01
Best overall pick
Lake Chabot Regional Park
Castro Valley Foothills • Lakeside Oak Woodland Trails • Best Mix Of Distance And Scenery
A big, blue reservoir ringed by rolling hills, with enough trail options to fit anything from a short stroll to a full-day loop.
If you only hit one trail near San Leandro, make it Lake Chabot. The full lake loop is a solid workout with constant water views, but you can just as easily choose a short out-and-back from the marina or dam if you’re tight on time. Expect classic East Bay terrain—oak, grassland, and a few punchy climbs—with plenty of spots to pull off and take in the view.
02
Best for big-mile days
Anthony Chabot Regional Park
Hills Above San Leandro • Ridgetop Forest And Meadow Loops • Best For Training Hikes And Long Miles
A sprawling ridge park where you can stitch together long loops on dirt roads and singletrack with wide Bay and valley views.
Anthony Chabot starts just above town but quickly feels remote, with long, rolling ridges and quiet forested pockets. The network of fire roads and narrower trails makes it easy to build your own loop, whether you’re logging training miles or just want a few hours of steady hiking. On clear days the higher sections deliver big-sky views back toward San Leandro and the Bay.
03
Closest canyon escape
Leona Canyon Regional Open Space Preserve
Oakland Hills Canyon • Shaded Creek Canyon Singletrack • Quick Close-To-Town Escape
A narrow, tree-lined canyon with a gentle, mostly shaded trail that feels surprisingly wild given its easy access.
Leona Canyon is the spot when you want to be on dirt in under 15 minutes but still feel tucked away from the city. The main trail follows a creek under a canopy of bay, oak, and occasional redwoods, with side paths that climb higher if you want more effort. It’s a great choice for warm days, dog walks, and after-work decompressing when a big drive sounds like too much.
04
Best forest immersion
Redwood Regional Park
Redwood Heights And Skyline Ridge • Classic Redwood Forest Hikes • Coolest Summer Hiking Option
A deep, cool redwood forest in the Oakland hills with loops ranging from mellow creekside walks to steeper ridge climbs.
Just a short drive north of San Leandro, Redwood Regional feels worlds away once you drop into the tall trees. The main canyon trail is wide, mostly gentle, and ideal for a relaxed wander, while side trails climb to ridges with sun, views, and more elevation gain. It’s especially appealing on hot days, when the redwood shade and cooler air make it one of the most comfortable hikes in the area.
05
Best easy shoreline walk
Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline
San Leandro Shoreline • Flat Bayfront Paths And Marsh Boardwalks • Best Easy Walk With Wide-Open Views
A flat network of paved and packed-dirt paths along restored marshland, perfect for birdwatching and breezy waterfront walks.
When you want views without climbing, head to the shoreline just west of town. The trails here meander past tidal marsh, open water, and wide Bay vistas, with constant bird activity and big, changing skies. It’s ideal for families, casual walkers, and anyone looking to stretch their legs before or after work without driving into the hills.