San francisco wildlife reserves in San Francisco, California

Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve is a vibrant 61-acre park nestled amongst the trees in the heart of San Francisco, California. Owned by UCSF, this urban oasis offers over 5 miles of public multi-use trails for hikers, trail runners, cyclists, and dog walkers. Named after former San Francisco Mayor Adolph Sutro, the Reserve has a rich history and is home to a diverse array of rare and native plants, as well as various tree species. The Reserve is committed to sustainability and preservation, with ongoing maintenance efforts and a focus on habitat restoration. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of Rotary Meadow, a native plant garden, and explore the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area. The Sutro Stewards, in collaboration with UCSF, work to maintain and manage the trails and conservation sites within the Reserve. With a commitment to safety and sustainability, UCSF is implementing a Vegetation Management Plan to ensure the long-term health of the forest and ecosystem. Whether you're looking to explore nature, volunteer with the Sutro Stewards, or simply enjoy a peaceful escape in the city, Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve offers a unique and enriching experience for all who visit.

San Bruno Mountain State & County Park is a stunning natural oasis located in Brisbane, California. This park offers visitors a chance to explore over 2,000 acres of preserved land, featuring a variety of hiking trails, picnic areas, and breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay Area. With its diverse plant and animal life, including rare and endangered species, this park is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you're looking to go on a leisurely stroll or challenge yourself with a more strenuous hike, San Bruno Mountain State & County Park has something for everyone. Come and experience the beauty and tranquility of this hidden gem in the Bay Area.

The San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is a stunning park and tourist attraction located in San Rafael, California, United States. This reserve is dedicated to the protection and preservation of the unique estuarine ecosystems found in the San Francisco Bay area. Visitors can explore the diverse habitats, learn about the important research being conducted, and enjoy the beauty of the natural surroundings. With its educational programs, interactive exhibits, and breathtaking views, the San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve offers a memorable experience for nature lovers and conservation enthusiasts alike.

Welcome to the Farallon National Wildlife Refuge, a hidden gem located just off the coast of San Francisco, California. This unique park offers a rare opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty and diverse wildlife of the Farallon Islands. Established to protect the rich marine and avian life, the refuge is home to thousands of seabirds, marine mammals, and other wildlife species, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. Although the islands are not open to the public to preserve their natural habitat, visitors can enjoy guided boat tours that offer stunning views of the rugged cliffs and the vast Pacific Ocean. These tours provide an excellent chance to learn about the refuge's conservation efforts and the incredible creatures that inhabit this sanctuary.

Barnyard is a charming institution located at 320 Bowling Green Drive in San Francisco, California. This unique venue offers a variety of activities and experiences for visitors of all ages, including interactive animal encounters, educational workshops, and hands-on farming experiences. Whether you're looking to learn more about sustainable agriculture, connect with nature, or simply enjoy a fun day out with the family, Barnyard has something for everyone. Come visit us and explore the beauty of the countryside right in the heart of the city.

China Camp Point Picnic Area is a beautiful park located in San Rafael, California, along the shore of the San Pablo Bay. Visitors can enjoy stunning waterfront views, meadows, oak habitats, and a variety of wildlife such as deer, squirrels, coyotes, and numerous birds. The park also features an extensive intertidal salt marsh, where endangered species like the California clapper rail and salt marsh harvest mouse can be found. The park has a rich history, with a Chinese shrimp-fishing village thriving on the site in the 1880s. The museum at China Camp Village tells the story of these hardy shrimp fishermen. Visitors can also explore the beach, swim, picnic, and enjoy activities like wildlife-watching, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, boating, and windsurfing.

29th & Diamond Open Space is a beautiful park located on Diamond Street in San Francisco, California. This serene and well-maintained open space offers a peaceful retreat for visitors to relax and enjoy nature. With its lush greenery, walking paths, and seating areas, this park provides a perfect spot for picnics, leisurely strolls, or simply unwinding amidst the bustling city. Visitors can report any maintenance or vandalism issues by calling 311 or clicking on the provided link. Come visit 29th & Diamond Open Space and experience a tranquil oasis in the heart of San Francisco.

McLaren Park is a sprawling urban oasis located at 2075 Burrows Street in San Francisco, California. This beautiful park offers visitors a peaceful escape from the city with its lush green spaces, scenic walking trails, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. With amenities such as playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports facilities, McLaren Park is the perfect destination for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Whether you're looking to take a leisurely stroll, play a game of soccer, or simply enjoy a quiet moment in nature, McLaren Park has something for everyone to enjoy.

Chestnut and Kearny Open Space is a beautiful park located in the heart of San Francisco, California. This tranquil oasis offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with lush greenery, towering trees, and scenic walking paths. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or simply relax and unwind in this serene natural setting. The park is the perfect spot for nature lovers, families, and anyone looking to connect with the great outdoors in the midst of a bustling urban environment.

Located at 70 Elk Street in San Francisco, California, the Glen Park Recreation Center is a hidden gem at the foot of Glen Canyon. After a $22 million renovation in 2017, this facility now offers a wide range of activities for the whole family, including baseball, tennis, basketball, and even the city's first public climbing wall. The center hosts various programs such as Tot Playtime, Pilates, Yoga, Zumba, and more. Open gym hours are available for pickup basketball and other sports. With a diverse schedule of activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Glen Park Recreation Center.

Coyote Point Recreation Area is a picturesque park and popular tourist attraction located at 1701 Coyote Point Drive in San Mateo, California, United States. This stunning waterfront park offers breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay and features a variety of amenities for visitors to enjoy, including picnic areas, playgrounds, walking and biking trails, a marina, and a beach for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors can also explore the CuriOdyssey science and wildlife center, which offers interactive exhibits and educational programs for all ages. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day by the water or an adventure-filled outing, Coyote Point Recreation Area has something for everyone to enjoy.

Grizzly Peak Park is a stunning natural oasis nestled in the hills of Berkeley, California. This popular tourist attraction offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area, including the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. Visitors can enjoy hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching in this peaceful and picturesque park. With its convenient location at 50 Whitaker Avenue, Grizzly Peak Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Benicia State Recreation Area is a popular park and tourist attraction located at 1 State Park Road in Benicia, California, United States. Visitors can enjoy 2 1/2 miles of road and bike paths for cycling, running, walking, horseback riding, and roller skating. Picnicking, bird watching, and fishing are also popular activities at the park. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. The marshland area on Dillon’s Point is a favorite spot for fishing. A parking fee is required for visitors. Three "Enroute" campsites are available for overnight stays on a first-come, first-served basis, limited to motorhomes or vehicles with trailers that are fully self-contained. Tents are not allowed. It is prohibited to collect or destroy anything in the park, including mushrooms. Online reservations are not available for this park. The weather in the area can be changeable, so layered clothing is recommended. To reach the park, take the Columbus Parkway exit on I-780, 1.5 miles west of the outskirts of Benicia. Latitude/Longitude: 38.0780/ -122.1926.

Cooley Landing Park is a beautiful waterfront park located in East Palo Alto, California. Situated at 2100 Bay Road, this park offers stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and the surrounding area. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, picnic areas, and a playground for children. The park is a popular spot for birdwatching and wildlife viewing, with opportunities to see a variety of species in their natural habitat. Cooley Landing Park is a peaceful and scenic destination for outdoor recreation and relaxation.

Coyote Hills Regional Park is a popular tourist attraction located at 8000 Patterson Ranch Road in Fremont, California. This park, dedicated in 1967, covers 1,266 acres of marshland and rolling grassland-covered hills along the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay. The park offers a variety of activities such as hiking, jogging, bicycling, bird watching, nature exploration, and picnicking. The park is open year-round, with different gate hours depending on the season. The Visitor Center is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Visitors can enjoy educational displays and exhibits at the Visitor Center, which also houses the Possum's Pocket Nature Store. Naturalist-led programs and tours highlight the park's cultural and natural history. The park also features picnic areas with barbeque braziers, water, and shade. The Hoot Hollow picnic area is available for group reservations.

Stivers Lagoon Nature Area is a serene park located at 40500 Paseo Padre Parkway in Fremont, California. This beautiful nature area offers visitors a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. With lush greenery, tranquil lagoons, and scenic walking paths, Stivers Lagoon Nature Area is the perfect place to connect with nature and unwind. Whether you're looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll, birdwatch, or have a picnic with family and friends, this park has something for everyone. Come and explore the natural beauty of Stivers Lagoon Nature Area today!

Riverview Park is a picturesque park located at 2 Riverview Dr in Pittsburg, California, United States. This popular tourist attraction offers stunning views of the surrounding area, including the beautiful Delta waterways. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the walking paths, have a picnic in the lush green spaces, or even take part in outdoor activities such as fishing or boating. With its peaceful atmosphere and scenic vistas, Riverview Park is the perfect place to relax and unwind amidst nature.

Diablo Foothills Regional Park is a stunning park and tourist attraction located at 1700 Castle Rock Road in Walnut Creek, California. The park is open from 5am-10pm, with parking lot hours varying throughout the year. The park is a gateway to the beautiful parklands of Mount Diablo State Park and Walnut Creek Open Space, offering sweeping panoramas of the San Francisco Bay Region and rural grasslands. The park features diverse habitats supporting a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, bobcats, coyotes, and a range of bird species. Visitors can enjoy horseback riding, hiking, bicycling, and nature study in the park's 1,060 acres. The Castle Rock Recreation Area within the park offers reservable group picnic areas and a swimming pool complex that is fully accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Hidden Valley Open Space is a picturesque park located in San Ramon, California, United States. This tranquil and expansive open space offers visitors a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. With rolling hills, scenic trails, and stunning views, Hidden Valley Open Space is the perfect destination for nature lovers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, this hidden gem provides the ideal setting to reconnect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors.

Frederick Street Park is a charming and picturesque park located at 168 Frederick Street in Santa Cruz, California. This popular tourist attraction offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, with lush greenery, beautiful flower gardens, and scenic walking paths. Visitors can relax on the benches, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The park is also a great spot for families, with a playground for children to enjoy. Whether you're looking for a place to unwind or a scenic spot for a leisurely stroll, Frederick Street Park is the perfect destination.

Sutro Heights is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 846 Point Lobos Avenue in San Francisco, California. This stunning institution offers visitors breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as lush gardens, historic ruins, and a monument dedicated to the former landowner, Adolph Sutro. Visitors can explore the walking paths, enjoy a picnic with loved ones, or simply relax and take in the natural beauty of this coastal gem. Sutro Heights is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and anyone looking to unwind in a serene and picturesque setting.

Bison Paddock is a must-visit park and tourist attraction located at 1237 John F Kennedy Drive in San Francisco, California, United States. Here, visitors can observe majestic bison roaming freely in a natural habitat, providing a unique and unforgettable experience. The park offers a serene atmosphere for nature lovers and families alike, with plenty of opportunities for picnicking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Come and witness the beauty of these iconic animals up close at Bison Paddock.

Peacock Meadow is a stunning park located at 240 John F Kennedy Drive in San Francisco, California. This enchanting tourist attraction is known for its vibrant peacocks that roam freely throughout the lush greenery. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks, picnics, and bird watching in this picturesque setting. With its serene atmosphere and beautiful wildlife, Peacock Meadow is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in the heart of San Francisco.

Pioneer Park, located at 1 Telegraph Hill Boulevard in San Francisco, California, is a popular tourist attraction known for its iconic Coit Tower. The tower, built in 1933, offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city and bay from its observation deck. Named after Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a patron of the city's firefighters, the tower features murals painted in 1934 by artists employed by the Public Works of Art Project. Visitors can take docent-led tours of the tower, learning about its history and the artists behind the murals. The park surrounding Coit Tower, established in 1876, offers scenic trails and the chance to spot the famous flock of parrots featured in the film "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill."

Point Emery is a stunning park and popular tourist attraction located in Emeryville, California, United States. Situated along the beautiful coastline, Point Emery offers breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, hiking, and birdwatching in this serene and picturesque setting. The park is a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With its peaceful atmosphere and scenic surroundings, Point Emery is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Bay Area.

Coyote Hills Visitors Center is a travel agency located at 8000 Patterson Ranch Road in Fremont, California, United States. The center offers a variety of services and information for visitors to Coyote Hills Regional Park. The park features marshland and rolling grassland-covered hills along the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, jogging, bicycling, bird watching, nature exploration, and picnicking. The Visitor Center contains educational displays and exhibits showcasing the Ohlone way of life, as well as the Possum's Pocket Nature Store. Naturalist-led programs and tours highlight the park's cultural and natural history. Picnic areas with barbeque braziers, water, and shade are available on a first-come-first-served basis, and there is a reservable group picnic site at Hoot Hollow. The Dairy Glen campsite is fully ADA compliant and available for overnight camping reservations.

Hendy Woods State Park, located in Philo, California, is a popular tourist attraction less than three hours from San Francisco. The park boasts towering redwoods, some of which are over 300 feet tall and 1,000 years old. Visitors can enjoy five miles of trails, including the wheelchair-accessible Discovery Trail in Big Hendy Grove. The park is open year-round for camping and day use, with four cabins and 92 campsites available. The park is warmer and less foggy than other redwood parks along the coast, making it a great spot for swimming in the summer and canoeing and kayaking in late winter and early spring. The park is also known for the Hendy Hermit, a Russian immigrant who lived near the park for 18 years.

Salt Point State Park, located in Jenner, California, offers a unique coastal experience with rocky promontories, panoramic views, and kelp-dotted coves. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, skin and SCUBA diving, and camping. The park features 20 miles of hiking trails, six miles of rugged coastline, and an underwater park. Dogs are allowed on-leash in certain areas of the park. The park also offers campgrounds with fire-rings, picnic tables, and food lockers. Reservations are recommended for camping, as the campgrounds fill up quickly on weekends. The park is known for its sandstone and Tafoni formations, as well as its diverse marine life. Visitors can explore tide pools, go fishing, or launch small boats in the marine reserve. Hazardous tree conditions are present in the park due to pitch pine canker, so visitors are advised to be cautious of standing dead trees. Admission to the park is $8.00 per vehicle, with camping fees ranging from $5.00 to $35.00 per night. Located approximately 90 miles north of San Francisco, Salt Point State Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, located at 4824 Lake County Highway in Calistoga, California, is a beautiful park and tourist attraction known for its diverse ecosystem. Although online reservations are not available for this park, visitors can enjoy the wide array of flora and fauna that can be found here. This park is where the famous author Robert Louis Stevenson spent his honeymoon in 1880, and there is a trail to the summit where his cabin once stood. The terrain in the park is rough, with evergreen forests in the canyons on north-facing slopes and chaparral on the south-facing slopes. Visitors can enjoy a five-mile hike to the top of Mt. St. Helena, where stunning views of the San Francisco Bay Area can be seen, and on clear days, even Mt. Shasta 192 miles away.

Año Nuevo State Park, located at 1 New Years Creek Road in Pescadero, California, is a popular tourist attraction known for its elephant seal viewing opportunities. From April to November, visitors can enjoy a self-guided walk along the Año Point Trail to observe up to 10,000 elephant seals as they breed, give birth, and molt their skin on the scenic dunes and beaches. The park also features the Marine Education Center, housed in a historic dairy ranch, offering natural history exhibits and a bookstore. The park's diverse natural and cultural resources attract visitors from around the world, with opportunities for birdwatching, hiking along ocean bluffs, and exploring the remains of a 19th-century lighthouse on Año Nuevo Island. The park's terrain includes coastal prairie, wetland marshes, and dune fields, providing habitat for a variety of plant and animal species, including the endangered San Francisco Garter Snake and California Red-legged Frog.