This East Bay woodland canyon offers great panoramic views of the Bay Area. The 205-acre park sits next to UC Berkeley and has trails accessible from the city. There are no facilities such as picnic tables, just wilderness to enjoy. Several trails are available for hiking, from easy, family-friendly walks to challenging, steep climbs, there's something for everyone. The Stonewall-Panoramic Trail is one of the most popular trails here. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape into nature, a place to explore and hike, or simply a spot to soak in some of the Bay Area's most iconic views, Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve is the place to be.
This 2,428-acre (983-hectare) woodland park in the East Bay is a natural wonderland with rolling green hills, deep canyons, and scattered springs and ponds. It is a beautiful setting west of Tilden Park, complete with a creek that runs through the south end (Wildcat Creek). The park is home to a variety of wildlife. You might see wildflowers in bloom, patches of poison oak, and animals like redtail hawks, snakes, and foxes. One of its main attractions is Alvarado Park, which features new playground equipment, lush green lawns, and picnic facilities.
University of California Botanical Garden is located within the campus of University of California Berkeley. Open to the public since 1890, this is no less than an outdoor living museum that boasts over 12,000 species of flora and fauna. The garden can be rented for private events, wedding receptions, twilight tours, summer walks and concerts.
This historic waterfront area dates back to the Ohlone Indians and is an integral part of the Presidio of San Francisco. Having harbored Native Americans, Spanish settlers, and the U.S. Army throughout the years, Crissy Field has undergone numerous transformations. Today, the city by the bay has once again transformed this area into a recreational space. Visitors will find an educational center, a rock climbing gym, a café, and other establishments in the vicinity. The field also features walking paths, lush lawns, and picnic tables. Gorgeous views of the Golden Gate abound, and you can also unwind on a scenic beach area and enjoy birdwatching along a marsh.
Just north of the Golden Gate Bridge is Mount Tamalpais State Park, a popular hiking area and home of some of the best views of the Bay Area. There are many hikes over varied terrain, including oak and Douglas fir forest, vast grasslands and the distinctive redwood trees. The views of the Pacific are jaw-dropping - once the fog has cleared, that is. Visitors can drive into the park and enjoy the sights, including the Mt. Tamalpais Watershed, the Mountain Theater (a stone amphitheater which can accommodate over 3000 people) or they can park in the many parking lots throughout the park and hike down to Stinson Beach. For a less strenuous hike, venture a little down a winding trail high above the ocean, with incredible views of San Francisco. While entry to the park is free, certain areas charge a nominal parking fee.