The best city hikes and walks around Redwood City

The Foster City Levee Trail: Belmont Slough offers a wonderfully flat and accessible hiking experience, perfect for a relaxed outing. You'll enjoy expansive views of the San Francisco Bay and the East Bay hills, with the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge often in sight. The trail winds past vibrant salt marshes, home to native cordgrass and pickleweed, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching, where you might spot ducks, herons, and other shorebirds. This easy 3.2-mile (5.2 km) route has only 30 feet (9 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 1 hour and 18 minutes, making it ideal for all ages and fitness levels.

Planning your trip is simple, as the trail is open year-round, though spring and fall are particularly good for birdwatching. It's a dog-friendly path, so feel free to bring your leashed companion along. As a well-maintained segment of the San Francisco Bay Trail, access is generally easy, and you'll find the wide asphalt and decomposed granite path comfortable for walking, running, or cycling.

Beyond its recreational appeal, the Foster City Levee Trail plays a crucial ecological role as part of the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex. It acts as a natural boundary between Redwood Shores and Foster City, with the levee itself providing significant flood protection for the area. Recent improvements, including new bridges, have helped restore tidal action in the Belmont Slough, enhancing this diverse ecosystem.

The Inner Bair Island via San Francisco Bay Trail is an easy 3.8-mile (6.1 km) hike that offers a peaceful escape into the heart of the San Francisco Bay wetlands. With only 20 feet (6 metres) of elevation gain, this flat route is perfect for a leisurely stroll, taking about 1 hour and 32 minutes. You'll wander along levees, past restored tidal marshes, and enjoy expansive views of the Bair Island slough, with two dedicated viewing platforms providing excellent opportunities to spot local wildlife.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is easily accessible. Parking for Inner Bair Island San Francisco Bay Trail is available at the trailhead, though it's always wise to arrive early on busy days. Since there's minimal shade, consider hiking in the early morning or late afternoon, especially during warmer months, to avoid the midday sun. This trail is family friendly and suitable for all skill levels.

Inner Bair Island is a haven for birdwatchers, forming part of the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. You can expect to see a wide variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, and other species thriving in the restored marshland habitat. Educational markers along the route explain the area's history, from cattle grazing to salt evaporation ponds, and its transformation into a protected ecological treasure. It's one of the best hiking trails near Redwood City for a dose of nature.

The Redwood Shores Loop offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and urban vistas, making it a unique hiking experience along the San Francisco Bay Trail. You'll wander along groomed paths, boardwalks, and levees, with the serene Redwood Shores Lagoon and Belmont Slough often in view, alongside the striking Oracle campus. This moderate 7.1-mile (11.4 km) route, with a mere 61 feet (19 metres) of elevation gain, is a flat and easy walk that typically takes just under three hours, perfect for a leisurely outing.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is largely accessible year-round. While there's minimal shade, making sun protection a must, the well-maintained paths are suitable for a wide range of users, including those with dogs on leash. Look out for picnic spots and observation platforms along the way, enhancing your experience of this popular trail.

This segment of the San Francisco Bay Trail is particularly notable for its exceptional wildlife habitat, running alongside significant ecological reserves like the Redwood Shores Ecological Reserve. It's a fantastic spot for birdwatching, offering frequent sightings of egrets and herons, and provides a distinct perspective on the Bay Area by combining natural marshland environments with modern corporate and residential views.

The Belmont Slough loop from Redwood Shores is a fantastic choice for an easy, scenic outing, offering a flat and accessible path through vibrant salt marshes. You'll traverse 3.1 miles (4.9 km) with a mere 31 feet (10 metres) of elevation gain, making it a comfortable 1 hour and 15 minute hike. The trail provides continuous views of the slough and its rich ecosystem, with native cordgrass and pickleweed painting the landscape, and observation platforms offering enhanced vistas over the Redwood Shores Ecological Reserve.

This route is perfect for a relaxed stroll or a quick run, suitable for families and dog owners alike. The mild Bay Area climate means you can enjoy it year-round, though a visit during low tide reveals bustling mudflats teeming with shorebirds. Access is straightforward from Redwood Shores, and the trail's integration with the Bay Trail network means you can easily extend your adventure if you're looking for a longer journey.

Belmont Slough is a significant tidal channel and estuary, forming a natural boundary between Redwood Shores and Foster City. It's part of the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex, making it an exceptional spot for wildlife spotting, especially birdwatching. You'll frequently see herons, egrets, avocets, and stilts, highlighting the thriving ecosystem that makes this loop a memorable experience.

The Oracle Lagoon loop from Bird Island offers a refreshing escape with open views of the San Francisco Bay and its vibrant wetlands. This 5.6-mile (9.1 km) hike is rated moderate, but with only 82 feet (25 metres) of elevation gain, it's a surprisingly easy walk that takes around 2 hours and 18 minutes to complete. You'll enjoy a journey along paved and gravel paths, passing the distinctive Oracle corporate campus and spotting various shorebirds. It's a fantastic option for a leisurely outing where you can soak in the bay atmosphere without a strenuous climb.

Planning your visit to the Oracle Lagoon loop is straightforward, as the paths are easily accessible and well-suited for all ages. Parking is generally available near the Oracle campus in Redwood Shores. This trail is popular for walking, running, and cycling, so you'll find a lively atmosphere. It's best enjoyed on a clear day to fully appreciate the bay views, and remember to bring water and sun protection as the route is quite exposed.

What makes this trail stand out is its unique blend of urban and natural scenery, offering a distinctive experience along the San Francisco Bay Trail system. You'll get a glimpse of the Oracle headquarters and potentially an America's Cup boat, all while enjoying excellent birdwatching opportunities. It's a popular hike near Oracle Lagoon for those seeking a flat, accessible circular walk with a pleasant mix of local landmarks and natural beauty.