Pacific Grove, California
Pacific Grove, California is a must-see destination. With its scenic views and top attractions, it's no wonder why it's one of the most visited places in the area. From hiking and biking trails to beachside strolls, there's something for everyone. Must-visit attractions include Lovers Point Park, Point Pinos Lighthouse, and Asilomar State Beach. For some outdoor adventures, explore the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, Elkhorn Slough Reserve, and the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or an adventure, Pacific Grove offers some of the best trails and activities in the area.
Top Spots in and near Pacific Grove
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Boulder Creek, California
Hike the Old Growth Redwoods Trail
4.50.5 miQuick half-mile stroll through the old growth Redwoods that will show you the nature of the ever-living redwood tree.Redwoods are capable of withstanding storms, floods, fire, droughts, and even termites. These legendary trees can live for over 2,000 years and possess incredible strength, vigor, ...Read more -
Paicines, California
Hike the Old Pinnacle Trail in Pinnacles National Park
5.09 mi / 2000 ft gainStart at the Old Pinnacles Trailhead and embark on a roughly 9 mile long adventure surrounded by amazing geological rock formations and natural landscapes. Bask in the peace of nature... meander through meadows alongside the West Fork of Chalone Creek and into Old Pinnacles. Continuing on at the ...Read more -
Paicines, California
Hike the High Peaks & Balconies Cave Loop
5.08.4 mi / 1540 ft gainThis hike can begin at Old Pinnacles Trailhead (East Entrance) or Chaparral Trailhead (West Entrance) and can be hiked in either direction. This description is from Old Pinnacles Trailhead, hiking clockwise, which gets the most demanding part of the hike done first. From Old Pinnacles Trailhead w...Read more -
21600 Big Basin Way, California
Hike the Sequoia Trail at Big Basin Redwoods SP
4.04.3 mi / 600 ft gainThis 4.3 mile hike in Big Basin Redwoods SP is a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In the first half, there is a quick detour you can take to Sempervirens Falls. Just listen for sounds of water, read the signs, and cross the road. The detour itself is as far as cross...Read more -
San Jose, California
Explore Santa Teresa County Park
4.58.3 mi / 2053 ft gainThe Santa Teresa County Park loop is perfect for wildlife viewing! Be ready to see deer, coyote, hawks, turkeys, pigs and cows. The trail is rated as moderate - be cautious with mud if you are visiting the park after a rain shower. Dogs are allowed in the park, but must be kept on leash. There i...Read more -
Los Gatos, California
Hike Los Gatos Trail to Jones Trail Loop
3.8 mi / 511 ft gainThis trail winds its way along the Los Gatos Creek and ends at the Lexington Reservoir before looping back to the start. It is 3.8 miles and makes for a great way to get exercise and relax in nature. You can hear the creek as you hike, and can even go down to it. There is a lot of green foliage t...Read more -
Sanborn County Park, California
Hike Sanborn County Park via the San Andreas Trail
4.04.2 mi / 1282 ft gainThis is a moderately rated 4.2 mile trail that winds through the redwoods west of Saratoga. It features a dirt trail with tall trees and a creek. The hike is very tranquil and there is lot s of greenery. There are big rocks in the creek that can you can sit on. People often meditate here as i...Read more -
Los Gatos, California
Hike the Saratoga Gap Trail
4.64.7 miThe Saratoga Gap Trail is relatively lightly trafficked trail that is good year round, although waterfalls peak in late winter and spring. Overall, this 4.7 mile partial loop hike is moderate, with about 1000 feet in elevation change. Trailhead elevation is about 3090 feet. The featured hike desc...Read more -
Saratoga, California
Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail
4.530.8 miWant to experience one of the bay area's most memorable backpacking trips? We've got the details to get you out on the trail. To start the trek, drop your car at the Castle Rock State Park Parking Lot, which is located ~2.5 miles south of the junctions of Highways 35 and 9 off of Highway 35. Not...Read more -
Saratoga, California
Backpack Castle Rock State Park
4.7Castle Rock Trail Camp has a different policy than other backcountry camps in the area (i.e. campsites along Skyline to the Sea). This campground is open all year and is available on a first come, first served basis. If you can, grab a spot a Frog Flat Camp. To get to the camp, park your car at t...Read more -
Paicines, California
Camp in Pinnacles National Park
4.0/ 1819 ft gainPinnacles Campground is accessible from the east side of the park, and you generally lose cell service about 20 minutes before the park entrance. The campground offers tent camping, group camping, and a handful of RV sites. The tent and group sites have individual picnic tables and fire rings, an...Read more -
Pescadero, United StatesRelax at Costanoa Lodge
3.0Looking for a quick escape from the city, but sleeping on the ground isn’t really your thing? Look no further than Costanoa Lodge in Pescadero, an upscale "glamping" experience just an hour south of San Francisco with tons of hiking options. This is a really fun option for anyone who enjoys being...Read more -
Morgan Hill, California
Backpack to Coit Lake
5.026 miThis trail can be started from Coe Headquarters or Hunting Hollow Trailhead. The trail from Coe HQ is 2 miles longer, almost all elevation but provides beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. These directions will be starting from Coe HQ.Follow the loop around the parking area to the backpa...Read more -
Morgan Hill, California
Backpack to Mississippi Lake
5.026.4 mi / 3600 ft gainIf you're tired of trying and failing to get reservations for backcountry camping around the bay area, then Henry Coe State Park is the perfect place to visit. No reservations need to be made prior to the trip. All you need to do is get to the HQ on the morning of your trip, get your permits and ...Read more -
Los Gatos, CaliforniaLost Mine Trail Run
Communes, dairy, and gold. These words are not often associated with trail running, but out on Monte Bello Ridge and Black Mountain which rise high above Silicon Valley, you might just hear them uttered.From the parking area in Skyline Open Space we start our run by crossing Skyline Boulevard and...Read more -
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
