; this is the trail you'll be starting on. After about 1/8 of a mile, you'll reach a junction with the Meadows Canyon Trail. Turn right onto this trail to continue the loop. This p...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Lands End Trail
4.73.26 mi / 518 ft gainThe Lands End Trail is a 3.26 mile out-and-back hike located in the northwest corner of San Francisco along the city's rugged coastline. Offering spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, and the Pacific Ocean, the hike is one of the most popular trails in San Francisco for ...Read more -
Berkeley, California
Lake Anza in Tilden Park
5.0Lake Anza makes for a great warm weather swimming hole. The parking area is close to the beach along with the trail, which will take you around the lake. The beach gets plenty of sun and is fairly wind protected, which makes for a relaxing day. Bring some picnic food out to the lake and snag your...Read more -
Berkeley, California
Hidden Waterfall in Codornices Park
4.00.5 miPark along the street in front of Codornices Park in Berkeley. Follow the stream to the left of the playground. Take the path up the hill to the right (don't head over the bridge on the left). Keep walking up multiple concrete stairs. After the first flight of stairs you'll see a path on the left...Read more -
Berkeley, California
Berkeley Rose Garden
4.0I'm always surprised at how few people know of this beautiful garden. I'm often alone when I visit, which allows for perfect serenity. Visit in early spring for maximum blooms. Park on Euclid Ave, which is where you'll find the entrance to the amphitheater (you can't miss the giant sign). Spend ...Read more -
San Francisco, CaliforniaLyon Street Steps
4.5Rumor has it there are almost 300 stairs from top to bottom. This is a great place to get some exercise in if you're up for running or walking up the stairs. Do a few laps (roundtrip) and you'll be pretty happy with your workout. If you're really looking to get after it, throw in a few pushups an...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Presidio Bay Area Ridge Trail
5.02.73 mi / 203 ft gainPresidio Bay Area Ridge Trail is a point-to-point trail where you may see wildflowers located near San Francisco, California.Read more -
San Francisco, California
Presidio Ecology Trail
5.01.82 mi / 427 ft gainPresidio 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.Read more -
San Francisco, California
Presidio Loop
5.95 mi / 823 ft gainThis 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 ...Read more -
San Francisco, CaliforniaLover's Lane, Ecology, Mountain Lake Trail Loop
4.52.04 mi / 344 ft gainTucked into a corner of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is the Presidio, a beautiful little oasis of forests, beaches, and sweeping views that locals love. While the coastal trails get most of the attention here, the park covers 300 acres of prime real estate with lots of notable attract...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Sutro Baths Ruins
4.5Whether you simply look down on the ruins from the [conveniently located] parking lot above, or choose to walk down the stairs and explore, you will be greeted with stunning views of the Baths, and the Pacific Ocean stretching infinitely beyond. The highlight of any trip to the Sutro Baths is ...Read more
