The best walks and hikes around San Mateo

Yes, many parks and trails in the San Mateo area welcome dogs. A popular spot is Seal Point Park, which features a dedicated dog park and waterfront walking trails. Always check the specific regulations for the park you plan to visit, as some areas may require dogs to be on a leash.

For a family-friendly outing, the Hiking loop from Burlingame is an excellent choice. It's a very flat and easy walk, making it accessible for all ages. Another great option is Laurelwood Park, which offers playgrounds and picnic areas in addition to trails leading up to Sugarloaf Mountain.

Absolutely. The region's proximity to the Pacific means there are fantastic coastal hikes. Trails around Mori Point and Pillar Point Bluff offer dramatic views of the ocean and coastal bluffs. For a paved, accessible path with stunning sea vistas, the Devil's Slide Trail is a unique option built on a former highway section.

To immerse yourself in redwood groves, you'll want to visit the nearby preserves. Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is a local favorite, offering several trails that wind through canyons filled with towering redwoods. Huddart Park is another excellent choice, providing shaded hikes among majestic redwood and oak trees.

While San Mateo itself has mostly easy to moderate trails, more strenuous hikes are just a short drive away. For a tough climb with rewarding panoramic views of the Bay Area, the trails up Montara Mountain in San Pedro Valley Park or the Summit Loop on San Bruno Mountain are excellent options for experienced hikers.

During the spring, Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve is renowned for its spectacular wildflower displays. The park's serpentine grasslands come alive with vibrant colors, making it a top destination for wildflower enthusiasts. The Ridgeview Trail within the park offers great views of both the flowers and the bay.

Yes, though they are seasonal. For the best experience, visit during the rainy winter and spring months. The Brooks Creek Trail in San Pedro Valley Park features Brooks Falls, which cascades down three tiers. The trails in Purisima Creek also feature lovely babbling streams and smaller water features.

Locals and visitors enjoy a variety of parks.

Huddart Park is a highly-regarded forested park with extensive trails for hiking and riding. Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is another favorite, celebrated for its magnificent redwood groves and canyon trails. For something different, El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve offers trails through a dense forest with unique sandstone formations.

There are over 80 hiking routes to explore in and around San Mateo. These range from easy, flat waterfront paths to more moderate climbs in the surrounding hills and parks, offering plenty of options for different fitness levels.

The trails around San Mateo are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the variety of scenery, from bay views on trails like the Seal Slough Trail to the wooded canyons found on the Hidden Canyon Park – Water Dog Lake loop from Devonshire.

Yes, the Crystal Springs Regional Trail is one of the best paved multi-use trails in the Bay Area. The Sawyer Camp Segment is particularly popular, offering a mostly flat and scenic route along the Crystal Springs Reservoir that is ideal for strollers, wheelchairs, and casual bike rides.