Outdoors
Trails and recreation areas near Palo Alto open to horseback riding, including horse camps.
Good to know: Check trailer parking and stock water at the trailhead, and whether certified weed-free hay is required.
31 mi northwest · National Park Service
Aquatic Park Cove is a vibrantly urban harbor that mimics a natural anchorage and is located on the Pacific shores of one of America's great West Coast cities.
39 mi northwest · National Park Service
Experience a park so rich it supports 19 distinct ecosystems with over 2,000 plant and animal species.
41 mi northeast · Bureau of Reclamation
Contra Loma Dam and reservoir are part of the Central Valley Project - Delta Division and offers recreational opportunities for the East Bay area near San Francisco.
Map of 5 places loads as you scroll.
Aquatic Park Cove is a vibrantly urban harbor that mimics a natural anchorage and is located on the Pacific shores of one of America's great West Coast cities.
Experience a park so rich it supports 19 distinct ecosystems with over 2,000 plant and animal species.
Contra Loma Dam and reservoir are part of the Central Valley Project - Delta Division and offers recreational opportunities for the East Bay area near San Francisco.
Point Reyes National Seashore offers four backcountry hike in campgrounds and thirteen boat in campsites along Tomales Bay. Note: For reservation purposes, our campgrounds are organized under the "loop" column of the reservation grid.
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is one of the most spectacular marine protected areas. This sanctuary also has one of the largest underwater canyons and closest-to-shore deep ocean environments.
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Palo Alto. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
A local activity Short shared by ThingssToDo.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
A local activity Short shared by Sudarshan Senthilvel.
Watch on YouTube ↗
Aquatic Park Cove, Black Point Overnight Anchoring, Sailing Vessels only (auxiliary engine OK) (National Park Service), about 31 miles northwest of Palo Alto as the crow flies. Next are Golden Gate National Recreation Area (39 mi) and Contra Loma Reservoir (41 mi).
Based on Palo Alto’s average highs, all year. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Federal agencies including National Park Service, Bureau of Reclamation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.