Our Favorite Bay Area Hike: Tomales Point near Pt. Reyes 

The Bay Area is pretty spoiled when it comes to trails. Between redwood forests, coastal bluffs, rolling hills, and skyline views, you don’t have to go far to find something epic. Our top pick is still Tomales Point (for the unprecedented wildlife and gorgeous Pacific Ocean views), but these five runner-ups are well worth lacing up for too.

My partner and I discovered the local wildlife wonderland of Tomales Point while trying to find alternatives to the famous Alamere Falls hike. That hike is highly recommended as well, but there is so much to see in Point Reyes that it edged out all other contenders - we were immediately intrigued once we found out that Tomales Point is home to the not-so-well-known Tule Elk Reserve!

We’re also always stoked to see spectacular views of Tomales Bay, Bodega Bay and the coastline of the Point Reyes peninsula.
 

 
Starting at the Tomales Point trailhead / Pierce Point Ranch near the tip of Point Reyes, this is a 9.4 mile out and back along the beautiful coast! With the perfect weather, you can see both the ocean and Tomales Bay on either side of your hike, but we know that’s not a guarantee. The weather is variable (and windy) so consider dressing in layers, including a beanie and gloves. It was not forecasted to rain when we went, however it heavily misted for about 30 minutes, showering our left arms and legs that were facing the coast. It’s okay! We were prepared! The clouds lifted a little later and we had a clear sky for the rest of the trip.
 

 
There is so much nature to be seen on this hike and probably even more after another storm or two. Not only were there beautiful flowers blooming, but there was tons of wildlife - more than I’ve ever seen on any other kind of hike or backpacking trip! We saw quails, a family of turkey vultures, pretty sizable herds of elk, a fox scurrying along the cliffside, a redtail hawk, a seal, and tons of deer. Watch the trail for snails crossing!

You can walk or run this trail and enjoy some serious solitude. This is also a lovely hike for kids, though maybe plan not to go the entire way. You can also check out the historic dairy farm that’s right next to the trailhead parking lot.

Grab some tasty picnic cheese from Cowgirl Creamery at Point Reyes Station and snack on some fresh oysters at Tomales Bay before you head back! Cheese lovers can delight themselves with an added stop to Nicasio Valley Cheese Company on the way back to 101.
 

Tips

• Head out early in the day to see the most wildlife.
• Bring a lunch, plenty of water, a rain jacket and sunscreen (yes, both).
• Respect Wildlife! You can chat on the trail but lower your voices and step slowly when passing wild animals. You're basically in their living room, after all.
• Respect Nature! Be that amazing individual who picks up any trash they see.
• Check all the info you need at NPS.gov.

 
Our Top 5 Runners-Up

As much as we love our top pick, the Bay Area is way too spoiled for just one “favorite.” From newly opened trails to hidden ridges with jaw-dropping views, these five hikes earn a spot on our runner-up list. They’re the ones we turn to when we want to skip the crowds, stretch our legs somewhere new, or just remind ourselves how lucky we are to have all this in our backyard. Of course, you'll want to plan ahead and research or call your local destination before heading out, since this list doesn’t reflect various closures or detours that may come into effect as conditions change.
 

Tyler Ranch Trails (East Bay Regional Parks)

The Tyler Ranch acquisition in 2023 added around 1500 acres to Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park. These trails stitch together Garin/Dry Creek and Mission Peak with wide-open views of Diablo, rolling golden hills, and just enough climb to get your heart pumping. It’s still under the radar, which means you’ll feel like you’ve got the East Bay all to yourself. The trails connect seamlessly into bigger adventures, so you can keep it short and sweet - or turn it into an all-day wander.

Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve (Santa Cruz Mountains)

If you’ve been craving redwoods without the weekend traffic jams, this is your spot. Newly opened trails wind through towering groves, meadows, and a tucked-away pond or two. It feels a little like stumbling into a secret forest - just 20 minutes from the bustle of Los Gatos. Go early or on a weekday and you might just get an entire grove to yourself (well, you and all the birds).

Sweeney Ridge (San Mateo County)

Perched right between the Bay and the Pacific, Sweeney Ridge delivers the rare double-feature view: city skyline on one side, endless ocean on the other. It’s a moderate hike that feels big on payoff, especially when the fog cooperates. History buffs will also get a kick out of this one: it’s where Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portolá first spotted the Bay in 1769.

Dipsea + Steep Ravine (Mt. Tam)

The Dipsea + Steep Ravine combo packs in everything: fern-filled canyons, redwood groves, waterfalls, sweeping coastal views, and those famous wooden ladders that make you feel like you’re in on a secret adventure. It’s challenging enough to feel earned, but not so grueling you’ll regret it. Park at the White Gate trailhead to avoid parking congestion (and parking fees, too).

Philosopher's Way (McLaren Park in San Francisco)

Sometimes adventure is just around the corner. This 2.7-mile city loop pairs gentle hills with artful “musing stations” (yes, actual spots designed for pausing and pondering). It’s part hike, part history lesson, and a perfect reminder that you don’t have to leave San Francisco to find a little perspective. Bonus: McLaren Park is huge, so you can tack on extra trails if you’re feeling ambitious - or keep it mellow with a picnic afterward.

Of course, this list barely scratches the surface—there are countless trails crisscrossing the Bay just waiting to be explored. Whether you’re chasing big views, quiet redwoods, or just a quick escape close to home, these hikes are proof that adventure is always right around the corner. Now lace up, grab some snacks, and we’ll see you out there.