The best MTB trails around Alameda

This large, open grass area has a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge. During World War I, it was home to the barracks, and then served as an airfield. Today, it's open to the public for picnics and sightseeing.

Every near-urban forest has a mystery like this: How on earth did that car get there, and why? Make sure you don't pop a tire or catch a leg/handlebar on it.

It's just a short crank up Bishop's Walk to reach this viewpoint, which offers amazing vistas out toward Oakland. Don't stop here, though; Bishop's Walk is a great way to access the rest of the fun singletrack in Joaquin Miller Park.

Joaquin Miller Park is a beautiful 500-acre green space popular for hiking, cycling, jogging, and picnicking. Locals call it Oakland's "jewel in the redwoods," with miles of trails perfect for riding in the city's heart. It offers views of downtown Oakland, redwood groves, and a grassy bowl around the Woodminster Cascades. Along the way, you'll encounter various landscapes, including redwood canyons, oak, and chaparral, with Mount Diablo and San Francisco vistas.

The Sequoia Bayview Trail is a great route that winds through several groves of majestic Redwoods and is suitable for all skill levels. It's perfect for linking to other trails in the park for an extended ride, including the Sunset Trail and Cinderella Trail. Starting as a road, the trail narrows after passing the horse arena turnoff and has a gradual grade, making it a popular spot for hikers and runners, so keep an eye out for others as you ride through this beautiful forested area.

Fort Point is a signature landmark beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, built at the height of California’s Gold Rush in 1853. Later, the Army Corps of Engineers utilized the site in the Civil War and the Army in World War II for detention barracks before it became a National Park Site in 1970. It remains a popular tourist destination thanks to its unique history, architectural style, and world-class scenic views, so stunning that it made a memorable cameo in Hitchcock’s 1958 masterpiece, Vertigo. You may see “soldiers” taking part in a Civil War reenactment or catch a glimpse of a romantic proposal, which is all part of the magic when visiting this historic site.

It would have been better to drive via Fort Baker on the way back!

Even before you arrive in San Francisco, you can feel the presence of Fort Point. The massive fort, built in the 1860s, was once the protector of San Francisco Bay. Here, at this strategic point, soldiers stood guard, ready to defend the city against any threats from the sea. The history of this place is much older. As early as 1794, Spain built the Castillo de San Joaquin, a clay fortification, to protect itself against British and Russian attacks. Today this place is not only a silent testimony to the past, but also a place for encounters and learning. The museum inside takes you on a journey through time - from the first Spanish settlers through the American Civil War to today. The impressive rooftop views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay are just the icing on the cake of your visit. While the interior of the fort is only open on certain days, the outside is also worth visiting. The impressive masonry and imposing steel frame of the Golden Gate Bridge, which has towered over the fort since 1937, is an unforgettable sight.