01
Best close-to-home escape
Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve
Baylands Waterfront • Flat Bayfront Wetlands Trail System • Easy Nature Walk With Big-Sky Views
An easy network of levee and boardwalk trails along the Bay, perfect for mellow walks and birdwatching just minutes from East Palo Alto.
If you want something you can reach quickly without committing to a big climb, Baylands is the go‑to choice. The wide, mostly unshaded paths are great for strollers, casual walks, and sunset loops, with egrets, pelicans, and shorebirds almost always in sight. Aim for early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and softer light over the marshes.
02
Best bay-view loop
Bedwell Bayfront Park
Near Dumbarton Bridge • Grassy Hilltop And Perimeter Loop Trails • Best For Wide-Open Bay Panoramas
A compact hilltop park ringed by trails that serve up sweeping views of the South Bay and the East Bay hills with minimal effort.
Bedwell is ideal when you want a bit more of a hike feel without driving far into the foothills. You can loop around the base on gentle dirt paths or head up the main hill for a short but satisfying climb and 360‑degree views, including back toward East Palo Alto and the Dumbarton Bridge. The open terrain means it can be windy and sunny, so bring a layer and sun protection.
03
Best rolling-hills hike
Pearson-Arastradero Preserve
Foothills Above Palo Alto • Oak-Studded Open Space With Mixed-Use Trails • Best For Varied Loops And After-Work Hikes
A web of well-marked trails through grasslands and oak woods where you can tailor an easy stroll or a longer loop close to town.
Arastradero offers that classic foothills mix of golden grass, shady oak pockets, and distant Bay views without feeling remote. Several loop options let you choose anything from a 30‑minute leg stretcher to a multi-mile outing, with enough up-and-down to feel like a real hike. In winter and spring, the hills green up and wildflowers pop; in summer and fall, start early to beat the heat on the exposed sections.
04
Best summit-style climb
Windy Hill Open Space Preserve
Portola Valley Foothills • Steep Ridge Trails With Coastal And Bay Vistas • Best For Fitness Hikes And Big Views
A more strenuous set of trails that climb from valley floor to a breezy ridge, rewarding the effort with sweeping views over the Peninsula.
Windy Hill is where locals go when they want a solid workout and a sense of escape without a long drive. Trails like the Spring Ridge and Hamms Gulch routes can be combined into challenging loops that weave through shady ravines and open ridgelines. On clear days you get views from the Bay out toward the ocean, but the sun and wind can be intense, so pack water and expect changing conditions as you climb.
05
Best wildflower hotspot
Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve
Hills Above Redwood City • Oak Woodland And Grassland Preserve • Best For Spring Color And Nature Walks
A well-loved preserve with moderate trails, known for its spring wildflower displays and mix of shaded forest and sunny slopes.
Edgewood feels surprisingly quiet given its easy access from the freeway, with looping trails that let you fine-tune distance and elevation. In spring, the meadows and hillsides explode with wildflowers, making it a favorite for slower-paced hikes and photography, but it’s enjoyable year-round for its varied terrain and frequent bird sightings. Parking can fill on prime weekends, so arrive earlier in the day if you want a relaxed start.