As the summer gets closer, the desire to explore and discover new places increases. The amount of nature and wildlife is always abundant in California, so there is no reason not to try. If you're looking to try a new park area near San Francisco then keep reading!
Mount Umunhum is located in Santa Clara County, south of San Jose.
This is a 12-acre mountaintop, located within the 18,000-acre Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve south of Los Gatos.
Mountain and nature lovers are excited for the opening of Mount Um because it will offer more views comparable to Mount Diablo, Mount Tam and Mount Hamilton.
This area has been a recognizable spot because of "the cube," a five-story concrete radar tower building perched on top of the summit. The building at the summit used to be a radar installation, formerly of Almaden Air Force Station.
California is full of nature and beauty. If you're looking for a natural thrill in the outdoors, then Northern California is ideal! Northern California is known as one of the most beautiful places in the United States, and it's worth a visit. Let's take a look at some tragically overlooked state parks to visit around San Francisco and beyond! Make sure to check for weather conditions and park hours before embarking upon these adventures. Let's go!
Angel Island is a hidden gem in the midst of the urban Bay Area. Angel Island State Park, the largest natural island in the San Francisco Bay, offers some of the best views of the surrounding Bay Area and incredible coastal hikes.
Another overlooked gem! This state park offers lots of nice, forested hikes with towering Redwoods. It will take about 1.5 hours from the city, so give yourself time. In the end, the redwoods and majestic mushroom growth will wow you! A visit to Big Basin Redwoods State Park is truly unforgettable.
A short drive outside the city gives you a wonderful state park full of surprises. Explore the "Little Butano" trail and enjoy streams, banana slugs, wild mushrooms, newts, ferns, and more! Butano State Park is one of those hidden gems you'll love forever after you visit the first time.
Enjoy this park for a variety of reasons. You'll see waves crashing at the start of the trail all the way down to the beach. There will be spectacular views of Monterey in the distance along the hiking trails. Fort Ord Dunes State Park
Enjoy the odd shaped rocks and dreamy atmosphere here. This state park is along the ocean! Also, there are a lot of pretty wildflowers, native animals, and photo opportunities waiting at Salt Point State Park. Might wanna go ASAP!
Everyone goes to the Redwoods, but instead check out the calm, majestic beauty of this Grove at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve Park. This park is a living reminder of the magnificent primeval redwood forest that makes California so grand.
Limekiln State Park is open and waiting for would be hikers and nature lovers! The park features the beauty of the redwoods, the rugged coast, and the cultural history of limekilns.
The most unique and eclectic state park in California, the Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park, is more historic than anything else, but still worth exploring. Visit a mansion run by the Department of Parks & Recreation. Also, enjoy a guided tour and walk around the grounds. Check out the state capital too!
Garrapata State Park is located on Highway 1 about seven miles south of Carmel. You'll be able to enjoy some coastal views along with dense coast redwood groves. It's one of the best ways to discover the wonders of Northern California without roaming too far away from home.
Andrew Molera State Park is often tragically overlooked because of all the beauty nearby in Carmel, Big Sur, and more. This is an undeveloped coastal trail system that is ideal for true nature lovers and is still a work in progress. Check it out!
There is just so much beauty in and around the San Francisco Bay Area — Mother Nature has seriously spoiled us rotten on this side of the world. And while we have our fair share of nationally and internationally recognized landmarks right at our fingertips, some of the more modest state parks are serious gems in their own right. Here are 10 of the best state parks to visit around San Francisco.
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1. If you’re looking for the best parks in California, Angel Island grants incredible and serene views of the city and the Bay.
3. Big Basin Redwoods, California's oldest state park, feels like a magical forest with its towering trees, colorful flora and fungi, and spectacular waterfalls. I
4. Castle Rock State Park is definitely one of the best parks in california. Siting up high up in the Santa Cruz Mountains, it offers spectacular sweeping views, forest fun, and a great place to rock climb.
5. Candlestick Point State Recreation Area is an urban oasis fit with bike paths, picnic areas, and incredible views of the Bay from the southern edge of the city.
8. Portola Redwoods State Park is a quiet spot full of sky-touching trees, tucked away in the small town of La Honda. This beautiful gusher is called Tiptoe Waterfall.
9. Robert Louis Stevenson State Park was home to the Treasure Island author's honeymoon. While here, hike to the top of Mt. St. Helena for views of the Bay Area and maybe even the far-off Mt. Shasta.
10. Tomales Bay State Park gives you both forest and beach. After a day of hiking--one of the best things to do outside in California--and sunbathing, be sure to grab some oysters.
From mountains to redwoods to seals (!), this is one stellar list, am I right?! What other state parks around San Francisco should be included here? We want to know!
