01
Most iconic coastal trek
Alamere Falls via Palomarin Trailhead
Point Reyes Coast South Of Bolinas • Clifftop Coastal Hike To A Tidefall • Iconic All-Day Adventure
A long, varied out-and-back to a rare waterfall that spills directly onto the beach.
From the Palomarin trailhead at the end of Mesa Road, this route rolls along bluffs, forest patches, and hidden ponds before dropping to the coast near Alamere Falls. The mileage and some eroded sections make it feel like a real outing rather than a stroll, but the payoff—ocean views almost the entire way and the dramatic waterfall—earns its reputation. Go early for parking, check tide conditions, and expect wind and sun exposure on the return.
02
Best wide-open ridge walk
Bolinas Ridge Trail
Ridge Above Olema Valley • Rolling Ridgeline Trail With Bay And Ocean Views • Best For Long Mellow Rambles
A gently undulating fire road along the ridge with sweeping looks toward Tomales Bay and the Pacific.
Accessed from Sir Francis Drake Boulevard above Olema, Bolinas Ridge feels rural and spacious almost as soon as you leave the car. The trail follows old ranch roads, trading steep climbs for steady rollers through grassland and scattered forest, ideal for stretching your legs at whatever distance you choose. On clear days you get wide views in both directions, and in summer the higher elevation can sit just above the coastal fog.
03
Classic Mount Tam loop
Matt Davis – Steep Ravine Loop
Mount Tamalpais Above Stinson Beach • Redwood Canyon And Open-Ridge Loop • Classic Mount Tam Sampler
A highly scenic loop stitching together foggy redwood gullies, ladders, waterfalls, and ocean-facing meadows.
Starting from Stinson Beach, the Matt Davis Trail climbs in shaded switchbacks before breaking out onto broad, grassy slopes with huge coastal views. Linking across to Steep Ravine drops you into a cool, narrow canyon with wooden ladders, bridges, and a lively creek, making the descent feel like a small adventure. The loop is demanding but compact, and it captures much of what makes Mount Tam special within a single half-day hike.
04
Best workout with a view
Dipsea Trail from Stinson Beach to Cardiac Hill
Between Stinson Beach And Mount Tam Uplands • Historic Stair-And-Ridge Route • For Strong, Seasoned Hikers
A steep, historic route that climbs quickly from the beach into open ridges with big-sky coastal panoramas.
The Dipsea leaves Stinson Beach with a punchy series of stairs and short, sharp climbs that gain elevation fast. Once on the ridge, the trail alternates between forested sections and exposed stretches with long views north toward Point Reyes and south toward the Golden Gate. Turning around at Cardiac Hill keeps things manageable but still delivers a serious workout and a strong sense of the terrain that makes the Dipsea Race so legendary.
05
Best easy nature stroll
Bob Stewart Trail, Bolinas Lagoon Preserve
Shoreline Just East Of Bolinas • Short Lagoon-Edge Nature Walk • Best For Quick Birding Stroll
A flat, family-friendly path along the edge of Bolinas Lagoon with constant bird activity and tidal views.
This short loop traces the shore of Bolinas Lagoon, offering a quieter alternative to the bigger coastal climbs nearby. The going is gentle and mostly level, but the setting is rich: shorebirds working the mudflats, shifting light on the water, and good chances to spot harbor seals on the far sandbars at lower tides. It is an easy add-on before or after a longer hike, or a relaxed outing when you want fresh air without a big elevation commitment.