Bay Area Outdoors
The adobe in martinez
Home to daughter Wanda Muir, The Martinez Adobe is a historic two-story adobe ranch house located in Martinez, California. Built around 1849 by Vicente J. Martinez, it was the first of its kind in Contra Costa County and is now a part of the John Muir National Historic Site
ardenwood
I spent much of my visit around this striking building, trying to get a feel for what it was like to live here more than 100 years ago, far from town yet so very peaceful. The grounds as well as the house recall a prosperous past here at bayside; a visitor could close their eyes and imagine how the families who owned or worked the farm lived and thrived way back when. I basked in the gardens of the large dwelling, taking in the whispers of yesteryear rustling through the trees.
Buttercups on MT. wanda and briones park
The park is also home to many animals and birds, such as turkey vultures, black-tailed deer, cougars, coyotes, squirrels, and red-tailed hawks. Cattle, sheep, and goat ranchers still use portions of the park for grazing purposes and hold a one hundred-year lease that is effective until the 2060s.
Hikes and outdoor adventures
The San Francisco Bay Area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a stunning variety of landscapes, from coastal bluffs and redwood forests to rolling golden hills and urban parks. Here's a list and brief description of some of the best hikes and outdoor experiences in the region.
Marin County (North Bay)
Muir Woods National Monument: A world-famous old-growth redwood forest. The main loop trail is a relatively flat and easy walk on a boardwalk, perfect for all ages. It's a truly humbling experience to walk among these towering giants. Note: A reservation is required to visit.
Mount Tamalpais State Park: Known as "Mount Tam" by locals, this peak offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views of the entire Bay Area.
Matt Davis / Steep Ravine Loop: A classic and strenuous loop that takes you through diverse scenery, from redwood canyons with waterfalls (Steep Ravine) to coastal bluffs with sweeping ocean views (Matt Davis).
Cataract Falls: A popular hike to a series of beautiful waterfalls, especially impressive after a good rain.
Point Reyes National Seashore: A windswept peninsula with dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, and diverse wildlife.
Tomales Point Trail: A fantastic out-and-back trail known for its views of Tomales Bay and the resident tule elk herd.
Alamere Falls: A difficult but rewarding hike to one of California's few "tidefalls," where a waterfall cascades directly onto the beach.
Marin Headlands: Located just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, this area offers incredible views of the bridge and the city skyline.
Coastal Trail: A moderate hike along the bluffs, providing stunning ocean vistas and a chance to explore old military bunkers.
San Francisco
Lands End Trail: This coastal trail offers breathtaking, rugged ocean views and glimpses of the Golden Gate Bridge. The path winds through cypress and eucalyptus groves and takes you past the historic ruins of the Sutro Baths.
Golden Gate Park: A massive urban oasis with miles of trails.
Strybing Arboretum & Botanical Gardens: Features a diverse collection of plants from around the world.
Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve: A surprisingly wild and magical experience in the heart of the city, with a network of trails winding through a dense, foggy forest of eucalyptus and redwood trees.
Angel Island: Take a ferry to this island in the middle of the Bay. The Perimeter Road is a scenic, mostly paved trail that circles the island, offering 360-degree views of the Bay, Alcatraz, and the city.
East Bay
Mount Diablo State Park: The highest peak in the East Bay, with unparalleled 360-degree views on a clear day that can extend to the Sierra Nevada. There are numerous trails for all levels, and you can also drive to the summit.
Tilden Regional Park (Berkeley/Oakland): A sprawling park with a wide range of activities.
Nimitz Way: A popular paved trail with easy grades and expansive views of the Bay, perfect for walking, biking, and strollers.
The Little Farm: A popular family attraction where kids can see and feed farm animals.
Redwood Regional Park (Oakland): Home to a rare and beautiful old-growth redwood forest. The Stream Trail is a popular choice for a peaceful hike under the majestic trees.
Briones Regional Park: A vast regional park in the East Bay, Briones is known for its rolling, grassy hills and expansive, panoramic views
Mt. Wanda: Named by John Muir after his eldest daughter, Mount Wanda was a favorite place for him to take walks with his family, away from the bustle of his home and business.
Fernandez Ranch: the ranch provides essential habitat for wildlife and a network of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The trails, which connect to the larger Bay Area Ridge Trail, offer beautiful vistas of the Carquinez Strait and the surrounding hills
Peninsula & South Bay
Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve (Redwood City): A beautiful spot with a network of trails for hiking and a designated off-leash dog area.
Windy Hill Open Space Preserve (Portola Valley): True to its name, this park offers incredible views of the rolling hills and is a great spot for a challenging uphill hike with a rewarding panorama.
Rancho San Antonio Preserve (Los Altos): A popular spot with a variety of trails and the family-friendly Deer Hollow Farm, where you can visit animals and learn about sustainable farming.
Mission Peak Regional Preserve (Fremont): A strenuous but extremely popular hike known for its iconic summit pole and the stunning 360-degree views of the Bay Area and Santa Clara Valley.
Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve (Woodside): A gorgeous park with trails that meander through a dense, lush redwood forest. The Whittemore Gulch trail is a great option for a deep forest experience.