Since the shelter in place started last march we have been craving the outdoors. We have been looking for new trails to explore around the bay area. Here are our favorites:

Mount Tamalapais

Mount Tam at sunset is magical. In a beautiful foggy summer day you find yourself above the clouds with warm temperatures and 360 views of the bay. We love to meet some friends there for a picnic. Park at the small parking lot right at Trojan Point on the right hand side. Then cross the road and walk along the hills to find the perfect quiet spot.

Crown Beach, Alameda, CA

Crown Beach in Alameda at sunset is our favorite mid week or weekend destination. I always have a picnic bag ready to go so during the week we can take off at the last minute for a sunset picnic. There are tables and bbq along the beach or just bring a blanket. The kids are always happy to run around. At low tide you can walk very far as the bay around there is very shallow. We also sometimes bring our inflatable kayaks for a stroll along the coast. Breakfast at the beach is also a family favorite. Especially on the weekend. We get there as early as possible to enjoy a quiet morning then head back home as the crowds arrive.

Claremont Canyon, Berkeley, CA

Claremont Canyon in Berkeley is a highly trafficked trail this is why I try go very early in the morning to hike with a friends. It’s also a great workout! The trail is (very) steep. Allow 1.5 hour to 2 hours return if you want to go all the way to the top. If you manage to climb up there with your kids there is also a swing in the woods at the top on the left hand side after turning right on the dirt trail. This summer it has been a real pleasure to escape the house to these eerie landscapes with my friends. When there is no fog the views of the bay, San Francisco and Oakland, Berkeley are phenomenal.

Russian River

A little further up north you will find the Russian River at Monte Rio Beach. It is a great spot all year round. The best time and also most quiet time is on a weekend in January. It can get busy in the summer but the light in the winter is perfect. If you want to go down the river by kayaks you will need 2 cars: one to drop off everyone at Monte Rio Beach and one down stream. We parked our car at Casini Ranch Family Campground for a little fee. This spot is beautiful, quiet and very peaceful.

Redwood Regional Park

Redwood Regional Park is full of trails with beautiful trees, all sorts of moss, earthy smells and fabulous colors. If you are lucky you will spot the gazillion ladybugs that overwinter there. I recommend to find a loop starting with the Stream Trail at the Skyline gate Staging area.

Stinson Beach

Stinson Beach is also a year round destination with fewer people in the winter. I love the light there, the marine breeze. Stinson Beach also hosts our favorite lunch spot, The Sirene Canteen. What is a best feeling than eating delicious tacos with your feet in the sands.

Tomales Bay Trail, Point Reyes National Park, CA

This is one of our all time favorite hike. It’s always very windy. In the spring you walk in the middle of millions of flowers. When you reach the end of the trail you have a sensation of arriving at the tip of the world. The ocean is beautiful and the fog makes everything looks magical. The whole hike to the end of the trail is 10 miles. It took us at least 4 tries to go all the way to the end with the kids! You will also find elks all along the way.

The Hippie Tree, Tiburon, CA

The Hippie Tree is in a cute harbor town called Tiburon. You park your car at the top of the hill and hike down to a secret swing with San Francisco and bay stunning views. The swing is hanging from this beautiful, old Eucalyptus tree. There are also big rocks to climb on the other side of the tree. This little hike is good for all ages, any time of year. I would recommend to go in the afternoon for a beautiful sunset light.

Fort Funston, San Francisco, CA

Fort Funston allows dogs so it’s always full of dogs running around. You can hike down to the beach following the path from the parking lot, then walk on the beach to the north and climb back up doing a loop back to the parking lot. This little hike is good year round.

Limantour Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore, CA

Limantour is in Point Reyes National Seashore. It’s a beautiful drive all the way to the parking lot. Then it’s a small hike to the beach. Limantour Beach is huge and very windy. You can hike all along or bring a picnic and enjoy the fresh air and beautiful view. The kids loves this beach for the dunes, the driftwood and simply to jump in the waves. I have always wanted to come at sunset! That’s on my bucket list.