The San Francisco Bay Area is a region that features many well renowned regional, state, and national parks. 

From Muir Woods to Point Reyes to Angel Island, there are some amazing adventures that should be on anyone’s bucket list (in fact, as part of Muir Woods, Matt Davis trail to Dipsea is our all-time favorite hike and we have done it numerous times).  However, these trails can be a bit more crowded and leave many hidden gems waiting to be discovered.  We have been fortunate over the past 15 years to explore many parts of the bay area, and now as parents, we wanted to share three favorite kid friendly hikes that perhaps aren’t on your radar.

Hike 1: Pescadero Marsh Butano Creek (south of Half Moon Bay)

How to access it: From the East Bay, take HWY 92 West until you take a left on Route 1.  Go approximately 15 miles south on route 1 until you find the Cabrillo HWY S Parking lot, just past a bridge.

Why we love it: When the pandemic first began, Dan was taking weekend classes and Ashley was solo with the kids.  As intimidating as it was to get outside, Pescadero Marsh was the first true outdoor adventure that seeded our vision for Outdoor Wise Living.  We’ve been back as a family a few times since then and it will always have a special place in our heart.  But it’s not just sentimental!  The marsh area has no elevation gain, has beautiful scenery, and has some super fun climbing trees.

How to best explore it: The marsh is a birding paradise so we recommend bringing binoculars.  There are fun shallow waters to wade through (fishing allowed during permitted times) and tide pools to explore, but if you want to stay 100% dry that’s easy to do (we recommend bringing flip flops for the beach area). Explore the entire Sequoia Audubon trail to see some of the eucalyptus trees featured above that are both unique and perfect for kids to climb.  This route can be easily done as an out and back and the trail itself is approximately 2 miles.

Hike 2: Little Yosemite (Sunol, South of Pleasanton)

How to access it: From the East Bay, go south on 680 towards Pleasanton.  Exit on #21 onto I84E.  Continue 4 miles to Calaveras Rd before turning left on Geary Rd.  Follow Geary Rd for 2.5 miles until the parking lot at the end.

Why we love it: Of course, most people are familiar with “Big” Yosemite, but “Little” Yosemite is a hidden local gem.  Accessible yet out of cell phone range, this is a very kid-friendly trail you can decide how adventurous you want to make.  From rock skipping and splashing in the river, to short rock hill scrambles, to water falls, this hiking trail offers you the flexibility to do something that is short and sweet, or much longer with views that are highly memorable.  If you do go the longer route, you’ll likely be walking amongst cows!

How to best explore it: While swimming is technically not allowed, you’ll see many people splish splashing in the river and waterfalls (including us above!).  It gets busy near the waterfalls during the summer and note the waterfalls can be tough to access (steep terrain and loose rocks).   The river can be accessed very early on and is well suited for a lunch picnic.  Our recommended trail route is to take Geary Rd to Olhane Rd.  Check out the river on your right before heading to Yosemite Falls area.  Enter Cerro Este Rd on the left near picnic tables before quickly finding the Canyon view trail on the left.   After some beautiful (but windy!) mountain views, take a left on McCorkle Trail and you’ll meet back up with Geary Rd.  It’s about 2 miles to do an up and back to the falls, and about 4.5 miles total if you do the Canyon view Loop.

Hike 3: Purisma Creek Trail (Santa Cruz Mountains)

How to access it: From the East Bay, take HWY 92W to CA-35.  Drive approximately 6.5 miles before finding the parking lot on the right. 

Why we love it: Simple: banana slugs!  Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve features beautiful redwoods, views, low crowds, and of course the hero of these trails: banana slugs.  These slugs are the second largest species of slug in the world and can grow up to 10 inches long!  Counting how many you find adds a fun twist to a hidden gem of a trail.

How to best explore it: This trail has minimal parking so arrive early.  While there are many different trails within the open space, we recommend the Purisma Creek Trail, which can also be accessed from the parking lot via the redwood trail.  There’s a payoff if you can make it 2 miles down the trail – a nice creek – however note the steep and continuous decline you make to get there.  As an out and back, it can be tiring towards the end as you make your way back towards the parking lot. 

The Bay Area is full of amazing areas to explore and hopefully you were able to add a new destination to your future outdoor adventure list.  Do you have a hidden gem to add?  Please let us know in the comments below!

We hope to see you outside.

Dan and Ashley