Here’s our ultimate list of 40+ easy, short (or as long as you want to make it), kid-friendly hiking trails in the South Bay and near San Jose! You will see waterfalls, animals, wineries (yay) and breathtaking views! We’ve identified whether these hiking trails in the South Bay and near San Jose are stroller friendly, scooter friendly, or better to go with a baby in a carrier or walking kids and adults. Find the icons you are interested in for quick reference to see which hike in the South Bay is perfect for you and your family!
South Bay Hikers – We Need Your Help!
As much as we love to get out to the South Bay as much, and tried to research as much as possible, we haven’t been able to go on all of these hikes – so if you see a hike where you can give us some input, contact us or leave a comment at the end! It’s our goal to make it out to all of these hikes and will update as we do, but until then, we would love to give as much information as possible. We will of course credit you!
You may also like to read:
- 30+ Kid-Friendly Hikes in San Francisco
- 60+ Kid-Friendly Wineries in and near San Francisco Bay Area
- Guide to the Effie Yeaw Nature Center and Preserve in Sacramento
- Guide to the Lands End Hiking Trail in San Francisco
Our Guest Instagram Contributors
You will see some of the Instagram pictures featured in this post are from some of our favorite Bay Area-based Instagram accounts. Check them out and give them a follow for family fun in the Bay Area!
The Way We Bay: Cathy is a “permanent tourists in SF Bay and beyond” and she means it! She and her kids go everywhere and she makes it look fun and easy. 🙂 Her pics are gorgeous too.
Moms of the Bay: These 4 moms are super fun to follow! They are funny, smart, and stylish. They totally get my style of motherhood.
Bay Area Moms: These 2 moms are amazing at creating a community – they know all the cool spots in the Bay Area, whether it be hiking, playspaces, restaurants. They know their stuff.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Map of Hiking Trails in the San Francisco South Bay Peninsula & San Jose
- Hiking Trails in San Bruno/Brisbane
- Hiking Trails in San Mateo
- Hiking Trails in Redwood City
- Hiking Trails in Woodside
- Map of Kid-Friendly Hikes in Los Altos, Palo Alto, and Mountain View
- Hiking Trails in Los Altos
- Hiking Trails in Palo Alto
- Hiking Trails in Mountain View
- Map of Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails near San Jose – Cupertino, Saratoga, Milpitas, Los Gatos, & San Jose
- Hiking Trails in Cupertino
- Hiking Trails in Saratoga
- Hiking Trails in Los Gatos
- Hiking Trails in Milpitas
- Hiking Trails in San Jose
- Map of Hiking Trails in the South Bay Coastal Side
- Hiking Trails in Pacifica
- Hiking Trails in Half Moon Bay
- Hiking Trails in the Pescadero Area
- Hiking Trails in the Santa Cruz Area
Map of Hiking Trails in the San Francisco South Bay Peninsula & San Jose
Hiking Trails in San Bruno/Brisbane
San Bruno Mountain State and County Park
Maximum Miles: 5 Miles +
Terrain: Mostly dirt trail so best for strollers or carriers.
What you will see: Picnic area, views of the Bay. Bog Trail Loop (total 0.8 miles) is an accessible route that’s pretty flat – it does get pretty muddy after rain. Summit Loop trail is a 2-mile loop, with amazing views of the entire Bay Area. Saddle Loop trail is a 2.1-mile loop with picnic benches along the way with eucalyptus groves, views of San Francisco skyline and Marin Headlands. Paid parking. No dogs allowed.
Junipero Serra County Park
Maximum Miles: 2-2.5 miles
Terrain: Dirt trails and some are narrow.
What you will see: Play structure, slugs, big huge slides, amazing views (including airplanes at SFO), picnic tables (with BBQ pits). Watch out for poison oak!
Oyster Point Marina and Park
Maximum Miles: 3 miles or so (you can go on for miles on the San Francisco Bay Trail)
Terrain: Paved and flat
What you will see: Lots and lots of boats, ferries, planes take off and land at SFO and goose!
Hiking Trails in San Mateo
Coyote Point
Maximum Miles: 3 miles or so
Terrain: Paved but some parts are hilly and/or rough
What you will see: 5 different trails, CuriOdyssey, Boats, and planes at SFO on the Marina Trail, Magic Mountain Playground (and another playground), beach, and picnic tables.
Sawyer Camp Trail
Maximum Miles: 6 miles each way
Terrain: Paved and some parts are a little hilly, but still perfect for beginner scooters or strollers.
What you will see: The gorgeous Crystal Springs reservoir, deer, creek, and picnic tables and restrooms along the way.
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- Miles and miles of scooter rides!
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- Deer!
Hiking Trails in Redwood City
Edgewood Park and Preserve
Maximum Miles: 10 miles
Terrain: Dirt trails – some narrow, so sturdy strollers and patient stroller pushers only
What you will see: Oh high school memories! We used to come here all the time. Ok, enough of memory lane. This park has a picnic area, and the Clarkia Trail is a good 0.8 miles (about 2 miles out and back) for kids to start out (parking is right off of Canada Road). It does get quite hilly.
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- Photo Cred: Moms of the Bae
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- Edgewood Park with Kids!
Photo Credit: www.momsofthebae.com
Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve
Maximum Miles: 1.6 miles total on a stroller and longer, around 5+ miles all around.
Terrain: Easy paved trails (slow incline)
What you will see: Off-leash dog loop, goats, views of the hills, and creek. Cordilleras Trail is best for strollers and is 0.8 miles each way. Bring a carrier for a longer loop. Go check out the Pulgas Water Temple too!
Hiking Trails in Woodside
Huddart County Park
Maximum Miles: 10+ miles
Terrain: Chickadee Trail is stroller friendly at 0.75 miles one way, and Archery Fire Road (1.3 miles one way) is also pretty wide dirt path. Carrier best (but some doable with a sturdy stroller) for rest.
What you will see: Many native plans, tall redwoods, picnic tables, deer, and banana slugs! No dogs allowed.
The 0.75-mile all-access Chickadee Trail allows parents with children in strollers to hike through a magnificent display of bay area plants, including redwoods, chaparral, and oak. This trail is particularly enticing in late winter and early spring when water gushes down a gorge visible from the trail. No Dogs.
Filoli Gardens
Maximum Miles: 2 miles
Terrain: Easy and paved, but you will be able to easily explore a lot more without a stroller.
What you will see: Gardens, Nature Preserve, Fancy Hedges and Pool, and Estate Trail all offer a great place to walk around. Best for “well behaved” kids. No outside food permitted but there are picnic benches and tables outside by the parking lot, or cafe offers seating. Get there right when they open for a quieter and crowd-free experience!
Thornewood Open Space Preserve
Maximum Miles: 3 miles
Terrain: Dirt path, the trails look wide enough for a stroller but not confirmed. Let us know if you know!
What you will see: Easy short hike with a lake. Redwoods, oak, maples and shaded. (Which means it may stay wet a lot). Dogs are allowed. Not sure if it’s stroller friendly. Do you know? Comment below or contact us!
You may also like to read:
- 30+ Kid-Friendly Hikes in San Francisco
- 60+ Kid-Friendly Wineries in and near San Francisco Bay Area
- Guide to the Effie Yeaw Nature Center and Preserve in Sacramento
- Guide to the Lands End Hiking Trail in San Francisco
Map of Kid-Friendly Hikes in Los Altos, Palo Alto, and Mountain View
Hiking Trails in Los Altos
Monte Bello Open Space Preserve
Maximum Miles: 3-mile loop (Stevens Creek Nature Trail) and can go beyond for longer hikes
Terrain: Mostly stroller friendly, dirt trail but depending on the season, may have to cross a river.
What you will see:
It will take about 3 hours to complete the Stevens Creek Nature Trail loop in a leisurely pace but the first segment is for all physical abilities, including strollers. The entire trail is not really stroller friendly though. So if you want to do the entire 3 miles, be sure to bring a carrier. You will get nice viewpoints. No dogs allowed.
Hidden Villa
Maximum Miles: 7 miles
Terrain: Dirt paths, about 3 miles stroller friendly (sturdy stroller)
What you will see: There’s a farm! We love hikes where there’s an incentive at the end/or middle. Picnic tables, nature paths, and creek.
Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve
Maximum Miles: 10 miles, about 1.8 miles of sstroller-friendly trails.
Terrain: Stroller friendly to Alpine Pond and Horseshoe Lake, and nature center.
What you will see: Pond (and pond creatures), lake, Nature Center with self-guided tours, and views of the ocean.
Foothills Park
Maximum Miles: 10 miles
Terrain: Stroller friendly in most areas, but scooters are not allowed.
What you will see: Lake, streams, picnic, Nature Interpretive Center, and deer. Canoe rentals in May-October. Only open to Palo Alto residents and guests only. Dogs only allowed only during the weekdays. Scooters not allowed.
Hiking Trails in Palo Alto
Arastradero Preserve
Maximum Miles: 3.5-4 miles
Terrain: Dirt trails, much of it is wide enough for a stroller but bring a sturdy stroller.
What you will see: Lake, birds, information center with displays, popular with mountain bikers and dogs. Pretty open and not so shaded so bring sun protection!
Hiking Trails in Mountain View
Shoreline Park and Stevens Creek Nature Preserve
Maximum Miles: 8 miles
Terrain: Paved with some hills
What you will see: Lots of birds at the natural preserve, lake, salt marshes, ponds, shoreline, Rengstorff House, and 4 trails to choose from.
Map of Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails near San Jose – Cupertino, Saratoga, Milpitas, Los Gatos, & San Jose
Hiking Trails in Cupertino
Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve
Maximum Miles: 24 miles (2 miles from the farm and back)
Terrain: Paved wide paths. You can do the entire out and back to the farm with a stroller, but if you want to go down to the creek, etc. you will need a carrier. May have to carry scooters at some points, but easily doable! No dogs allowed.
What you will see: Farm with pigs, goats, cows, and chicken (Deer Hollow Farm)! Open green space, fun trails to veer off to, and creek. Picnic tables available inside a barn. 🙂
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- Yay farm animals!
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- Picnic in an old barn
Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve
Maximum Miles: 3.7 miles each way on Zinfandel
Terrain: Dirt paths wide enough for strollers.
What you will see: A kid-friendly winery! Orchards, Zinfandel Trail is best for kids with views of the Stevens Creek Reservoir. No dogs allowed.
Fremont Older Open Space Preserve
Maximum Miles: 14 miles
Terrain: About 2.5 miles of stroller-friendly trails up to Hunters Point, but you could keep going if you have a baby in a carrier.
What you will see: Views of the Silicon Valley from Hunters Point, lizards, wide open views and lots of doggies. (Bring sun protection as it’s not very shady.)
Hiking Trails in Saratoga
Villa Montalvo County Park
Maximum Miles: 3 miles
Terrain: It gets pretty narrow at points, so best for carriers or walking kids. A stroller is fine for walking around the Arts Center grounds.
What you will see: Former estate of Senator James Phelan so you will see formal gardens, Montalvo Arts center and lookout point. Picnic grounds available. Be careful of poison oak.
Hiking Trails in Los Gatos
Castle Rock State Park
Maximum Miles: 33 miles +
Terrain: Dirt trails some are stroller friendly and can cover a lot of grounds like the 5.6 mile loop below.
What you will see: Redwoods, Campsites, 5.6 mile Saratoga Gap and Ridge Trail loop leads to Goat Rock, Castle Rock Falls, and Russell Point Overlook. No dogs allowed. Easiest hike is the Castle Rock Loop at 1 miles and Castle Rock Falls at 1.3 miles to see the waterfall and views.
Hiking Trails in Milpitas
Ed R. Levin County Park
Maximum Miles: 20.6 miles
Terrain: In this huge park, much of it is stroller friendly and paved hiking area for scootering. Check out this map for more information.
What you will see: Picnicking, lake for fishing and playing, play areas, big lawns, creek. Kids only fishing area (for 5-12 years old). Check out hang gliders! Dogs allowed in parking lots, picnic areas, and all trails north of Calaveras Road.
Alviso Marina County Park
Maximum Miles: 9+ Miles
Terrain: Paved and dirt trails.
What you will see: It’s a national wildlife refuge so you will see some vegetated wetland, lots of water and when low tide, you really see the salt ponds, you can watch boats launch, kayak. Airplanes and trains going by too! You will have to carry the stroller down some stairs, but it’s mostly stroller friendly otherwise. A little too rocky for scooters but it’s doable. Dogs are allowed on some trails.
Wetlands
Hiking Trails in San Jose
Santa Teresa County Park
Maximum Miles: 17 miles, at least about 6.5 miles of stroller-friendly paths
Terrain: Wide dirt trails for the stroller-friendly portions.
What you will see: Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch, picnic area with BBQ pits, cattle (for now to help grassland habitat and reduce fire danger), the Pueblo Day Use area has horseshoe pits!
Calero County Park
Maximum Miles: 18.9 miles
Terrain: Dirt trails, some are wide enough but looks rough – stick to a sturdy stroller.
What you will see: Watch the boat launch by the reservoir, picnic tables with BBQ pits, fish, and check out the horses! Dogs are allowed on Bald Peaks Trail and all trails north of Bald Peaks Trail.
Los Alamitos Creek Trail
Maximum Miles: 4.7 miles
Terrain: Lots of paved flat trails perfect for strolling or scooting.
What you will see: Picnic with BBQ pits, swimming beach on the lake, play area, lawns, bocce ball, horseshoes, amphitheater, and a playground!
Map of Hiking Trails in the South Bay Coastal Side
Hiking Trails in Pacifica
Mori Point
Maximum Miles: 1 mile to many many miles (about 3 miles of stroller-friendly paths)
Terrain: Dirt path or paved path, depending on which trail. Some are narrow, and close to cliffs, so if you want a longer hike, best for baby carriers or older kids who are not so scary to watch walking by a cliff.
What you will see: Unbeatable views of the ocean, flowers, and if you go along the pier side, golf course and pier.
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- Loving the wildflower at Mori Point
San Pedro Valley Park
Maximum Miles: 2 miles of stroller-friendly hiking to many many more miles with walkers/carrier
Terrain: Weiler Ranch Road is a dirt road accessible to bikes and wider. Many of the other trails are more narrow and some steps.
What you will see: There is a Nature center, picnic area, and restrooms. No dogs allowed. For a stroller friendly short hike, stick to the Weiler Ranch Road.
Hiking Trails in Half Moon Bay
Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
Maximum Miles: 1.7 miles
Terrain: Some parts are stroller friendly, so you could bring your stroller and abandon it at some points of the hike to carry the baby but you can’t complete or go to main places with the stroller.
What you will see: Tidepools! Even if you don’t go to the tidepools, beautiful places to walk around. You may get lucky and see seals. No dogs allowed.
Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
Maximum Miles: 1 mile or longer
Terrain: Redwood trail (0.6 miles) is stroller friendly
What you will see: Butterflies, banana slugs, creek, picnic tables and restrooms. You could access this preserve from Skyline Blvd or through Half Moon Bay.
Burleigh Murray Ranch State Park
Maximum Miles: 2 miles out and back total
Terrain: Dirt but wide trails so stroller friendly.
What you will see: 1930’s bungalow/ barn (no animals) and berries and other wildflowers Goes along a creek. No dogs allowed.
Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
Maximum Miles: Up to 5 miles
Terrain: Accessible route as well as more rough dirt areas.
What you will see: Birds, rabbits, deer, wetlands, sea otters during the mating and pupping season. Can Kayak. There is an all-accessible path (very short) from the Visitor Center to the Overlook. (There is an entrance fee.) No dogs allowed.
Hiking Trails in the Pescadero Area
Butano State Park
Maximum Miles: Easy 1.5 miles to up to 9+ miles
Terrain: Mostly too uneven or narrow dirt trails for strollers
What you will see: Banana slugs, banana slugs, and more banana slugs. 🙂 Redwoods and fern. The Six Bridges Trail has bridges. 🙂 We loved Outdoors Parent’s round up on camping and hiking here. Check it out!
Ano Nuevo State Park
Maximum Miles: 4 miles
Terrain: There is a (somewhat) stroller friendly path leading up to a certain point, but after that, best for kids who can walk or wearable babies.
What you will see: Elephant seals, ocean, sand dunes to roll off of, and right by the Swanton Berry Farm and there’s also an oyster farm nearby too.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Maximum Miles: 9+ miles
Terrain: Much of the park is for carriers only, but there is a 1-mile stroller friendly option.
What you will see: The Berry Creek Canyon Falls is 4.7 miles one way so it should only be for baby carriers and big kids, but there is also a 1-mile stroller friendly walk you can see many of their biggest redwood trees.
Portola Redwoods State Park
Maximum Miles: Easy 1 mile hike or up to 18 miles
Terrain: The easy less than 1-mile hike is somewhat stroller friendly (except will have to carry it down to the “beach” area).
What you will see: Tall redwoods. The short trail (Sequoia Nature Trail) leads to a little beach area where the kids can splash around. Camping and picnic areas available. Creek, waterfalls, and more. The visitor center has couches and fireplace.
Hiking Trails in the Santa Cruz Area
Natural Bridges State Beach
Maximum Miles: 1 mile
Terrain: Boardwalk area is stroller friendly but rest should be a carrier.
What you will see: This is mainly a beach, but there are little trails that you can walk around. Boardwalk (stroller friendly), beach with a famous natural bridge, birds, whales, seals, and otters. If it’s low tide, you may spot crabs, starfish, and tide pools. Butterflies when in the season (October – February).
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Maximum Miles: 0.8-mile loop (Redwood Grove Loop Trail) perfect for kids but many many more miles to explore!
Terrain: The easy trail is dirt path and stroller friendly.
What you will see: Banana slugs, a living, huge redwood tree you can walk into (don’t forget your flashlight/cell phone flash)! Roaring Camp Railroad is across the parking lot for some train fun! Dogs are allowed on some trails and campgrounds but not the Redwood Grove Loop.
Wilder Ranch State Park
Maximum Miles: Sort easy hike is 2.5 miles but you can go on for many more miles!
Terrain: Some paved, some dirt but wide enough for a stroller, and much of the trails are carriers only.
What you will see: Farm animals! Also a cool Victorian home, or experience a 1896 water-powered machine shop. You can also horseback ride or camp here. Coastal and inland hikes. Old Cove Landing Trail to Ohlone Bluff Trail is the easier, mostly flat trail from the parking lot at 2.5 miles. No dogs allowed.
There you have it!
We did our research in kid-friendly hikes in the South Bay, and are amazed at how many there are! We have only scratched the surface in doing them all, unlike the 30+ we have listed in San Francisco (which we are almost done doing them all)! What did you think? Did we miss something? Anything you would like to add? Leave a comment here, or contact us!
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Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails in San Francisco Bay Area – Stroller Friendly, Scooter Friendly, and #DogFriendly too! | Hiking in San Francisco South Bay and San Jose with Kids
#kidfriendly #sanfrancisco #scootering #strollerfriendly #bayarea #hikewithbaby #hiking #southbay #outdoorswithkids #kidsactivities
You may also like to read:
- 30+ Kid-Friendly Hikes in San Francisco
- 60+ Kid-Friendly Wineries in and near San Francisco Bay Area
- Guide to the Effie Yeaw Nature Center and Preserve in Sacramento
- Guide to the Lands End Hiking Trail in San Francisco
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may get a small commission AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU. You will get the product for exactly how much it is sold in the marketplace, and you will be helping a mom to keep writing these guides. All opinions are of our own, and none were provided or influenced by the companies or individuals.
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