Oakland, California
Oakland, California is a popular spot for outdoor adventurers and nature buffs alike. There are plenty of trails, parks, and activities for everyone to enjoy. Popular attractions in the area include Lake Temescal, Joaquin Miller Park, and Redwood Regional Park. For those looking for a scenic hike, the East Bay Regional Park District offers several trails, including the popular Ohlone Wilderness Trail. For a more adventurous experience, visitors can try kayaking on the Oakland Estuary or take a guided tour of the Berkeley Hills. For a more leisurely experience, the Oakland Zoo and the Oakland Museum of California offer a great way to spend an afternoon. No matter what your outdoor interests are, Oakland has something for everyone. Explore the best trails and outdoor activities Oakland has to offer and make lasting memories.
Top Spots in and near Oakland
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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 -
Moraga, California
Bollinger Creek Loop Trail
1.43 mi / 213 ft gainLas Trampas Regional Wilderness offers an extensive trail system for hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. The trail is open year round and dogs are allowed. The Las Trampas and Bollinger faults spread apart to reveal a wonderful wilderness area with ancient remnants of beaches. The entir...Read more -
Kensington, California
Tilden Little Farm
4.0First make sure to stop at the store and stock up on fresh lettuce and celery for the animals. Your kids (or just the kid in you) will love to feed them! Note that they're only allowed to eat lettuce and celery, so don't try to feed them your own snacks or get creative. ;) If you want to make it...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Bayview Hill Loop
4.01.24 mi / 184 ft gainBayview Hill Loop is a loop trail that starts with a paved uphill climb and views of the bay facing toward the East Bay located in the Bayview neighborhood of San Francisco, California.Read more -
San Francisco, California
Run the Coit Tower Stairs
3.8There are 2 sets of stairs for Coit Tower on Sansome St. The first set is at Greenwich and the second is at Filbert. The Filbert steps are a little deeper per step and are mostly wood and concrete. The Greenwich steps are a little tougher because of the shallower, brick stairs as you get toward t...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Catch a Sunrise at Ina Coolbrith Park
5.0This tucked away neighborhood gem is less than a square block in size, but offers some of the best views of San Francisco. After a quick, but steep, 5 minute walk, you'll be rewarded with incredible views of: the city skyline, Coit Tower, Alcatraz, and the Bay Bridge. There are a few benches avai...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Bernal Heights Park
4.70.95 mi / 128 ft gainBernal Heights Park is an excellent week night adventure for those who need an escape from the city. Sit atop this small, grassy peak in peace and look out over the San Francisco skyline. Park on the street bordering the park and follow a pathway that leads up to the top. You will be instantly g...Read more -
San Francisco, California
McLaren Park: Philosopher's Way Loop
5.02.25 mi / 315 ft gainBeyond McLaren's family friendly playgrounds and picnic areas, there are miles of trail to explore. The Philosopher's trail is a well-marked loop (notice the stone markings along the trail with arrows etched into them). There are several parking lots available where you can jump onto the loop. No...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Aquatic Park
3.7Take an early morning swim and watch the sunrise over the east bay or catch an afternoon swim on a sunny SF day. A full lap around the buoys (out-and-back) is about 1/3 mile and the perimeter of the park is 1 mile. Bring your dog for a swim too! Afterward, you can head up Columbus to one of the m...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Park Day at Dolores Park
4.0If the sun is shining, and you’re in the mood for playing around with friends in one of SF’s many amazing parks, Dolores should be at the top of your list. With amazing views of downtown, huge tiered lawn areas, tennis courts, basketball courts, a brand new playground, and easy access to some of ...Read more -
Lafayette, California
Briones Park's Lafayette Ridge
4.35.31 mi / 981 ft gainThis is a nice and casual hike through the meadows and rolling hills, dotted with cows and hawks and sometimes goats or foxes. As you head up Lafayette Ridge, you'll be rewarded with the beautiful vista spanning from the Oakland Hills to sparkling Lafayette Reservoir. The hike is mostly through ...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Alamo Park Square Park
4.6If you’re ever in San Francisco, you’ll definitely want to spend a bit of time in Alamo Square gazing at these stellar examples of San Francisco history. This is a beautiful and popular green space, where you have uninterrupted views of the iconic Painted Ladies. The Painted Ladies are row of...Read more -
San Francisco, CaliforniaFort Mason
4.8When the sun comes out in San Francisco, Fort Mason's Great Meadow Park transforms into ground zero for bocce ball, corn hole, wiffle ball, music, dancing, wine, and beer. While it lacks the diversity and quirkiness found at Dolores Park, it makes up for it with a beautiful panoramic view of the ...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Swing at Billy Goat Hill
3.5Billy Goat Hill Park is located in the Glen Park neighborhood of San Francisco. The park has street parking at the top of the park on Beacon Street or at the base of the park on Ladley Street. Getting to the swing is only a short walk up or down the stairs that run through the middle of the park....Read more -
San Francisco, California
Climb Beaver Street Wall
5.0Beaver Street Wall is one of the few places to climb in the San Francisco city limits. The 45 ft. tall wall is located in the Corona Heights neighborhood, just north west of Market St. The routes on the wall range from 5.8 to 5.12. The wall features a prominent crack up the center, which makes th...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Corona Heights Park
5.00.65 mi / 115 ft gainCorona Heights Park is a park located north of the Castro and South of Buena Vista Park. The peak of the hill is windy, but it offers an unobstructed panoramic view of the city of San Francisco from downtown to Twin Peaks. It is perfect for taking panoramic pictures of San Francisco at night. Y...Read more
