01
Best overall pick
Crockett Hills Regional Park
Hilltops Just South Of Crockett • Rolling East Bay Ridge And Valley Park • Local Go-To For Views And Variety
A close-to-town network of ridge and creek trails with wide-open views over the Carquinez Strait.
From the Crockett Ranch staging area, you can link Edwards Creek, Sky, and Soaring Eagle trails into loops that mix shady gullies with high, grassy ridgelines. The payoff is big—long sightlines toward Mount Diablo, Mount Tam, and the bridges, plus spring wildflowers when the hills turn green. Expect some sustained climbs, sun exposure, and shared use with mountain bikers, so start early on hot or busy days.
02
Best ridge-and-water combo
Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline
Between Crockett And Port Costa • Scenic Shoreline And Bluff-Top Park • Best For Bay And Bridge Views
Undulating singletrack and ranch roads trace the bluffs above the strait with constant water and bridge vistas.
The Bull Valley, Carquinez Overlook, and Port Costa loops give you a classic East Bay mix of golden hills, oak pockets, and ship-watching far below. Starting from Crockett or Port Costa, you can choose shorter out-and-backs to overlooks or commit to a longer figure-eight loop with more elevation gain. Wind can whip across the ridges, so bring a layer even on bright days and watch for grazing cattle near the trail.
03
Easiest scenic outing
George Miller Regional Trail (Carquinez Scenic Drive)
Bluffs Between Crockett And Martinez • Paved Bluffside Path Above The Strait • Relaxed Walk And Bike Option
A mostly level, car-free paved path that follows the old Carquinez Scenic Drive with big water views and minimal effort.
This is the spot when you want the scenery without a steep workout—perfect for strollers, casual walkers, and bikes. Start from the Crockett trailhead for a mellow out-and-back along cliffs dotted with wildflowers and interpretive signs about the shoreline and rail history. There’s little shade, so it shines on cooler days or evenings when the light drops over the water.
04
Best quiet escape
Fernandez Ranch Open Space
Briones Valley East Of Crockett • Oak-Studded Ranchland Preserve • Best For Quiet Nature Escape
A laid-back network of creekside and ridge trails in former ranchland just inland from the strait.
Fernandez Ranch trades bay views for a more tucked-away feel, with trails that wander through shady riparian corridors and climb to broad, pastoral ridges. The Whipsnake, Windmill, and Fox trails link into loops that feel surprisingly remote for being so close to the freeway corridor. Look for cattle, raptors, and seasonal wildflowers, and expect a mix of sun-exposed stretches and welcome oak cover on warmer days.
05
Most family-friendly pick
Benicia State Recreation Area
Benicia Shoreline Across The Strait • Tidal Marsh And Shoreline Park • Best For Easy Bayfront Strolls
Gentle paths and bike-friendly routes follow the edge of the strait through marshes, lawns, and low bluffs.
A short drive over the bridge lands you in a relaxed waterfront park with a mix of paved paths and dirt spurs, ideal for kids, picnics, and sunset walks. You can follow the main trail out to Dillon Point for wide views back toward Crockett and the Carquinez Bridge, watching shorebirds work the mudflats. It stays mostly flat, so it’s an easy choice when you want time outside without a big climb.