Andy

The Half Moon Bay Jetty is a calm place to paddle as it is covered on all sides. There is an opening into the ocean on the far side, but is mostly calm with plenty of beach area to launch. Keep in mind, there are boats in the harbor so keep an eye out. There is also a scenic hike nearby the West Shoreline Access. Parking can fill up quickly on weekends.

Spanish Bay is a beach with a view point at the southern tip.  You can see waves crashing into rocks and the many different shades of blue.  This is a great spot for anyone exploring 17 Mile Drive, as it is scenic and perfect for picnics.  There is a golf course nearby that offers some of the most amazing views.

This trail is perfect for jogging or walking, with your pup!  The loop is located near a popular dog park in Corvallis, and so can get crowded in the evenings after work.  There is ample room for you dog and you to get out and enjoy nature.

Georges Island is a historical site with tunnels, a lighthouse, and plenty of Halifax History.  It is located in the Halifax Harbor, and there are multiple ferries going to and from the island.  Once on the island, you can enjoy self guided tours and scenic views.  Remember to bring hiking or sturdy shoes.  Ferries generally operate until mid-October, when the season ends.

Sand Pond is a great place to relax after a day of hiking or paddling. It's located between Sardine Lake Campground and Lower Sardine Lake and is an easy 10 min walk from the campground. Sand Pond has beautiful views of the mountains and is a great place to watch the sunset. There are small fish swimming in the pond, however more fish can be found in Lower Sardine Lake. There is a trail that le...

This is a moderately trafficked trail near Corvallis, OR.  It is great for rainy days as much of the trail is paved or has gravel.  It is a popular spot for mountain bikers and hikers alike.  Some parts of the trail have little shade.  There are amazing views of the tall grassy hills and the town below.

This campground is first come first serve and is located near Lower Sardine Lake.  There are a couple bathrooms located around the loop. Most campsites have trees, perfect for hammocking and shade. The campsite has great views of the mountains. There are a couple hiking trails nearby. Lower Sardine Lake is close enough to walk to, but it is also easy enough to drive there if taking a paddleboa...

This is a 5+ mile out and back trail through the hills in the South Bay. The beginning of the hike has a steeper incline and then becomes more gradual later on. There is a beautiful views of the South Bay that are enjoyable in the day, but are fantastic in the evening. Some areas of the trail have little shade while others are mostly covered.

Lower Sardine Lake is a short drive from Sardine Lakes Campground.  It has crystal clear water and is a very smooth place to paddle. This is also a popular fishing and kayaking spot. There are many fallen trees in the lake and a couple rocks that come up almost to the surface. The water in generally cold, but is swimmable during the summer months. There is a small parking lot and a bathroom ne...

This is a beautiful park with palm trees, banyans, and many picnic tables.  It's a perfect place to find some shade post-beach or to enjoy a delicious poke bowl. It is located next to Ala Moana beach and has a jogging path that runs past the park and to the beach. There is ample parking, but some spots do have a meter.

McNee Ranch to Planet of the Apes is a 4.8 mile trail located near Montara State Beach that offers ocean views when it is not too cloudy.  You can get amazing views when you hike up above the clouds.  This hike follows one of the main trails up the mountain, but there are many smaller trails to explore as well.  The trail starts off with a mild incline, and becomes harder near the top.  At the ...

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is the main road through Zion NP.  There is a fee to drive through the park, and it can only be seen via shuttle during the high tourist season.  If doing the entire scenic drive, on Hwy 9 from I-15 to Mt. Carmel Junction, you will pass through the surrounding cities of Hurricane, Virgin, Rockville, and Springdale before getting to the park.  Coming out of the park, you...

Commons Beach is a small beach and park on the northwest side of the lake. It is located very close to the CA-89 exit, so is ideal for road trip stops. There is a park for kids, and a grassy area near the beach. The beach itself is on the smaller side, but is relatively uncrowded. This area of the lake is perfect to paddle and has kayak and SUP rentals on the beach.  From the main road, you'll ...

Lover's Point is great place to SUP or kayak. There are tons of jellyfish in the water (so be careful). This beach is also popular for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are rocks surround a small sandy beach and a place to rent kayaks and sups on the beach. There is a small parking lot as well as street parking up above.

This trail winds its way along the Los Gatos Creek and ends at the Lexington Reservoir before looping back to the start. It is 3.8 miles and makes for a great way to get exercise and relax in nature. You can hear the creek as you hike, and can even go down to it. There is a lot of green foliage that makes the hike very enjoyable.

The Foster City Lagoon is one of the most calm waters to paddle on.  This is a great spot for beginners to learn how to paddleboard for the first time. The lagoon gets very still and makes it the perfect spot for reflection photos.  On sunny days, there are many kayakers, SUP, small boats, and even swimmers in the water. There is a small "beach" at the Central Lake side of the lagoon as well as...

Burton Creek State Park is a moderate hike. It is a secluded peaceful hike that offers amazing views of the lake. This is a popular spot for mountain bikers, but is also ideal for hiking.  Much of the trail is through the forest and there are many maps and signs pointing out the trails. The hike ends near a bench that overlooks the lake.  There is a small dirt parking lot at the end of a one l...

This is a small tucked away beach in Sausalito, CA.  Being in the bay, it has very calm waters and is easy to swim in, though the water will be very cold.  There are pilings in the water that are remnants of the old piers.  It is a great beach to watch the sunset at. There is very limited street parking nearby.