Wildlife Viewing Parks Near San Francisco

Discover 35 parks for wildlife viewing within driving distance of San Francisco

San Bruno Mountain State Park

Brisbane, California
7 miles away

"A world-famous city known for its culture, landmarks, and proximity to outdoor recreation, making San Bruno Mountain a quick nature escape for residents and visitors."

A scenic ridge park with rare habitats and panoramic Bay Area views.

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Angel Island State Park

Tiburon, California
7 miles away

"San Francisco residents enjoy quick ferry access to Angel Island for outdoor recreation, history, and panoramic bay views."

Angel Island State Park is a scenic island park in San Francisco Bay with hiking, history, and stunning views.

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Thornton State Beach

Daly City, California
8 miles away

"San Francisco residents enjoy quick access to Thornton State Beach for a relaxing escape from the city, offering stunning coastal views and peaceful beach walks."

Thornton State Beach features dramatic ocean views, sandy beaches, and coastal bluffs in Daly City.

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McLaughlin Eastshore State Park State Seashore

Berkeley, California
12 miles away

"San Francisco residents enjoy quick access to the park for outdoor recreation, birdwatching, and panoramic Bay views just across the Bay Bridge."

A scenic shoreline park with trails, wildlife habitats, and panoramic Bay views.

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Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach

Alameda, California
14 miles away

"San Franciscans visit for a change of pace, sandy beaches, and panoramic bay views just across the Bay Bridge."

A family-friendly beach park with swimming, picnicking, and bay views in Alameda.

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Albany State Marine Reserve

Albany, California
14 miles away

"San Franciscans cross the Bay Bridge to explore Albany SMR's tranquil shoreline, ideal for birdwatching and photography."

A protected shoreline reserve offering wildlife viewing and scenic bayfront walks.

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Mount Tamalpais State Park

Mill Valley, California
15 miles away

"San Francisco residents enjoy quick access to Mount Tamalpais for hiking, biking, and escaping city life in a natural setting with spectacular views."

A scenic park with panoramic vistas, redwoods, and extensive trails just north of San Francisco.

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Pacifica State Beach

Pacifica, California
15 miles away

"San Francisco residents enjoy quick access to Pacifica State Beach for surfing, beach days, and scenic coastal escapes just minutes from the city."

A popular coastal park known for surfing, sandy beaches, and ocean views.

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Montara State Beach

Montara, California
20 miles away

"San Francisco residents visit Montara State Beach for a quick escape to nature, enjoying surfing, picnics, and coastal views just a short drive from the city."

A stunning coastal park known for sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and ocean views.

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China Camp State Park

San Rafael, California
20 miles away

"San Francisco residents visit China Camp for a quick escape to nature, scenic biking trails, and a glimpse into California's Chinese-American heritage."

A scenic bayfront park with historic sites, trails, and wildlife in Marin County.

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Olompali State Historic Park

Novato, California
30 miles away

"San Francisco residents visit Olompali SHP for a peaceful escape into nature and to explore the region’s Native American and ranching history, just a short drive north."

Historic park with Miwok heritage, ranch history, and scenic hiking near Novato.

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Burleigh H. Murray Ranch Property

Half Moon Bay, California
30 miles away

"San Francisco residents visit for a peaceful escape, scenic hiking, and a glimpse into California's ranching past, all within a short drive from the city."

Historic ranch property with creekside trails and unique stone barn near Half Moon Bay.

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Samuel P. Taylor State Park

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Samuel P. Taylor State Park

Lagunitas, California
32 miles away

"San Francisco residents visit for a quick escape to nature, enjoying the redwoods and family-friendly camping just a short drive from the city."

A redwood-filled park in Marin County offering hiking, camping, and picnicking.

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Benicia State Recreation Area

Benicia, California
35 miles away

"San Francisco residents appreciate Benicia SRA for its open spaces, wildlife, and family-friendly amenities just a short drive away."

A waterfront park with trails, marshlands, and picnic areas along the Carquinez Strait.

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San Gregorio State Beach

San Gregorio, California
37 miles away

"San Francisco residents enjoy a quick coastal escape to San Gregorio for its natural beauty and peaceful beach, making it a popular weekend destination."

A picturesque coastal park with sandy beaches, bluffs, and a creekside lagoon.

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Mount Diablo State Park

Clayton, California
38 miles away

"San Francisco visitors enjoy a day trip to Mount Diablo for hiking, photography, and panoramic Bay Area vistas."

A scenic park known for its summit views, hiking, and natural beauty.

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Pomponio State Beach

San Gregorio, California
38 miles away

"San Francisco residents visit Pomponio State Beach for a peaceful retreat from city life, enjoying the scenic coastline and recreational opportunities just a short drive away."

A tranquil coastal park with sandy beaches, bluffs, and picnic areas along Highway 1.

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Tomales Bay State Park

Inverness, California
40 miles away

"San Francisco residents visit Tomales Bay State Park for a peaceful escape from the city, enjoying its beaches and scenic trails just a short drive north."

A coastal park with beaches, forests, and abundant wildlife along Tomales Bay.

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Bean Hollow State Beach

Pescadero, California
48 miles away

"San Francisco residents visit Bean Hollow for a peaceful escape from city life, enjoying the scenic drive down Highway 1 and the park's natural beauty."

A picturesque coastal park with tide pools, pebble beaches, and ocean vistas.

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Pescadero State Beach

Pescadero, California
48 miles away

"San Francisco residents visit for a scenic coastal escape, wildlife viewing, and the opportunity to explore tide pools and beaches away from the city bustle."

A scenic beach with sandy shores, tide pools, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

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Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park

Pescadero, California
50 miles away

"San Francisco residents visit for a scenic coastal getaway, lighthouse history, and whale watching opportunities just a short drive south."

Historic lighthouse park with ocean views and maritime exhibits.

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Lake Del Valle State Recreation Area

Livermore, California
50 miles away

"San Francisco residents visit Lake Del Valle for a change of scenery, outdoor recreation, and family outings away from the city bustle."

A picturesque lakeside park offering boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking in Livermore Valley.

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Marsh Creek State Park

Brentwood, California
53 miles away

"San Francisco residents seeking a day in nature visit Marsh Creek State Park for its quiet trails and East Bay scenery."

A scenic East Bay park with grasslands, woodlands, and creekside trails.

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Sugarloaf Ridge State Park

Kenwood, California
54 miles away

"San Francisco visitors make day trips or weekend getaways to Sugarloaf Ridge for hiking, camping, and stargazing away from the city’s bustle."

A scenic park in Sonoma County known for hiking, waterfalls, and stargazing.

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Castle Rock State Park

Los Gatos, California
54 miles away

"San Francisco adventurers make day trips to Castle Rock for hiking, climbing, and panoramic mountain views."

Castle Rock State Park offers scenic hiking, rock climbing, and panoramic views in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

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Año Nuevo State Park

Pescadero, California
55 miles away

"San Francisco visitors are drawn to Año Nuevo’s dramatic coastline and renowned wildlife, offering a peaceful retreat from the city’s bustle."

Año Nuevo State Park is famous for its elephant seal rookery and coastal landscapes.

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Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Boulder Creek, California
56 miles away

"San Francisco visitors are drawn to Big Basin for a day trip or weekend getaway, seeking the serenity of redwood groves and the beauty of the Santa Cruz Mountains."

California’s oldest state park, famous for its towering redwoods and scenic beauty.

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Robert Louis Stevenson State Park

Calistoga, California
65 miles away

"San Francisco residents often make day trips to the park for hiking, photography, and to experience the region’s unique volcanic landscape."

A scenic park with hiking trails, volcanic peaks, and literary history.

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Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

Calistoga, California
65 miles away

"San Francisco visitors often travel to Bothe-Napa Valley State Park for a weekend getaway, combining wine tasting with outdoor adventures in a serene forested setting."

A forested park in Napa Valley featuring hiking, camping, and a seasonal pool.

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Sonoma Coast State Park

Bodega Bay, California
66 miles away

"San Francisco locals and tourists alike visit Sonoma Coast SP for its dramatic coastal scenery, wildlife, and a refreshing break from city life."

A stunning 17-mile stretch of beaches, bluffs, and coastal trails along the Sonoma County coastline.

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Austin Creek State Recreation Area

Guerneville, California
75 miles away

"San Francisco visitors are drawn to Austin Creek SRA for its peaceful landscapes, outdoor recreation, and proximity to the iconic Armstrong Redwoods."

A rugged wilderness park with hiking, camping, and scenic vistas near Armstrong Redwoods.

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Salt Point State Park

Jenner, California
88 miles away

"San Francisco adventurers visit Salt Point for its dramatic coastline, unique geology, and peaceful camping, just a scenic drive north of the city."

A scenic coastal park with bluffs, forests, and tide pools along Sonoma County’s rugged shoreline.

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