One of my goals for 2020 is to create some distance from my phone and get outside! My family has declared a weekly “Sunday Adventure Day” when we try a new walk, a new park, a new restaurant, or just go exploring! Here are some of my favorite finds for going out and getting active in the Bay area.
Pearson–Arastradero Preserve (Palo Alto, CA) is a mixture of rolling grassland and forest. Parts are flat enough to bring a stroller and others are excellent for mountain biking. The entire park allows dogs on-leash.
Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve (Redwood City, CA) offers 366 acres of hiking trails with views toward the bay and surrounding hillsides. Some areas are stroller friendly, although steep. The entire park is dog friendly with a sizable off-leash area.
Windy Hill Open Space Preserve (Portola Valley, CA) is a sprawling 1,335-acres of open grassland, ridges and forests. It offers a truly spectacular view at its peak. Bring kids along in carriers, not strollers. Almost all the trails allow dogs on-leash.
Fort Funston (San Francisco, CA) is one of our favorite family destinations! The 200-foot high sandy bluff overlooks the ocean and, frequently, hang-gliders, and there’s a lovely hike down to the beach. Bring kids along in carriers not strollers. The entire park is off-leash.
Golden Gate Park (San Francisco, CA) is a park most of us take for granted, but it rewards further exploration too. And there is so much to see, from the Botanical Gardens to the Academy of Sciences. There are also miles of walking’/running trails and the entire park is very stroller friendly. Dogs are allowed on-leash.
What are some of your favorite adventure locations? I’d love to hear what you find!