In the late 1800s, California's first state engineer, William Hammond Hall, and his assistant, a Scotsman named John McLaren, transformed more than 1000 acres (405 hectares) of sand dunes into a wondrous haven in the midst of the city, christened Golden Gate Park after the eponymous strait nearby. Stretching over 50 blocks from Stanyan Street to the Pacific Ocean, the lush landscape is etched with numerous trails for walking, jogging, biking and horseback riding, alongside a golf course, bowling greens, a lake with paddle boats, soccer fields and a baseball diamond. From the Japanese Tea Garden and the Conservatory of Flowers to the California Academy of Sciences and the de Young Museum, San Francisco's Golden Gate Park encompasses a wealth of scenic beauty and cultural intrigue within is expansive embrace. There are also several playgrounds, a quaint carousel, an aquarium, a buffalo reserve and an outdoor bandshell where open-air concerts are hosted each summer.
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 popular park is a 2,077-acre ( 840.5-hectare) wilderness wonderland with a variety of attractions for the sports enthusiast, naturalist, or anyone in need of some recreation. Popular activities include swimming, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, sunbathing, exploring, golf, picnicking, fishing, pony rides, train rides, and bike rides. It also features a lake, golf course, petting zoo, a mini steam train, a carousel, and endless trails to explore. Do not miss the Regional Parks Botanical Garden, home to the world's most complete collection of California native plants.
This park provides a charming, secluded nature getaway, mostly utilized by locals in the warmer months. There are two parts of the lake, one smaller area used for swimming, equipped with a lifeguard on duty in the summer, and a larger part that is open for fishing year-round. Situated in Tilden Park, the lake features a sandy beach, grassy knolls, a refreshment stand, a nearby parking lot and picnic tables.
The Berkeley Marina is a section of the Parks Recreation & Waterfront. The Marina covers an area of 52 acres (21.04 hectares) and features 1100 berths for boats. The marina is complete with boat yard, fuel dock and boat launch ramp. The fishing pier located within the marina is a popular summer spot for those who enjoy the sport. Spend a day learning about nature in an engaging manner at the Shorebird Nature Center, or let your kids enjoy a day out in the sun at the Adventure Playground. You can also dine at one of the marina's three restaurants. The marina is especially lively during the Berkeley Bay Festival and the Fourth of July and Fireworks.
This state park, which spans the shorelines of several cities, features a landscape characterized by wetlands, sandy shores, landfills, and marshes. The park offers plenty of recreational opportunities for nature and outdoor enthusiasts and serves as an ideal outdoor destination for all ages. Trails winding across the expanse enable visitors to admire the picturesque environs of the area, and vantage points scattered along the paths afford splendid views of the San Francisco Bay. Those inclined to wildlife viewing and hiking will relish a visit to this scenic state park.
A dairy ranch in the past, this 60 acre (24.28 hectares) park bordering a part of central San Rafael and Sleepy Hollow is a good destination for outdoorsy people. It is a great hiking spot with trails leading into the surrounding hills and ridgeline. A visit here is a great way to spend time with nature.
Overlooking the San Francisco Bay, the Presidio is one of San Francisco's best kept and oldest parks. The Presidio Trust, along with the National Park Service, seeks to preserve the heritage and architecture of the area while providing both locals and tourists with a splendid recreational spot. Visitors to the park can admire several restored military buildings and embark on explorations of the expansive area. Attractions such as the "Spire," attributed to artist Andy Goldsworthy, and other unique additions have even helped the park be featured in numerous TV shows and movies. The Presidio is an excellent destination to visit with the entire family, and the park also offers tours to help acquaint you with all it has to offer. It is open year-round, and entry is free.
Point Isabel Regional Shoreline is an idyllic recreational area that covers approximately 23 acres and offers a diverse range of activities for visitors of all ages. The shoreline features a panoramic view of the San Francisco skyline, making it an excellent spot for photography and sunset watching. This is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, as it provides a habitat for migratory birds and waterfowl. Those interested can indulge in activities like picnicking, kayaking, biking and surfing as well. Ample parking is available, and public transportation options are nearby, making it a popular destination for day trips.
Limantour Beach is a small secluded beach at Point Reyes National Seashore. A short, scenic trail leads to this clean beach that is frequented by dog walkers. The fine sand at the beach is ideal for long walks while admiring the beautiful waves crashing against the shore. Being relatively isolated, Limantour Beach is also home to many vibrant sea creatures like jellyfish and starfish, which can be spotted here while beachcombing. The location is also a great spot to witness elephant seals in their natural habitat.
In the late 1800s, California's first state engineer, William Hammond Hall, and his assistant, a Scotsman named John McLaren, transformed more than 1000 acres (405 hectares) of sand dunes into a wondrous haven in the midst of the city, christened Golden Gate Park after the eponymous strait nearby. Stretching over 50 blocks from Stanyan Street to the Pacific Ocean, the lush landscape is etched with numerous trails for walking, jogging, biking and horseback riding, alongside a golf course, bowling greens, a lake with paddle boats, soccer fields and a baseball diamond. From the Japanese Tea Garden and the Conservatory of Flowers to the California Academy of Sciences and the de Young Museum, San Francisco's Golden Gate Park encompasses a wealth of scenic beauty and cultural intrigue within is expansive embrace. There are also several playgrounds, a quaint carousel, an aquarium, a buffalo reserve and an outdoor bandshell where open-air concerts are hosted each summer.
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.