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Scenic Running Trails in California
California has 2,114 trails with scenic views in this directory, across 417 cities and towns — Los Angeles, San Jose, San Diego, Oakland and 413 more. Waterfronts, overlooks and river loops: the trails that get you out of the door.
The 250 most-reviewed in California
Ranked by local reputation — rating weighted by review count. Use the filters to narrow them, or open a city below for the full local list.
Muir Woods National Monument
4.8 ★★★★★ 20,544 reviews
Scenic, forested park featuring giant redwood trees, long hiking trails, a visitor center & more.
San Bernardino National Forest
4.7 ★★★★★ 18,077 reviews
Mountain destination for outdoor recreation, with scenic roads, multi-use trails & camping.
Dockweiler Beach
4.5 ★★★★★ 17,090 reviews
Bustling public beach offering a hang gliding training park, bonfires & views of departing aircraft.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 15,579 reviews
Acres of oceanside trails for exploring or exercising while spotting occasional dolphins or bobcats.
Beverly Hills Garden Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 14,308 reviews
Expansive, tree-filled park with fountains & jogging paths plus cacti & rose gardens.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
4.9 ★★★★★ 10,862 reviews
Scenic coastal area featuring diverse sea animals & wildlife, hiking, diving & a whaling museum.
Lake Perris State Recreation Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 9,508 reviews
Reserve on a lake, popular for boating & hikes in rocky terrain home to bobcats & birdlife.
Whittier Narrows Recreation Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 9,400 reviews
Diverse sports, 3 lakes, a military museum, shooting ranges, horse center, disc golf & urban farm.
Huntington State Beach
4.7 ★★★★★ 9,154 reviews
A popular surfing destination, this sandy 121-acre beach also offers a 8.5-mi. paved trail.
Irvine Regional Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 8,859 reviews
Park offers train & pony rides, plus paddle boat rentals, the Orange County Zoo & picnic areas.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 8,856 reviews
Natural cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean offer views of the coast & the occasional cliff diver.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 8,229 reviews
Featuring a variety of forested areas, this park offers camping, fishing, hiking & picnic spots.
Point Dume
4.8 ★★★★★ 8,204 reviews
Tranquil coastal area featuring trails & rocky coves, plus blufftop views of Santa Catalina Island.
Palisades Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 8,100 reviews
This sizable strip of grass, palm trees & walking trails features expansive ocean views.
Mission Trails Regional Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 7,818 reviews
8,000-acre recreational park featuring 60 miles of trails, along with a lake for boating & camping.
Heisler Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 7,716 reviews
This beach area offers artsy park benches, sculptures, ocean views, rocky shores & tide pools.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 7,267 reviews
500+ miles of flat & mountainous hiking trails through coastal chaparral, with views & picnic stops.
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 7,237 reviews
This 308-acre park features a Japanese garden, a workout course, athletic fields & scenic trails.
Central Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 7,192 reviews
Lakeside park with a golf course, 4 playgrounds, boat rentals, a fishing area, picnic sites & paths.
Mile Square Regional Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 6,896 reviews
City park offering 3 golf courses, soccer fields & baseball diamonds as well as picknicking & lakes.
William Land Regional Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 6,789 reviews
Sizable park offering many amenities, including a zoo, amphitheater, golf course & ball fields.
Runyon Canyon Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 5,669 reviews
Landmark hiking trails known for sweeping city views & people watching, plus an off-leash dog park.
El Dorado East Regional Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 5,724 reviews
Expansive outdoor area with fishing lakes, bike trails, camping, an archery range & a nature center.
Hilltop Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 5,221 reviews
Compact green space offering panoramic vistas, BBQ & picnic areas & walking paths.
Shasta-Trinity National Forest
4.7 ★★★★★ 5,298 reviews
Vast park with 2 million acres of forest & mountain trails, campgrounds & recreational lakes.
Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
4.8 ★★★★★ 5,040 reviews
Hilltop park with views of Downtown Los Angeles plus hiking trails & history exhibits.
Dinosaur Caves Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 5,055 reviews
A grassy lawn, playground & walking trails mark this 11-acre park situated atop oceanfront bluffs.
McKinley Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 4,634 reviews
Relaxing preserve featuring a rose garden, seasonal pool, playgrounds, tennis courts & trails.
Rancho San Antonio County Park & Open Space Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 4,535 reviews
Rural nature preserve with 25 miles of hiking trails, plus a working farm & a model plane launch.
Mission Peak Regional Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 4,513 reviews
Vast mountain preserve popular for biking, hiking, horseback riding, R/C flying and hang-gliding.
The Park at River Walk
4.7 ★★★★★ 4,426 reviews
32-acre park with an amphitheater surrounded by water featuring various live music performances.
Montaña de Oro State Park
4.9 ★★★★★ 4,183 reviews
Huge oceanside park with rugged terrain including cliffs, beaches & hills, and trails for exploring.
Mount Rubidoux Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 4,212 reviews
Natural terrain for dog-running, hiking & views, centered around a giant white cross at the summit.
Silver Strand State Beach
4.6 ★★★★★ 4,373 reviews
Sandy space with ocean & bay shorelines offering fishing, swimming & picnicking, plus RV camping.
Hart Memorial Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 4,338 reviews
Picturesque park offering swimming, fishing, picnic facilities, hiking & equestrian trails.
Yorba Regional Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 4,163 reviews
Mile-wide park adjacent to the Santa Ana River has 140 acres of picnic tables, lakes, trails & more.
Lake Chabot Regional Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 4,161 reviews
Parkland featuring a 315-acre reservoir for canoeing & fishing, plus trails, picnic areas & a cafe.
Lighthouse Field State Beach
4.7 ★★★★★ 4,056 reviews
Iconic spot with a lighthouse offers a variety of vistas & pathways for dog walking & strolling.
Tilden Regional Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 3,971 reviews
A 2,000+ acre park with a carousel, botanic garden, lake swimming, picnic areas & steam train ride.
Morro Bay T Pier
4.8 ★★★★★ 3,620 reviews
Wildlife park featuring otters and seals along with views of Morro Rock.
Malibu Creek State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 3,616 reviews
Rugged state park in the Santa Monica Mountains with hiking trails & a rock pool swimming hole.
Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 3,529 reviews
Sprawling forest featuring redwood groves & rare wildlife, plus trails, picnic areas & campsites.
Alum Rock Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 3,599 reviews
Spacious park featuring hiking & biking trails, mineral springs & several picnic areas.
Central Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 3,591 reviews
52-acre park with 2 playgrounds & athletic courts/fields, plus a swimming pool, picnic area & BBQs.
Murray Reservoir
4.7 ★★★★★ 3,446 reviews
Small boat rentals, fishing & many picnic areas, plus a walking & biking path along the reservoir.
Coyote Hills Regional Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 3,384 reviews
1,266 acres of rolling hills for picnicking, bird-watching, biking, hiking & nature exploration.
Mount Diablo State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 3,311 reviews
Sizable park with a summit visitor center & observation deck, plus trails, campsites & picnic areas.
Del Valle Regional Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 3,440 reviews
Vast nature preserve featuring trails, campgrounds & a sizable lake with beaches & boat launches.
Fletcher Cove Beach Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 3,286 reviews
Picturesque park with a viewing deck, grassy area & playground, plus tables & a basketball court.
Howarth Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 3,307 reviews
Community gathering spot on 152 acres with a lake, plus kids' attractions including a small train.
Cerritos Heritage Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 3,329 reviews
Park has playgrounds & sports areas, plus a Play Island with slides attached to historic buildings.
Asilomar State Beach
4.8 ★★★★★ 3,166 reviews
Tranquil place featuring a 1-mi. stretch of sandy beach & rocky coves, along with a walking trail.
Lodi Lake
4.6 ★★★★★ 3,301 reviews
Lakefront park offering swimming, boating, kayaking, chartered river tours & nature programs.
Skull Rock Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 3,287 reviews
Skull-shaped desert granite rock formation with 2 depressions like eye sockets created by erosion.
Red Hill Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 3,180 reviews
Open park with playgrounds, areas for baseball, soccer & horseshoes, an exercise trail & duck pond.
San Buenaventura State Beach
4.6 ★★★★★ 3,246 reviews
Family-friendly state beach with picnic sites, a parking lot, snack bar, bike paths & rental shop.
Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 3,070 reviews
Nature preserve with hiking/biking/equestrian trails through varied landscapes with valley views.
Don Knabe Community Regional Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 3,189 reviews
Over 50 acres of outdoor activities, including a fishing lake, swimming pool & basketball courts.
Hellyer County Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 3,161 reviews
Green space featuring a 15-mile paved trail, plus picnicking, disc golf, a dog park & a velodrome.
Potato Chip Rock
4.7 ★★★★★ 3,081 reviews
Hikers flock to this unique, thin rock at the peak of the Mount Woodson for dramatic photographs.
Ryan Bonaminio Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 3,137 reviews
Neighborhood park featuring athletic fields & courts, a playground, picnic shelters & concessions.
Palos Verdes Estates Shoreline Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,958 reviews
Oceanfront park featuring a rocky beach, bluffs, hiking trails & picturesque views.
Carbon Canyon Regional Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 3,003 reviews
Sprawling, 124-acre park showcasing various redwood trees, sports complexes & other features.
Goleta Beach Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 3,104 reviews
Public beach featuring paved bicycle trails, picnic areas & a 1,500-ft pier for walking & fishing.
Sunset State Beach
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,968 reviews
Beach surrounded by steep sand dunes offering picnic areas & campsites, plus bay & mountain views.
Donner Memorial State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,952 reviews
This park offers hiking, camping, fishing, boating, the Emigrant Trail Museum & a historic monument.
Crescent Bay Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,993 reviews
Tranquil park featuring grassy areas, benches & a pergola, plus views of the ocean.
Chula Vista Bayside Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,989 reviews
Public greenway with paved walking trails, a fishing pier & picnic tables, plus bay & city views.
Peter F. Schabarum Regional Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,973 reviews
575-acre park with protected stream, tennis courts & abundant trails & natural areas.
Castle Rock State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,837 reviews
Park offering 34 miles of hiking & horseback riding trails among redwoods & other regional trees.
Mount San Jacinto State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,801 reviews
Trails wind through this park at the peak of Mount San Jacinto, accessible by tram via Palm Springs.
Shoreline Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,832 reviews
Park with a golf course, a lake with boat rentals, walking/biking trails & a Victorian house museum.
Panorama Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,823 reviews
Hilltop park offering scenic views, picnic areas and trails for walking and biking.
Top of the World
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,657 reviews
Popular locale for short walks & hikes offering elevated views of surrounding ocean & mountains.
Cuesta Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,712 reviews
With wide-open spaces & shaded parts, this park has a playground, tennis courts & BBQ facilities.
Joaquin Miller Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,706 reviews
Dog-friendly woodland park on 500 acres boasting rustic trails, meadows & picnic sites.
Ralph B Clark Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,696 reviews
Sprawling park covering more than 100 acres includes a softball complex & plenty of open fields.
Huntington Beach Central Park East
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,694 reviews
Full of open fields, trees & flowers, this sprawling 350-acre park is great for picnics & strolling.
Wilder Ranch State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,618 reviews
Natural landscape with diverse activities including hiking trails, picnic areas & horseback riding.
California State Capitol Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,637 reviews
Scenic city green space with monuments, memorials, flower gardens & walking paths.
Craig Regional Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,625 reviews
124-acre recreational park with biking, hiking & picnicking, plus hills, a rose garden & a lake.
Shoreline Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,541 reviews
Popular park overlooking the water offers a playground, grassy areas, walking paths & beach access.
Las Palmas Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,587 reviews
24-acre tiki-themed park with a playground, water features, a dog run, tennis courts & bathrooms.
Point Mugu State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,476 reviews
Santa Monica Mountains' park has 5 miles of beach, river canyons, bluffs & 70+ miles of trails.
Bluff Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,571 reviews
13.2-acre city park offering ocean views, footpaths, benches, telescopes & the Lone Sailor Memorial.
Sunnyvale Baylands Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 2,620 reviews
Developed park of 70+ acres on San Francisco Bay with playgrounds, trails & a wetlands preserve.
Centennial Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,440 reviews
Sweeping panoramas from an expansive lawn with benches, a rose garden & a small beach.
Hillcrest Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,488 reviews
Picturesque park with shade trees, large picnic areas, a recreation center & several war memorials.
Almansor Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,530 reviews
Family-friendly park with a gym, a jogging trail, picnic tables, a playground & tennis courts.
South Yuba River State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,443 reviews
Riverside park spanning 20 miles, with 4 historic bridges & a wheelchair-accessible nature trail.
Heather Farm Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,428 reviews
This 102-acre preserve offers a swimming complex, dog park, sports fields & a skate park.
Waller Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,463 reviews
Straightforward county park offering disc golf, picnic areas, playgrounds & sports courts & fields.
Eisenhower Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,435 reviews
Large park featuring a pond filled with fish & ducks, plus walking paths, playgrounds & BBQ grills.
Natural Bridges State Beach
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,378 reviews
Compact sandy patch with rock bridges & tidepools, popular for spotting seabirds, whales & seals.
Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,376 reviews
Mountain backcountry with wilderness areas, state parks & trails for hiking & horse-riding.
Leo J. Ryan Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,370 reviews
Lakeside park featuring a boardwalk, boat launch & grassy areas, plus tennis & basketball courts.
Ocean View Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,357 reviews
Busy beachfront park features paddle tennis, basketball & tennis courts, plus a grassy lawn & hill.
Upper Bidwell Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,303 reviews
Sprawling park in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains featuring rock formations & more.
Spring Lake Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,349 reviews
Sizable park featuring a campground, swimming lagoon & lake plus 9.7 miles of multi-use trails.
Emerald Glen Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,330 reviews
40+ acres of land encompass various sports fields, a water park, skate park, trails & picnic areas.
Chino Hills State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,378 reviews
State park offers biking, picnicking & hiking, plus on-site bathrooms & water spigots.
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,272 reviews
Home to many bird species, this 135-acre park offers an interpretive center & hiking/biking trails.
Anderson River Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,324 reviews
Big park with picnic areas, playgrounds & softball & soccer fields, plus disc golf & scenic trails.
Hagan Community Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,321 reviews
Large green space with lots of amenities, including athletic fields, an aquatic center & a dog park.
Strand Vista Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,173 reviews
Coastal beach park known for its walking trails, striking ocean views & sunsets.
William R Mason Regional Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,214 reviews
Park has 300+ acres for picnics, softball, volleyball, golf, hiking & biking, toddler play & more.
Wilderness Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,250 reviews
Small public park featuring a duck pond, walk/jog paths & grassy areas popular for picnicking.
Annie's Canyon Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,156 reviews
Rugged wilderness hiking paths in an ecological reserve with sweeping ocean & lagoon views.
Sunol Regional Wilderness
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,201 reviews
6,859-acre park with varied terrain & a scenic gorge for hiking, a visitor center & more.
San Mateo Central Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,187 reviews
Vibrant, 16-acre park featuring Japanese gardens, a mini train ride, playground & ice-skating rink.
Salt Lake Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 2,336 reviews
Relaxed outdoor area featuring a playground, tennis courts, a baseball field and a baseball diamonds.
Mt. Helix Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,129 reviews
High point offering views of San Diego, with a large amphitheater hosting plays, lectures & events.
Apollo Community Regional Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,216 reviews
A 54-acre park featuring 3 man-made lakes for fishing & boating plus play equipment & walking paths.
Peters Canyon North Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,160 reviews
Popular jogging & hiking park features coastal sage scrub & grassland habitats, plus a reservoir.
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,155 reviews
1300 acre ecological preserve with over 200 avian species spread around the coastal wetlands.
Rusch Community Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 2,295 reviews
Outdoor skating & biking spot with concrete surface, numerous unique features & lighting at night.
'olołkoy Beach Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,146 reviews
Park, playground, beach, sand dunes, volleyball court, picnic tables, clean beach, playground and grassy area, with views of the ocean.
Empire Mine State Historic Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,089 reviews
The site of this state's oldest gold mine has miles of trails to hike, bike or explore on horseback.
Hidden Valley Nature Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,080 reviews
Scenic 1-mi. hiking loop with huge rock formations to climb & views of Joshua trees & desert areas.
Lacy Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,116 reviews
Dog-friendly public expanse featuring 2 walking loops, 6 tennis courts & a decades-old rose arbor.
Pearson Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 2,206 reviews
Family-friendly park for all ages offers trails for bike riding & walking, playgrounds & ponds.
Point Isabel Regional Shoreline
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,055 reviews
This large park with trails plus birdwatching, picnicking & bay fishing allows off-leash dogs.
Brand Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,031 reviews
31-acre park featuring hiking & biking trails, a playground, a library & picnic facilities.
Cowles Mountain Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,024 reviews
Picturesque uphill hiking trail known for its panoramic views at the summit.
Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,072 reviews
Waterfront space with a picnic area, beach, fishing pier, panoramic views & a model railroad museum.
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve State Natural Reserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 2,101 reviews
State nature reserve within the Mojave Desert has 8-mile hikes & a wildflower season March to May.
Lafayette Reservoir Recreation
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,994 reviews
Sizable park featuring a reservoir, hiking trails & activities such as fishing & boating.
Kimball Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 2,071 reviews
Sprawling green space offering playgrounds, a skate park and baseball diamonds for picnics as well as walks, bike rides and dog-walking.
Almaden Quicksilver County Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,932 reviews
County park with a history of mining offers hiking, biking & equestrian trails amid wildflowers.
Colorado Lagoon
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,960 reviews
Wetland area with a sandy beach, playground, picnic tables & seasonal model-boat activities.
Mojave Narrows Regional Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 2,049 reviews
Horseshoe Lake campground offers hiking & equestrian trails, horse rentals, fishing & a playground.
Tri-City Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,958 reviews
Popular park featuring a lake and walking trails as well as a playground.
Columbia Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,990 reviews
A variety of sports courts & fields on 52 acres, along with community gardens & picnic areas.
Point Pinole Regional Shoreline
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,901 reviews
Sprawling park with scenic, multi-use trails through meadows, eucalyptus woods, bluffs & beaches.
Coachella Valley Preserve - Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,941 reviews
Nature reserve around a palm-filled oasis offering picnics & hikes in a desert wilderness setting.
Rosemead Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,938 reviews
The city's largest park, offering a half-mile trail, sports fields, a swimming pool & playground.
Campbell Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,934 reviews
Relaxing neighborhood park with a basketball court, water feature, horseshoe pits & trail access.
César E. Chávez Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,888 reviews
Popular, 90-acre park featuring kite flying opportunities, a dog run, bay vistas & more.
Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,842 reviews
Mountainside area with tall trees, offering canyon hikes, biking trails & horse-riding paths.
Ferndell Nature Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,835 reviews
Quarter-mile footpath along a man-made stream, shaded by tropical foliage & sycamore trees.
Edward Vincent Jr. Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,950 reviews
This 55-acre park has multiple playgrounds, plus athletic facilities, picnic areas & a pool.
English Springs Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,860 reviews
Peaceful green space with basketball & volleyball courts, a pond & picnic areas with gazebos.
Contra Loma Regional Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,900 reviews
Community lawn covering 2 blocks & surrounded by trees, featuring 2 tennis courts & a playground.
Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,942 reviews
Large nature preserve housing various migrating birds, as well as native flora & fauna.
Knights Ferry Recreation Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,818 reviews
Relaxed park featuring river beach access for kayaking, swimming and other activities, plus a historic bridge.
Bell Gardens John Anson Ford Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,892 reviews
Tranquil park with a lake, soccer fields, basketball courts, play equipment & a walking path.
Alondra Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 2,011 reviews
Large, wooded park with a lake & an island where a native-plant garden attracts birds & butterflies.
McLaughlin Eastshore State Park State Seashore
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,918 reviews
Shoreline refuge features tidal marshes, beaches & trails that provide panoramic views of the Bay.
Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,894 reviews
Preserve with pine, cypress & eucalyptus trees sheltering thousands of monarch butterflies Oct–Mar.
Red Rock Canyon State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,804 reviews
27,000-acre park with cliffs, buttes & canyons popular for hiking, camping & horseback riding.
Trail of 100 Giants
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,755 reviews
Rest & parking area linking to a path through a dramatic woodland of famously tall sequoia trees.
Lake Merced Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,871 reviews
614-acre park with a recreational trail encircling a freshwater lake, popular for fishing & boating.
Calafia Beach Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,774 reviews
Picturesque beachfront park providing swimming, surfing & open recreational space with bluff views.
Santiago Oaks Regional Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,768 reviews
Vast park with interconnecting trails for hiking, biking & horseback riding amid mountain vistas.
Double Peak Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,727 reviews
Rugged, 200-acre park featuring a play area & hiking trails that lead to a summit with ocean views.
Oso de Oro Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,760 reviews
Area with 3 different elevations offering picnic spots, play areas & a wheelchair basketball court.
Iron Mountain Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,712 reviews
Popular and dog-friendly trail leading to a summit featuring picnic tables and a telescope with scenic views.
Martin Tudor Jurupa Hills Regional Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,819 reviews
Family-oriented park with ball fields, picnic tables & trails plus horseshoe & bocce courts.
Surfers Point at Seaside Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,739 reviews
Small destination beach for surfers & windsurfers, with picnic tables, showers & restrooms.
Mussel Rock Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,738 reviews
Known for its rocky coastline, this park boasts sandy beaches, scenic ocean vistas & hiking trails.
Clover Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,736 reviews
This 17.9-acre park includes lighted ball fields & tennis courts, plus playgrounds & picnic spots.
Laguna Niguel Regional Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,691 reviews
Surrounding a fishing lake, this park offers trails, sports courts, picnic space & an amphitheater.
Malibu Bluffs Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,682 reviews
Scenic waterfront community park with sports fields & a playground, plus a whale watching station.
Claremont Hills Wilderness Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,641 reviews
This winding trail for hiking & mountain biking provides moderate elevation & dramatic views.
Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Cal State Fullerton
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,670 reviews
A sprawling, 26-acre greenspace featuring 4,000+ types of plants, walking trails & a museum.
Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,668 reviews
Relaxing park with playgrounds for kids and a man-made lake for water sports and fishing.
River Bend Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,656 reviews
444-acre riverfront park features rafting, equestrian & hiking trails, picnicking space & wildlife.
Downtown City Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,647 reviews
Festivals & other town happenings are held in this central green space with a gazebo & playground.
Laguna Grande Regional Park, Monterey side
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,719 reviews
Green space on the water offering a volleyball court, play area, picnic tables & public barbecues.
Tilden Nature Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,604 reviews
Nature preserve featuring easy & challenging hiking trails with scenic views & wildlife sightings.
Santa Teresa County Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,670 reviews
Diverse county park with a variety of hiking trails providing views of the numerous hills & valleys.
Jacob Myers Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,707 reviews
Green space offering a boat ramp, camping area & fishing, plus a picnic gazebo, playground & trails.
Andulka Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,631 reviews
Tennis center with 10 championship courts along with lessons, programs & a full-service pro shop.
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,688 reviews
Park sitting along the Pacific Crest Trail is home to Silverwood Lake reservoir & hiking trails.
Johnson-Springview Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,615 reviews
This expansive community resource features sport courts & fields, a playground & a dog park.
Chabot Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,612 reviews
Leafy nature area with a big lake, hiking trails & a disc golf course, popular for fishing & biking.
Glen Canyon Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,610 reviews
A deep canyon runs through this park, which features sports fields, tennis courts & playgrounds.
San Clemente State Beach
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,639 reviews
State park featuring a mile-long beach, picnic areas & campsites, plus biking & hiking trails.
Mission Peak Trail Head
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,566 reviews
Open space featuring a steep hiking trail with sweeping valley & bay views from the summit.
Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,659 reviews
Staycation spot for locals with 7 man-made lakes for camping, boating, fishing & picnics.
O'Melveny Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,546 reviews
This park, the second largest in Los Angeles, offers picnicking & trails for hikers & bikers.
Chollas Lake Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,603 reviews
Casual park with picnic tables and playgrounds, plus a lake with ducks and geese.
Firebreak Trail to Griffith Observatory
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,563 reviews
Steep 1.3-mile-long unmade trail leading to the domed Art Deco observatory with views across LA.
Hulda Crooks Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,563 reviews
19.6-acre park featuring a playground, volleyball, tennis courts, grassy areas, restrooms & more.
Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area
4.4 ★★★★☆ 1,663 reviews
An 80-acre lake draws crowds to this park with areas for swimming, fishing, boating & picnicking.
Blair Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 1,658 reviews
Recreation space with 2 baseball diamonds & 3 tennis courts, plus picnic tables & playgrounds.
Culver City Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,585 reviews
Leisure space on 41+ acres for ball sports, picnics & grilling, plus a dog park & skateboard area.
Etiwanda Falls Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,584 reviews
Waterfall, rock and trail area, with a peaceful ambience, a creek and views of the city.
Brengle Terrace Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,581 reviews
Lush outdoor park with unique activities including a disc golf course & performance amphitheater.
Walnut Creek Community Regional Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,615 reviews
Park open during daylight hours, offering facilities for horses & horse-trailer parking.
Pepper Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,577 reviews
This 5.5-acre park features a playground, a boat launch, picnic tables, a fishing pier & restrooms.
Woodward Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,576 reviews
Park with paths through lakeside & Japanese gardens, plus barbecue pits, a dog park & a playground.
Laguna Lake Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,575 reviews
In addition to lake fishing, this 28.5-acre park offers trails, picnic areas & an equestrian center.
Alameda Creek Regional Trail - Isherwood Staging Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,572 reviews
Trails running along either side of Alameda Creek, used for running, biking & horseback riding.
Will Rogers State Historic Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,536 reviews
Once Will Rogers' ranch, this park features trails set in the canyon with views of LA & the ocean.
TeWinkle Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,531 reviews
This 49-acre park with a lake offers play areas, ball fields, tennis courts & picnic shelters.
Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,529 reviews
Large park featuring native plants, picnic areas & hiking, biking & equestrian trails.
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,494 reviews
Hiking, biking & jogging trails on varied terrain rising from sea level to steep coastal mountains.
Turnbull Canyon
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,558 reviews
Former landfill site, closed in 2013 & now landscaped, offering hiking through the Puente Hills.
Prospect Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,487 reviews
Picturesque park with an amphitheater & orange grove, plus walking trails & picnic facilities.
Foothills Nature Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,540 reviews
Miles of trails guide visitors through woodlands & fields, past streams & lakes in this vast park.
Apollo Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,569 reviews
Green space with a playground, BBQs, ball diamonds, indoor & outdoor athletic courts & restrooms.
Arroyo Verde Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,485 reviews
A 132-acre park with miles of hiking trails plus open grass areas, a nature center & playgrounds.
Garin Regional Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,483 reviews
This natural area with hills, fields & streams houses a seasonal visitor center on ranching history.
El Estero Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,479 reviews
Popular playground that's good for kids, with swans, geese and other birds.
Mooney Grove Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 1,551 reviews
Large, enduring public park dotted with grand old oaks, historic buildings & a lagoon with boats.
North Natomas Regional Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,480 reviews
Multi-use park with various ball fields & kids' play areas, open space & an amphitheater.
Ascot Hills Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,448 reviews
Urban retreat featuring rolling hills, views of downtown, hiking trails & a small amphitheater.
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,437 reviews
Former coal mining site featuring expansive green space, underground tours & hiking trails.
Tecolote Canyon Natural Park and Nature Center
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,456 reviews
This park running along the coast & up to the mouth of Tecolote Canyon includes a visitors center.
Garcia Bend Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 1,513 reviews
Scenic riverfront park with a playground, soccer fields, tennis court & a boat launch.
Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,415 reviews
The site of an ancient volcano, this park offers self-guided tours & features many hiking trails.
Grijalva Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,445 reviews
26.5-acre park featuring lighted multipurpose fields, playground, 2 picnic pavilions & green space.
Riverbend Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 1,506 reviews
Relaxed green space, with frisbee golf and volleyball courts, plus walking trails.
California Citrus State Historic Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,403 reviews
Park dedicated to preserving the history of California's great citrus boom of the 20th century.
Bidwell Park One-Mile
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,433 reviews
Popular for its swimming creek, this park also offers a playground, athletic field & picnic space.
Barnes Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,461 reviews
Public green space with amenities such as tennis courts, an amphitheater & areas for free-play.
Mount Tamalpais East Peak
4.9 ★★★★★ 1,341 reviews
Quarter-mi. trail with dramatic valley views, plus picnic tables, restrooms & drinking fountains.
Ocean Trails Reserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,365 reviews
Length of preserved, rugged coastline known as a habitat for native gnatcatcher birds.
Lake Clementine Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,394 reviews
Steepish but well-marked trail for hiking, mountain biking and splashing at the dam.
Cosumnes River Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,390 reviews
Wetland walking trails, a boardwalk with a wildlife viewing deck & a visitor's center with tours.
Hidden Falls Regional Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,389 reviews
Scenic warren of trails for hiking, biking & horseback riding amid foothills & waterfalls.
Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,387 reviews
467 acres of woodlands & grasslands known for its hiking, wildflowers, bird-watching & scenic views.
Slick Rock Recreation Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,414 reviews
Park offering opportunities for walking, boating, and picnicking, as well as scenic views.
Oak Canyon Nature Center
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,378 reviews
Nature park featuring oak forests, scrubland & canyons, plus wildlife & an interpretive center.
Fort Ord Dunes State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,398 reviews
A trail leads to the beach in this park with a bluff-top platform offering views of Monterey Bay.
Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,363 reviews
Space in the Gabilan Mountains to camp or picnic, plus trails for 4x4s, motocross, bikes & ATVs.
Temescal Regional Recreation Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,391 reviews
Urban, lakeside retreat offering swim & picnic areas, a fishing dock, trails & playgrounds.
Felicita County Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,355 reviews
Expansive area offers various sports fields, two playgrounds, walking paths & a disc golf course.
Don Castro Regional Recreation Area
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,409 reviews
101-acre park featuring a lagoon with swimming & fishing, plus wildlife & waterfront trails.
Central Park at Mill Creek
4.1 ★★★★☆ 1,544 reviews
Popular park & photography area running along both sides of a canal with a covered bridge.
Stevens Creek County Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,367 reviews
Miles of multi-use trails, shaded picnic areas & a large reservoir for fishing & boating.
Civic Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,367 reviews
10-acre park with gardens, picturesque views & a community center & gazebo used for weddings.
Royer Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,396 reviews
Home to the Children's Art Center, the space also has picnic & play areas as well as horseshoe pits.
Berwick Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,331 reviews
1-acre park boasting ocean vistas, picnic spots & a grassy lawn, plus hiking & biking trails.
Fairview Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,320 reviews
208 acres with 5 distinct habitat zones, home to native plants & wildlife, scenic views & trails.
Andrews Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,333 reviews
Verdant park with ambling trails, shaded picnic areas, a children's playground & a creek.
Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,301 reviews
Sprawling park with canyons & rock formations plus 17 miles of hiking, biking & equestrian trails.
Briones Regional Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,294 reviews
Pastoral, 6,255-acre park with rolling hills, wildlife viewing, campgrounds & other features.
Paradise Falls
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,293 reviews
40-ft. waterfall in a canyon in a rugged regional park, accessible by hiking trails.
Roxbury Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,321 reviews
Sprawling public park known for its varied recreational activities, including lawn bowling & tennis.
Placerita Canyon Nature Center
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,240 reviews
Wooded park features trails, picnic space, historic monuments & a nature center with regular events.
Wildcat Canyon Regional Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,266 reviews
Spacious park offering miles of multi-use trails plus a children's playground & picnicking areas.
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Every running trail in the town, not just the ones with scenic views.
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See scenic running trails across the whole country, or every running trail in California. You can also browse the other features or start from surface.