The Presidio Ecology Trail is a short family and dog-friendly pathway that travels between Arguello Gate and the Presidio's Main Post. The trail is home to many diverse habitats such as serpentine grasslands as well as groves of redwoods, eucalyptus, Monterey pine, Monterey cypress, and oak. Since the trail is located within the Presidio's largest watershed, the Tennessee Hollow, there are many different animal species to be found including hummingbirds and a variety of butterflies.

The path around Jewel Lake offers a great tour of the Tilden Nature Area. There is a boardwalk section along the east side of the lake and the majority of the trail is a gentle walk through a lovely lush forest with opportunities to see wildlife. The area is home to many bird species, turtles, frogs, ducks, and butterflies. Tilden Nature Area also includes a kids’ playground with nearby picnic tables as well as the Little Farm with farm animals to feed.

The Owl Trail is a short hike in Muir Woods that travels from the Muir Beach Overlook to Slide Ranch, a nonprofit educational farm, along a beautiful oceanfront path. Goats and sheep are frequently seen from the trail, as are birds, rabbits, and other wildlife. This is a fantastic family-friendly hike with beautiful vistas of the ocean and the Marin headlands.

The Tiburon Waterfront Pathway is an easy stroll on a paved path that is both family and dog-friendly. There is ample parking at many entry ways along the path, which extends from the Little Reed Heights neighborhood to the end of the peninsula. Enjoy the expansive bayfront views of the Marin Headlands and stop at Blackie's pasture to read about Blackie, the famous horse. The path is an excellent place for running, cycling, and taking kids in a stroller.

This urban park in the city of San Francisco is a great place to go for the day with kids. There are a variety of attractions, museums, large lawns areas for a picnic, and ten different lakes to enjoy. Paths wind around and through the park and most of them are paved. This is an ideal destination for families looking to get a little exercise together, while also having many options for entertainment and breaks.

Just north of Point Reyes Station and just off Highway 1 at the Martinelli Ranch, the Tomales Bay Trail meanders gently through hills and meadows down toward Tomales Bay. Along the way, there are almost always cattle grazing in the fields. There's other coastal wildlife to spot as well, plus sweeping views of the surrounding hillsides and coast the whole way. Because of its open landscape and coastal breezes, this is a great place to break out a kite and see it fly through the sky.

The California Coastal trail stretches from Mexico to Oregon, but this lovely section of the trail runs from the Cliff House at Lands End Park to the Golden Gate Bridge. It's a fun adventure for all ages, passing by many landmarks along the way. The trail runs along seaside cliffs, where hikers can watch crashing waves, sailboats, and occasional surfers, all while enjoying views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands across the bay.

Believe it or not, there's a volcano in the East Bay. Round Top is a volcano that dates back ten million years and can be found at the Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve. The Round Top Loop Trail circles its peak, providing educational information throughout the path so you can learn about its history. There are also several labyrinths that can be discovered just off the path, making this a really fun adventure for all ages.

Coyote Hills Regional Park offers a variety of trails that weave through wetlands and hills. This route is mostly flat and paved, taking visitors around the base of the hills and providing great views of the bay and the multicolored salt evaporation ponds. Bird watching is a treat here. See hawks, the occasional bald eagle, and seagulls soaring through the sky. Pack a picnic and grab a table at the Visitor Center or Quarry Staging Area to enjoy a nice meal.