Bay Area Day Trips for Each Month of the Year

Tuesday, January 8, 2019

With so many bay area places on your bucket list, it may be hard to decide where to go and when.
ReloMom's month-by-month travel guide features some of the most unique nature experiences the bay area has to offer, to get you inspired to get outdoors and explore nature.
January - Ladybug Migration at Redwood Regional Park
From November through early March, colonies of ladybugs clustered on trees along the Stream Trail at Redwood Regional Park.
While there are other shorter trails, I recommend taking the Canyon Meadow trail. It is 3 miles long, but it is more family-friendly.
This is pretty amazing animal migrations happening here in the Bay Area, that you do not want to miss.
https://relomomblog.blogspot.com/2019/01/ladybug-migration.html
February - Ano Nuevo State Park
The park’s natural preserve offers an extraordinary wilderness experience, where every year elephant seals return to breed, give birth, and molt their skin amongst the scenic dunes and beaches.
It's about 4 miles long, so definitely not an easy hike for a toddler, but it is stroller friendly (well, most of it, but there is a place to leave stroller for the short sand dune part).
Don't miss the visitor center! It's small and a few minutes will be enough, but it's nice.
www.parks.ca.gov/anonuevo/


March - Little Yosemite in Sunol
One of the East Bay’s best kept secret, Little Yosemite in Sunol is a scenic hike offering breathtaking oak lined canyon views and dramatic waterfalls. It's a short 2 miles upstream from the visitors center and this is the best trail to hit after the rain.
https://www.ebparks.org/parks/sunol/


April - Uvas Canyon
Uvas Canyon reopened recently, this is very exciting, since we LOVE this park. The 1.5 mile Waterfall Loop Trail is where all the action is. This trail has several small waterfalls, that are best visited after the rain, which makes it a wonderful early spring day trip.
https://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/parkfinder/Pages/UvasCanyon.aspx
 
May - Wildflower Bloom at Russian Ridge Preserve
Sunny, grassy trail sections are typically best for spring wildflowers. This open space preserve is one of our favorite to visit in April and May, and view the colorful wildflowers.
June - Fruit Picking!
A popular spring option in the bay area is fruit picking - berries, cherries, apricots, and peaches -
there are many small locally owned farms around, and they are all wonderful!
http://relomomblog.blogspot.com/2018/04/spring-fruit-picking.html


July - Henry Cowell State Park
Featuring a variety of redwood forested areas, the San Lorenzo River, beautiful views, family friendly trails and magical picnic spots, Henry Cowell State Park is a great summer adventure for families.
August - County Fair Season
Get into the spirit of summer and visit one (or all!) of the county fairs in the bay area!
Corn dogs and carnival rides, fireworks and farm animals - there is something fun for everyone!
September - Pescadero
Pescadero is a great family day trip destination (and one of our personal favorites!) thanks to many natural attractions and a wonderful downtown.
In September, don’t miss the Dahlias u-pick, amazing beaches and the oh-so-good artichoke bread.
October - Hiking The Bear Gulch Trail At Pinnacles National Park
While hiking the Bear Gulch Trail is very exciting year long, around mid-october the cave is open to the public and it is quite an amazing expirience. This time of the year the famous cave is closed to protect the bats, but the trail is fun with lots of nooks, stairs and crannies which create a fun adventure for everyone. We rested at the lake mid trail, had a snack and finished the loop, 2 miles total, in about 2.5 hours.
Stop by the visitor center and bring swimming suits, as they have a small pool to chill in. Entry fee is $25, and there is a free shuttle from the visitor center to the trail head.
The drive to Pinnacles is a little less than 2 hours from the South Bay, but a great destination for a day trip.


November - Natural Bridges and the Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve
The monarch butterflies come back at the Natural Bridges State Beach every October, as they migrate from Canada to warmer climate areas in California and Mexico, and by the end of November thousands of fluttering monarch butterflies will arrive to their winter home.
You can take a short walk to see the butterflies yourself, or join a weekend guided tour. After your visit, have a picnic at the picnic area with the most amazing view, or on the beach.
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=541
December - Snow Days
It’s winter baby! And just 3 hours away, you can get to the most amazing winter wonderland. Leland Snowplay is geared towards kids, and it’s the perfect choice for families with young children, who don’t ski (that would be us! haha!).
This is not a bay area easy one day trip, but it should be your new family tradition. I know some families are able to drive and come back same day, but we like to spend the night, and make it more of a weekend getaway.
https://www.snowplay.com/ 

What is your favorite spring hike? The most awesome summer adventure? Your go-to winter activity? The best fall stroll around?

Please share in the comments, I love to hear your ideas! :)

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