Oakland, California
Looking for the best photography in Oakland? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Oakland. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Photography Spots in and near Oakland
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Danville, California
Hike in Mount Diablo's Madrone Canyon
2.8 mi / 550 ft gainThis hike starts at the Rock City area of Mount Diablo State Park. Begin at the Madrone Canyon Trail, hiking southeast towards the Devils Slide trail. Along this section of the hike, the trail dips into a wooded canyon and follows the path of a small creek. To best experience the beauty of the cr...Read more -
Richmond, California
Explore Point Pinole Shoreline
5.0Point Pinole Regional Shoreline is a 2,315-acre parkland that juts out into the San Pablo Bay. Only a brief car ride from San Francisco, this is a great spot for a Sunday stroll, picnic or simply to find a quiet space.There are several short trails to choose from that wind through eucalyptus grov...Read more -
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 -
Tiburon, California
Bouldering at Ring Mountain
0.5 mi / 400 ft gainItching to climb outdoors near San Francisco? With only a quick drive from the city, Ring Mountain is a beautiful nature preserve overlooking the city of San Francisco offering two main rock formations, Turtle Rock (Pictured) and Split Rock. Split Rock is the slabby rock south of the parking ar...Read more -
Walnut Creek, California
Camp at Juniper Campground in Mount Diablo SP
Mount Diablo's summit in Mount Diablo State Park rises to 3,848ft, with Juniper Campground in Mount Diablo SP is at approximately 3,000ft in elevation. Juniper Campground overlooks the valley below and some of the San Francisco Bay. Reservations for Juniper Campground can be made at Reserveamer...Read more -
Pacifica, California
Mori Point Loop
4.82.54 mi / 276 ft gainStart at the parking lots close to the pier, where bathrooms are also available. Walk along the pier to watch the sunset as it begins. Next, walk along Sharp Park Beach to discover the plethora of wild flowers and friendly locals always ready to guide you on your walk. Take the stairs up to the...Read more -
Corte Madera, California
Ring Mountain Loop
4.02.65 mi / 597 ft gainRing Mountain Open Space is an easy but uphill trail that take you to the top where you can explore more trails. Take the 101 exit for Paradise Dr in Corte Madera, follow the road, and park on the side of the road once you pass Westward Dr. Even though there are many places to start the trail fo...Read more -
Clayton, California
Hike Mt. Diablo
4.413 mi / 3323 ft gainMt. Diablo has some of the most expansive views in California, despite it's relatively low peak elevation. It played a large role in the surveying the Bay Area during its early discovery. Getting There: To get to the staging area, take Interstate 80 to I-680 to Highway 4. Exit at Railroad Bouleva...Read more -
Muir Beach, California
Bonfire at Muir Beach
5.0Take in a scenic sunset and enjoy the warmth of a bonfire on the beach! Muir Beach changes the number of fire pits it has seasonally. May through November, the beach offers 6 fire pits, and in the colder months (December through April), there are 3 fire pits on the beach toward the south end of t...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Canopy, Panoramic, Redwood Trail, Sun, Dipsea Trail Loop
4.74.31 mi / 1145 ft gainWhile there are other, less crowded redwood groves in the Bay Area, Muir Woods National Monument is easily one of the best. It is a beautifully maintained site, with wooden footpaths meandering between towering redwoods that are between 600 – 800 years old. It’s home to some true giants, with its...Read more -
Muir Beach, California
Muir Beach Overlook
4.9The Muir Beach Overlook is one of the most convenient spots to take in an amazing view of the entire coastline, and one of the best places to catch a dramatic sunset. It’s conveniently located one mile north of Muir Beach and parking is easy. It’s a 5 minute walk down the trail to the Overlook. O...Read more -
Muir Beach, California
Owl Trail
5.01.2 mi / 300 ft gainThe Owl Trail runs between Slide Ranch and the Muir Beach Overlook and is a great way to take in the breathtaking views, flora and fauna of the Northern California coast. The easiest way to access the trail is to park at the Muir Beach Overlook and to take the trail down to Slide Ranch and then...Read more -
Larkspur, California
Dawn Falls Trail
4.52.29 mi / 344 ft gainTake the Dawn Falls trail down into the Baltimore Canyon for an in-depth exploration of northern California nature. Rather than the usual dry, hardy vegetation that speckles the hills of many nearby trails, this trail is bursting with lush ferns and mossy trees as it meanders along next to Larksp...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Devil's Slide Bunker
4.3The Devil's Slide Bunker is perched out on a point the defiantly juts out into the ocean. The Bunker is covered in constantly changing graffiti, which provides a stunning contrast to the gorgeous seaside. Hop on Highway 1 South. Just south of Pacifica there is a tunnel. Once you go through the t...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Temelpa Trail
4.52.94 mi / 1929 ft gainThe Mt. Tam Hill Climb via Temelpa Trail is an iconic, "best-of" climb in the trail running community, drawing some of the world's greatest athletes to experience its breathtaking views and technical downhill. Surprisingly though, outside of locals and the running community, the trail remains lar...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Gray Whale Cove Loop
5.01.22 mi / 518 ft gainStarting at the parking lot adjacent to Gray Whale Cove State Beach, proceed to the start sign indicating "Grey Whale Cove Trail". GWCT is a fun brisk hike with slight elevation gain that should be easy enough to take a small group or even children to. Take note of the tight spaces you may encou...Read more