All Stories from Peninsula & South Bay
The 2025 Hiking Calendar Is Here!
Ready to make hiking part of your New Year’s wellness plan? Get the all-new 2025 Hiking Calendar courtesy of Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).
ViewNew Trails at Bear Creek
Looking for new trails? Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve has added 170 acres of forest, grassland, and historical sites. Hike this 3.5-mile loop through the new addition.
ViewFrom Beach to Summit
No need to decide between a beach and a mountaintop—this hike includes both! Explore the stunning coastal scenery on this 6-mile out-and-back up Montara Mountain and into Rancho Corral de Tierra.
ViewTarantulas at Twilight
Embrace the best of the season with big sunset views, up-close tarantula sightings, and a 5-mile (round-trip) hike in Sierra Vista Open Space.
ViewNighty Light
Just 25 miles south of San Francisco on California’s rough-and-tumble coast lies a centuries-old beacon that’s still lighting the way for voyaging ships. Point Montara Fog Signal and Light Station—operating since 1875—has become the distinguished (and well-preserved!) elder statesman of the seaside.
ViewHistoric Ruins and Summer Wildflowers
A well-rounded summer hike defines this 4-mile loop in San Jose's Alum Rock park is packed with great views, historical ruins, and a close-up look at our native plants and animals.
ViewBike, Beers, Shore Thing!
The coastal community of Redwood Shores may be known for its tech campuses, but this 8.5-mile bike loop explores the natural side of this beautiful peninsula. With a brew pub bonus!
ViewSublime in Sanborn
Located right next door to Castle Rock State Park, lesser-known Sanborn County Park packs mighty beauty within a small hike on the 3-mile Summit Rock Loop.
ViewCañada Collage
This 4.3-mile loop through Cañada Del Oro Open Space Preserve showcases all the highlights of the season, thrumming with wildlife and wildflowers.
View- Sponsored
2024 Wildflower Walks Guide
After spring rain … comes a rainbow of wildflowers! And the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) is sharing the best places for seeing bountiful blossoms in their complimentary 2024 Wildflower Walks Guide.
View Swing into Spring
Swing into this 7.1-mile hike in the hills of Half Moon Bay! It’s got gorgeous views, fields of spring wildflowers, and a hidden rustic tree swing.
ViewSea-sonal Wonders
You’ll need to go during low tides to safely enjoy tidepooling at Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz. As its name suggests, the beach has a natural arch and is an excellent spot for an intertidal adventure.
ViewGone Bananas!
It’s banana slug season in the Bay Area, and one of the best places to see these mighty mollusks is on this 4.7-mile loop through Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.
View- Sponsored
POST's 2024 Hiking Calendar
Ready to start the new year on the right foot? Get POST's complimentary 2024 hiking calendar and you'll be inspired with a great local hike every month of the year.
View Golden Vista
This 4.5-mile loop through Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve includes beautiful vista points, seasonal tarantula sightings, and an epic grand finale sunset spot!
ViewSaratoga Small Wonder
Saratoga Quarry Park features beautiful views, ample picnic space, a labyrinth, and plenty of kid-friendly activities, all within a 2-mile loop.
View- Sponsored
Coastal Hikes Guide for Fall
Ready to fill your fall walks with secluded beaches, towering redwoods, whale sightings, and fresh food? Get coasting! Peninsula Open Space Trust has just released their Coastal Hikes Guide.
View Rockin' Park
Looking for a rocking good hike? Add boulders! Whether you enjoy scaling rock faces, prefer some light scrambling, or just want to admire nature’s sculpted formations, this 4.5-mile hike in Castle Rock State Park has adventures for all kinds.
ViewLittle Hike in the Big Woods
Redwoods, river crossings, waterfalls, and wildflowers—the South Bay’s Portola Redwoods State Park packs a lot of nature’s best features. Enjoy them hiking this 2.5-mile loop.
ViewBikes, Birds, and Beautiful Blossoms
This 8-mile out-and-back bike ride or walk on the Los Gatos Creek Trail offers the best highlights of the season; wildflowers, busy birds, and sunny picnic spots.
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Sublime San Juan Islands
Well, well, this wellness action plan takes you to the San Juan Islands! Easily reached by ferry yet worlds away in tranquility and unique adventures, this Washington State jewel of the Salish Sea nurtures through nature.
Discover the San Juan IslandsYour Inbox to the Outdoors
Stay up to date with our weekly recommendations on where to explore locally in California.