Our Favorite Adventure Locations!
We adventure all over the Bay Area, often checking out new places sparked by interests and classroom projects. But we also have a lot of locations that are continuously requested and revisited. There is something special about going back to a place throughout the different seasons and seeing all of the changes to the scenery and wildlife. There are often physical challenges (ex: climbing trees and rocks) that are overcome with return visits and the strong memories we have of these places boosts our confidence, our leadership and navigation skills and deepens our connection with nature.
We encourage families to check out these places together when you are looking for an adventure! The children will love to lead you through some of their favorite places and you can learn more about them and hear stories about out adventures at City Sprouts.
Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, Cypress Grove (Moss Beach)
This Magical location is home to great tidepools, though the cypress grove above is usually where we play and explore. We love to play hide and seek/tag, hunt for treasure, and build forts/fairy houses. We often can spot seal on the beach and see beautiful views of the coast and ocean. Parking in free lot by beach entrance, short walk up to the cypress grove.
China Camp State Park- Miwok Meadows Trail
We love China Camp and on hot days we hang at the beach as it is a great spot with warm (for SF) water and no real waves as it is on the bay side. But, we also love to explore the Miwok trail- we are almost guaranteed to see wildlife (deer, turkeys, lizards, scorpions, birds). ~2.5 miles. Parking on either end of the out and back, though we usually park on meadow side and hike in to turn around when its getting close to lunch.
Lake Lagunitas Loop Trail
We love this trail! It is a fairly flat hike around the lake, with many of viewpoints of the lake and feeder creeks to explore. Several bridges which are always fun and lots of newts and other wildlife to spot (woodpeckers!). Lots of parking at main lot with picnic areas. Hike up the stairs to the lake to walk around the 1.6 mile loop (we always start going to the right).
Samuel P Taylor State Park
One of our favorite year round spots that has a beautiful creek and many other trails to explore. The creek is only open for half the year (June-Dec) and when its open we love to play in the rocky shoreline, climb the fallen trees. look for swimming salmon, and collect wild blackberries. When its closed we head to the Pioneer trail and hike up towards the “castle tree” that is huge and fully hollow. There are so many beautiful redwoods and lots of day picnic areas (a great camping spot too!) There is a fee for parking, though we have the CA State Parks parking pass.
“The Bunkers”- Battery Mendell, Marin Headlands
Nicknamed the army bunkers- we’ve explored many- but Mendell is our favorite. Located near the Point Bonita lighthouse we love to run around and explore the old battery and check out the amazing views of the ocean from the top. If you are brave there are a few places to climb inside, and check out all the graffiti, some of the kids are convinced monsters and trolls live inside. Park at Point Bonita Trail, just a short walk to battery.
Redwood Regional Park- Oakland
Another large park that we love to explore. There are quite a few fantastic trails but our favorite is hiking along the Redwood Peak and Madrone Trail loop. We park at the parking lot near the Redwood Bowl and Redwood Peak Trailhead. We like to hike up to the peak where there are some cool rocks to climb on and then the madrone trail leads down to a little creek through some very cool differing terrain (~2.5 mi). It is fairly rocky and uneven and downhill (then uphill!) so plan for that. The kids always love it but it’s definitely a big kid hike! The area has many more flat trails too.
The Presidio
We love to explore the Presidio usually starting from the Inspiration Point parking lot, or the lot at Paul Goode Field. We often end up in the nature space just east of Inspiration Point where there is a sandy area with lots of climbing trees for all levels. We also will often hike to the spire and check out the surrounding areas or to Woodline (lovers lane) to walk the line. El Polin Spring is another great spot to play in the water and we love to play hide and seek in the low bushes and trees.
Cascade Falls, Elliott Nature Preserve (Fairfax)
This is a beautiful seasonal waterfall hike that is fairly flat and quite spectacular when the water is really flowing. Though it is still worth a visit in the summer/fall as the rocky creekbed has lots to explore. Tons of lizards and we even found some snake skins. Roughly 2 miles round trip, parking is in neighborhood on Cascade Drive (dead ends into preserve).
Tennessee Valley Trail
We have rarely made it all the way to the beach as there is too much fun along the way! We like to take the trail up the ridge to see views of the ocean and look for wildflowers, or go along the lower trail and stop for lots of rock climbing off the side of the trail. Just under 2 miles to beach. Park at Tennessee Valley trailhead.
Ring Mountain- Corte Madera
We love this hike for spotting wildflowers and rock climbing! There are some really cool rocks and forested areas along the hike that we stop to explore including the famous “turtle rock” that has gorgeous views across the bay from the top and lots of lizard sightings. We typically park at the end of Westward Drive, at the Phyllis Ellman Trailhead, heading over the bridge and up the hill to the right.
Dawn Falls Trail- Larkspur
This trail is one of our favorites for all ages including our toddlers. Very wide and mellow trail that follows along the creek with lots of spots to stop and explore the shallow water. Our older kids love to try climb the other side of the creek using the exposed roots and rocks. Parking can be a little difficult especially on a weekend as there are only a few spots on the side of the road near the trailhead, but there is neighborhood parking within a few blocks. We often drop off the kids and bags at top and then park.
Purisima Creek Redwood Preserve
We love coming to this creek and hiking alongside it exploring in the water and in the redwoods. There are so many fallen trees to climb on and small dams and rock crossings in the creek. We always spot big banana slugs along the trail. This is a large preserve with lots of trails above creek level too. We usually drive in on the coast side on Hwy 1 to Purisima Creek Rd (other side can be accessed by 280/92) and then there is a small parking lot at the end and some parking along the road.
Cataract Falls Trail (via Rock Springs)- Mt. Tamalpais State Park
One of our all time favorite and most frequented hikes is Cataract falls. Though we have never actually made it to the falls! There is so much to see and explore along the way. We often spot tons of lizards, snakes, turkeys, frogs, and many birds. There are so many bridge crossings as we wind over and along the creek. There are some really fun small waterfalls and pools so search in and lots of trees and mossy rocks to climb. The hike is 5 miles round trip, though we typically only do about 2. Park at the rock Springs Trailhead and hike in and to the left towards the creek.