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San Rafael, California

San Rafael, California is a true of natural beauty and endless opportunities for exploration. From rustic trails to immersive experiences, the area provides every traveler with a sense of adventure. Its attractions, such as the Marin Headlands, Muir Woods National Monument, and the Point Reyes National Seashore, offer sights that both challenge and reward. Here, magnificent landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities meet to provide a memorable and unique retreat. With so many choices, San Rafael is a must-visit destination for nature-lovers of all kinds.

Top Spots in and near San Rafael

  • Santa Rosa, California

    Hiking, Swimming, and Fishing in Wine Country

    5.0
    Annadel State Park is located in the historic Valley of the Moon, just 60 miles north of San Francisco, in Sonoma. This popular 5,200 acre park features a wonderful variety of options to explore, boasting views of the Sonoma Valley, rolling meadows of wildflowers, and direct access to 26 acre Lak...
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  • Sebastopol, California

    Laguna de Santa Rosa Loop Trail

    4.0
    3.95 mi / 115 ft gain
    Laguna de Santa Rosa Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Sebastopol, California.
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  • Santa Rosa, California

    Joe Rodota Trail

    4.0
    12.67 mi / 174 ft gain
    Joe Rodota Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Sebastopol, California.
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  • Danville, California

    Summit Mount Diablo via Rock City Trail

    5.0
    7.8 mi / 2299 ft gain
    Although steep in sections, this trail is a wonderful workout and hikers are more than rewarded for their efforts. The Rock City Trail is a direct route to the summit of Mount Diablo, and the park is an ecological treasure dear to the hearts of Bay Area residents. The best views are on clear days...
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  • Danville, California

    Hike in Mount Diablo's Madrone Canyon

    2.8 mi / 550 ft gain
    This 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...
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  • Sebastopol, California

    Ragle Ranch Extended Loop

    5.0
    1.86 mi / 82 ft gain
    Ragle Ranch Extended Loop is a loop trail where you may see local wildlife located near Sebastopol, California
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  • Sebastopol, California

    Thistle - Creek Loop

    5.0
    1.45 mi / 69 ft gain
    The Thistle - Creek Loop is a loop trail at Ragle Ranch. This trail is used for hiking and running and offers some cover/shade as well as great views of foliage especially in the fall months. This trail is located near Sebastopol, California. 
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  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Goat Yoga at Lemos Farm

    5.0
    This is a great way to destress and have fun!  Goat yoga is like normal yoga, but with goats.  Goats tend to like higher ground and flat surfaces.  So, when you are in table top position, they are highly likely to jump onto your back!  These goats are still young, and so do not weigh as much as f...
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  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Camp at Francis Beach Campground

    4.0
    If you love to log as much water time as possible, this little gem is the campsite for you. Half Moon Bay State Beach is actually four smaller beaches, with a total of two miles of sandy shore, but you'll be camping right at Kelly Ave., one of Half Moon Bay's most consistent surf spots. Keep in m...
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  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Hike Along the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail

    4.6
    5 mi / 104 ft gain
    Start at the visitor center along Kelly Avenue. Take note that the day parking fee is $10 in 2016 for each vehicle. You will then be able to enjoy both the Coastside Trail and Francis Beach (plus other beaches) with access to the amenities such as coin-operated showers and a semi-private beach.Th...
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  • Santa Rosa, California

    Gunsight Rock via Hood Mountain Trail

    5.0
    7.91 mi / 2372 ft gain
    Hike to Gunsight Rock through Hood Mountain Regional Park to get a view overlooking Sonoma and Napa Valley. In order to get to the trailhead take Highway 12 to Los Alamos Rd, the road will then turn into Timberline Dr, this will take you to the trailhead. There is a parking fee of $8. From the p...
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  • Santa Rosa, California

    Santa Rosa Creek Trail: Willowside Road to Fulton Road

    4.2 mi / 46 ft gain
    Santa Rosa Creek Trail: Willowside Road to Fulton Road is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Sebastopol, California.
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  • Antioch, California

    Hike the Old Homestead Loop

    5.0
    6.5 mi
    This is a fun day hike that takes you through the beautiful hills of the Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve and a bit of the Contra Loma Recreational Area as well. You can hike here year round, but I suggest going in the spring time when the hills are covered in soft, green grass and the wild ...
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  • Bodega Bay, California

    Doran Beach

    5.0
    4.02 mi / 75 ft gain
    Doran Beach is nestled within the picturesque landscape of Doran Regional Park near Bodega Bay, California. Offering pristine shores and captivating vistas, this is a coastal gem that allows visitors a more protected coastal landscape than nearby Salmon Creek State Beach. Explore sandy beaches ...
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  • Bodega Bay, California

    Miwok Campground at Doran Regional Park

    5.0
    Doran Regional Park is located along the coast just south of the town of Bodega Bay, California. There are 5 campgrounds at Doran and Miwok is the tent-only campground with 13 campsites. There is a parking lot at the campground and bathrooms with coin-operated showers.  FEES: If camping, your e...
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