Related Links:

• Marina Walk Page and Map
• The Presidio— & Map – description of the best things to do
• Maps of best hiddenSF things to do
• Top of page or Home page

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A view from Lakeview Trail

Walking Lakeview Trail above Anderson Lake

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Walking down Devil’s Slide Trail. The ocean is to the left.

An ocean view from Devil’s Slide Trail.

Devils Slide Trail
(between Pacifica & Montara, CA)

Devil’s Slide Trail, which opened in 2014 and is now part of the California Coastal trail, provides easy access to world-class views  of the rugged Pacific Coastline. See map and the related links below for more information.

Pedestrians, bicycles, leashed dogs, and equestrians are allowed on this new, big, beautiful, 1.3 mile long (each way),  multi-use paved trail built over the treacherous old Highway 1 at Devil’s Slide.  A trailhead can be found at each end of the new Devil’s Slide Bypass Tunnel (aka the Tom Lantos Tunnel which opened in 2013 and is 4200′ long, the 2d-longest in California).

Some of the most interesting aspects are the very steep hillsides which hide a variety of birds, the ocean views which even include whales in season,  and the geology which shows the striations of crushed rock pushed upwards and twisted almost vertical by fault line forces.

The trail is definitely worth checking out at least once.  It will probably become a world-class attraction once more tourists hear about it.

Expect parking problems especially weekends since the county forecasts 80,000 visitors/year (225/average day) even though there are only two small parking lots (24 spaces near the southern trailhead and 18 spaces near the northern entrance). Arrive early (but after 8 am) to increase your chances.  Or there is a free weekend shuttle ride schedule from Pacifica (see below) which may help a little.
Devils Slide Trail Trailheads

Related Links:

• Devil’s Slide Trail Map  - See detail at bottom right.
• Trail Brochure, Directions & Hours  - Parking lots open at 8 am.
• City of Pacifica free weekend parking shuttle schedule (see free weekend shuttle on right hand side)
• Interactive map & directions  to the 8,900 acre Devils Slide Coast Public Lands area between Half Moon Bay and Pacifica
• Check out great trails nearby: the 7-10 mile round trip Montara Mountain Hike discussion & pictures and the 2-mile round trip Grey Whale Cove Trail
• Also see Half Moon Bay coastal trails and map for HiddenSF’s best things for locals to do along the Half Moon Bay Coast line
• hiddenSF links, google, yelp
• Maps of Montara Area and Pacifica Area
• Maps of best hiddenSF things to do
• Top of page and Home page

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This large water reservoir is located on the East side of town. It has some of the better bank fishing in Santa Clara County and good hiking. It is also very popular for power boating (35 mph max). $5 parking or walk in via several roads. Also see Morgan Hill Things To Do and Map
East end of Cochran Road at 19245 Malaguerra Ave, Morgan Hill, CA 95037
Phone: (408) 779-3634 URL: www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/parkfinder/Pages/AndersonLake.aspx

Related Links:

• Morgan Hill Things To Do and Map
• hiddenSF links, google, yelp
• Maps of best hiddenSF things to do

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Laurelwood Park is a nice hidden place in San Mateo, CA, off Highway 92 & 280. See map below. It’s quiet, clean and beautiful. This is a great place to walk your dog (on leash) or to take the kids to play in the well-outfitted playground or on the clean grassy lawn.

Immediately south behind the park is Sugarloaf Nature Area which has some of the nicest nature hikes in San Mateo. 

Laurelwood Park. The very bottom of Sugarloaf mountain can be seen on the right hand side. A nice childrens’ play area is on the left hand side.

Sugarloaf has 4-5 trails which start at each end of Laurelwood Park or on nearby city streets. See map below for general details. Some these trails are not well marked and some are a bit steep but if you walk to the top of the mountain you will be rewarded by surprisingly pleasant views of the Bay and San Francisco. At the top you are approximately the same altitude as the College of San Mateo (another nice walking area with views where dogs on leash are also allowed) to the north across Hwy 92.
Laurelwood Park & Sugarloaf Mountain, 3741 Glendora Drive/Cherrywood Drive, San Mateo CA

links: website, hiddenSF links, google, yelp

Related Links:

• San Mateo Things To Do and Map
• Maps of best hiddenSF things to do
• Top of page and Home page

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Pedro Point trails after climbing up from the Devil’s Slide Trailhead.

This is a beautiful but little known nature hike which we happen to enjoy even more than the new paved Devil’s Slide Trail. San Pedro Point is more natural and much less crowded. Actually we usually walk both on the same day from one parking spot at Devil’s Slide.

The easiest access we have found is to walk a few hundred feet north of the northern Devil’s Slide Trail trailhead … then take the dirt trail headed north and west. Keep climbing until you see the ocean and several short trails visible from your vantage point as show in the picture to the right.
Pedro Point Headlands

Links: hiddenSF links, google, yelp

Related Links:

• Devil’s Slide Trail – San Pedro Point Headlands trailhead is just north of the Devil’s Slide Trail northern trailhead. Note the parking issues at Devil’s Slide.
• Mori Point - Another beautiful & more accessible spot nearby.
• Pacifica Area Map
• Montara Area Map
• Also see Half Moon Bay coastal trails and map for HiddenSF’s best things for locals to do along the Half Moon Bay Coast line
• Maps of best hiddenSF things to do
• Top of page and Home page

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San Mateo Jr College football stadium … overlooking San Mateo County and San Mateo Bridge.

This community junior college, also known as CSM, has a beautiful new campus and the most scenic football field around. Many famous athletes played here including Bill Walsh (quarterback), John Madden and O.J. Simpson. The football team is usually one of the top teams in the state (ranked in top 3 in 2014) and attending a game is a great, leisurely way to enjoy an Autumn afternoon that we heartily endorse.  See athletic schedule and map to campus.

Just walking around this beautiful 153 acre campus (even dogs are allowed) and looking at the panoramic views is fun to do. Here on Saturday mornings, 9 am-1 pm rain or shine, you can also find one of the best Farmers Markets in the Bay area.

KCSM Jazz 31 (click here for their 24 hour live music) is among the top 35 “most listened to” non-commercial stations in the U.S. Every year about June they put on a very nice, free Jazz on The Hill festival which over 5,000 people attend.
San Mateo Jr College (CSM)

location: 1700 W Hillsdale Blvd, San Mateo 94401
links: website, hiddenSF links, google, yelp

Related Links:

• College of San Mateo Cross Country Course
• San Mateo County Things To Do and Map
• Crystal Springs Shopping Center and Map
• San Mateo Highlands neighborhood
• Top of page and Home Page

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Filolis has 16 acres of formal gardens surrounded by a 654 acre estate.  It is now a national historical monument and was the mansion filmed from the air in the opening credits of the Dynasty TV series.  $18 admission.
Filolis, 86 Canada Rd, Woodside 94062

Phone: 650-364-8300  
Admission: $18 for adults.
Links: website

Related Links:

• Link to our Filoli page and pictures
• hiddenSF links, google, yelp
• Maps of best hiddenSF things to do
• Top of page or Home page

The post Filoli Gardens and Mansion appeared first on hiddenSF.com.

Related Links:

• hiddenSF links, google, yelp
• Maps of best hiddenSF things to do
• Top of page or Home page

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This little-known park has a pleasant easy hike that overlooks Pacifica and the ocean. It is a good place to enjoy nature or take a quick walk with your dog.
Milagra Ridge County Park, Just north of Sharp Park Rd & College Rd, Pacifica 94044

Links: website, hiddenSF links, google, yelp

Related Links:

• Pacifica Area Map
• Half Moon Bay Trails & Beaches & Map
• Maps of best hiddenSF things to do
• Top of Page and Home Page

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