California is a large state filled with many gorgeous sights, including incredible architecture, beautiful beaches and ancient forests. The state is also crisscrossed by many hiking trails, several of which can be found right outside California’s busiest cities. Many of these trails are for the experienced hiker, while others are much more family-friendly.
One of the best family-friendly hikes in California is at Eaton Canyon in Altadena, near Los Angeles. This hike is slightly less than four miles long and ends at a beautiful waterfall and pool. The trail also features a Nature Center at the beginning, where a family can learn about the local flora and fauna before heading out to explore it. Picnic areas allow visitors to savor the outdoors a bit more at the end of the hike. The terrain is mostly easy to traverse and is marked to guide hikers to the waterfall.
Another excellent California hike is at Pescadero State Beach, located outside of San Mateo. Here, hikers are able to explore both the beach and the local surroundings. Sightings of wildlife such as snakes, many types of birds, rabbits and different types of sea life are common. The craggy rocks also make the view spectacular. This hike is just over a mile long and the terrain is very easy to traverse, making it the perfect choice for even the most beginner hikers. If a family is looking for a longer walk, they can take the Sequoia Audubon Trail, which is two and a half miles long and meets up with the Pescadero State Beach trail at the beach.
Land’s End trail is a fantastic hiking area for families with children. It’s located in San Francisco, so hikers can get a view of both the beautiful city and the amazing natural views. The trail is about three and a half miles long and is easy to navigate. This trail, which meanders through both wooded areas and meadows, is located over rocky cliffs and looks out at the ocean, making it the perfect choice for a family that wants to really see the natural scenery. You can even visit modern ruins here, as the remnants of the Sutro Baths still remain along the seaside. Picnic areas make it easy for a family to relax together and look for wildlife. Dolphins, seals, pelicans, cormorants and hummingbirds are common sights.
Images via KayOne73, ingridtaylar
