
Redwood Shores Bay Trail
A scenic paved path along the San Francisco Bay, perfect for cycling, walking, and enjoying nature. Ideal for a peaceful outdoor escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Redwood Shores Bay Trail
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic paved path along the San Francisco Bay, perfect for cycling, walking, and enjoying nature. Ideal for a peaceful outdoor escape.

🚴♀️ Biking Paradise
Perfect for road cycling! Smooth path, great for longer rides. Check out routes from downtown San Mateo.
🚶♀️ Leashed Pups Welcome
Bring your furry friends! Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. 🐕

Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scenic Waterfront Views
Entire length of the trail
Enjoy stunning vistas of the San Francisco Bay, marshes, and distant city skylines. Perfect for a peaceful stroll or invigorating bike ride.

Wildlife Spotting
Marsh areas
Keep an eye out for diverse bird species and other bay wildlife in their natural habitat. A treat for nature lovers.

Smooth Paved Path
Main trail
The well-maintained, paved surface makes it ideal for all types of cyclists, from casual riders to serious road cyclists.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Etiquette & Access
Best Gear for the Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bay Trail from San Mateo to Brisbane/San Bruno Mountain
I'm checking various maps and previous posts and don't have a clear answer. Is it possible to ride the Bay Trail (or primarily adjacent to the bay) from San Mateo (Seal Point Park) to Brisbane? Or, would you have to turn inland more to ride along El Camino Real? Thanks for any…
🚴♀️ Biking Paradise
Perfect for road cycling! Smooth path, great for longer rides. Check out routes from downtown San Mateo.
🚶♀️ Leashed Pups Welcome
Bring your furry friends! Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. 🐕
Biking from San Jose to San Francisco - route advice?
Hey everyone, I was referred here from r/bayarea after asking about biking from San Jose up to San Francisco. Planning for around 10 hours with stops, and would love some advice on the best routes and food spots along the way. I’ve seen people suggest the Bay Trail (Guadalupe…
best walks?
went on a lovely 4 mile walk along the sawyer camp trail yesterday after work and i'm wondering, what are some other good walks in the area? i've also walked the bay trail.. something low impact, but doesn't necessarily have to be paved. maybe suggestions for a ridge walk? i…
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially on warm days. Amenities are sparse, so come prepared for your ride or walk. :droplet:
🌅 Sunset Views
The trail offers beautiful sunset views over the bay. A perfect way to end the day. :city_sunset:
Anyone in the Bay Area know a nice long scenic trail to ride on?
Preferably where there isn’t many people and preferably a minimal amount of hills.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚴♀️ Biking Paradise
Perfect for road cycling! Smooth path, great for longer rides. Check out routes from downtown San Mateo.
🚶♀️ Leashed Pups Welcome
Bring your furry friends! Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. 🐕
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially on warm days. Amenities are sparse, so come prepared for your ride or walk. :droplet:
🌅 Sunset Views
The trail offers beautiful sunset views over the bay. A perfect way to end the day. :city_sunset:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Redwood Shores Bay Trail for its beautiful bay views and smooth, well-maintained paved path, making it ideal for cycling and walking. It's a peaceful escape with opportunities for wildlife spotting. Some find parking can be challenging on busy weekends, and amenities are sparse.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Redwood Shores Bay Trail is accessible from various points. If you're coming from downtown San Mateo, it's a great starting point for a ride. Parking is available at several access points along the trail, though it can fill up on weekends. Public transport options are limited directly to the trail, so driving or cycling to an access point is often the most convenient.
Yes, there are parking lots at various access points along the Redwood Shores Bay Trail. However, these can become quite busy, especially on sunny weekends. Arriving early or considering alternative transportation is recommended if you plan to visit during peak times.
Absolutely! Many cyclists start their journey from downtown San Mateo, as mentioned by locals. It's a convenient hub to connect to the trail and explore the bayfront.
Direct public transport to the trail is limited. The nearest Caltrain station is in San Mateo, from which you would need to cycle or take a bus to reach an access point. Planning your route in advance is key if relying on public transport.
Popular entry points include areas near the Redwood Shores Library and various parks along the shoreline. These offer convenient parking and direct access to the main paved path.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Redwood Shores Bay Trail is a public park and is free to access. There are no admission fees required to walk, run, or cycle along the path.
The Redwood Shores Bay Trail is generally open from sunrise to sunset. It's an outdoor public space, so it doesn't have strict opening and closing times like an indoor attraction, but it's best enjoyed during daylight hours.
No booking is necessary. The Redwood Shores Bay Trail is a public amenity, and you can visit anytime during daylight hours without needing to reserve a spot or purchase tickets.
The main restriction is that dogs must be leashed. Otherwise, the trail is open to the public for recreational use. Be mindful of other users and trail etiquette.
Yes, the Redwood Shores Bay Trail is accessible year-round. Weather conditions can vary, so checking the forecast before your visit is always a good idea.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
Many visitors enjoy cycling along the smooth, paved path for miles of scenic views. Walking or jogging are also popular. It's a great place for birdwatching and enjoying the bay breeze.
Yes, it's an excellent trail for cycling! The paved surface is smooth and well-maintained, making it ideal for road bikes and casual cyclists alike. It's a popular route for those looking for a scenic ride.
Restroom facilities are available at some of the larger park access points along the trail, but they are not continuous. It's advisable to use facilities when you see them, especially if you plan a long outing.
Yes, dogs are welcome on the Redwood Shores Bay Trail, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. This ensures the safety and comfort of all visitors and wildlife. 🐕
You'll experience beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay, salt marshes, and the surrounding natural landscape. It's a peaceful environment, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire trail offers great photo opportunities, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Look for scenic overlooks of the bay, marshland reflections, and diverse birdlife. The long, straight stretches of the path also make for dynamic shots.
You can often spot various shorebirds, waterfowl, and other bay-dwelling creatures. Keep your eyes peeled near the marsh areas for the best chances to capture local fauna. :camerawithflash:
While possible, it's safer to stop at designated pull-offs or scenic spots to take photos while cycling. If you're walking, you'll have more freedom to pause and capture the views. :iphone:
Late afternoon and early morning offer the best light for photography, creating a warm, soft glow. The 'golden hour' before sunset is particularly stunning over the bay.
While the trail is more about natural beauty, the expansive bay views and the long, winding path itself are iconic. Look for interesting cloud formations or reflections on the water for unique shots.







Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit