Day Trips
From public gardens to rare cypress groves, the San Francisco Bay Area has endless awesome places for outdoor adventures.
Bay Area Gardens for Hands-On Family Fun
The Bay Area has no shortage of gorgeous gardens, perfect for multi-generational outings. Check out our favorites for family-friendly fun in every season.
San Francisco Botanical Garden with Kids
With its 55 acres of plants from around the world to it’s magnificent Children’s Garden, the San Francisco Botanical Garden is the perfect place to play and learn in Golden Gate Park.
Point Lobos Hikes You Don’t Want to Miss
A Point Lobos hike is something you must experience in the Carmel area! From wild cypress groves to whale watching to tide pools, this special place offers something for everyone.
Coyote Lake: Playing at Gilroy’s (Rocky) Sandy Beach
We headed to Gilroy’s Coyote Lake on a cool morning to play with beach toys and practice fishing while watching the boats go by. Though Santa Clara County Parks doesn’t allow swimming, there was still plenty to do. Check out our day at Sandy Beach picnic area here!
Ed R. Levin County Park: South Bay Hike with Kids in the Milpitas Foothills
We are always looking for a new South Bay hike to do with our kids, and this time we chose the Agua Caliente Trail in Ed R. Levin County Park from the Santa Clara County Parks #PixinParks challenge. The hike itself had Bay views and creek beds through woodlands that provided much needed shade on the sunny foothills.
Hakone Estate & Gardens: Gorgeous Gardens and Fun with Koi Ponds
Hakone Gardens is a historic national treasure in Saratoga. With 18 gorgeous acres of gardens and trails, the property offers something for everyone, including an opportunity for the kids to feed fish in the central koi pond. If you’re looking for a nice and easy walk outdoors with beautiful views, gardens, and even a waterfall, make sure to add Hakone to your list!
Uvas Canyon County Park: Easy Waterfall Hike Without the Crowds
Uvas Canyon took us by surprise! We loved this fun and family-friendly hike that follows along spring-fed Swanson Creek and passes five waterfalls. Click here for everything you need to know about visiting the Uvas Canyon Waterfall Loop.
Villa Montalvo County Park: Art and Nature Together in One Special Place
The beautiful trails behind Villa Montalvo are punctuated with contemporary art installations like this one from Susan O’Malley’s, “A Healing Walk.” Originally installed in 2012, the work is now a part of Montalvo’s permanent exhibition, “Art on the Grounds”. Looking for a fun and inspiring hike for the whole family? Read about our first trip(s) to Montalvo here.
Anderson Lake County Park: Easy Family-Friendly, Dog-Friendly South Bay Hike
Looking for an off-the-beaten path hike near water that’s good for the whole family, including your pup? Check out the other side of the dam at Anderson Lake County Park in Morgan Hill. This post has all the resources you need to plan your visit, and the story of our little trek on the Lakeview Trail.