Things to Do in San Carlos
San Carlos is a city located in San Mateo County, California, within an affluent bayside community. The region features a diverse landscape, including parks, open spaces, and views of the San Francisco Bay and Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir. This varied terrain provides opportunities for several sports like hiking, jogging, road cycling, mountain biking, and more. Natural features such as Big Canyon and Eaton Parks, along with Waterdog Lake Park, contribute to its appeal for outdoor activities.
Things to Do in…
118
Routes
4.4
(770)
Average rating
10888
People visited
4.6
(118)
1,906
hikers
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.8
(90)
1,907
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(99)
1,339
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(74)
891
hikers
5.68km
01:42
180m
180m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.7
(6)
170
runners
8.87km
00:57
130m
130m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(5)
163
runners
8.48km
00:54
120m
130m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
53
runners
6.95km
00:53
130m
130m
Hard run. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.0
(1)
50
runners
10.9km
01:14
270m
270m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(2)
69
riders
75.8km
03:29
790m
790m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
24
riders
76.3km
03:13
350m
350m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
26
riders
35.2km
01:48
600m
600m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
17
riders
150km
07:49
2,470m
2,470m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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5.0
(1)
51
riders
151km
11:01
2,630m
2,630m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.0
(4)
33
riders
43.5km
02:56
690m
700m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
3.0
(1)
30
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
23
riders
32.8km
02:32
670m
670m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
67
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
21
riders
32.5km
02:14
590m
590m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
21
riders
115km
08:15
1,710m
1,710m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
14
riders
31.4km
02:30
650m
650m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Top attractions in the region
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Most popular attractions in San Carlos
Nearby adventure guides
Natural areas to explore nearby
Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in San Carlos?
San Carlos offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, jogging, road cycling, mountain biking, and touring cycling. The region features over 200 routes, with more than 65,000 visitors having contributed to an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Specific guides are available for Hiking in San Carlos and Road Cycling Routes in San Carlos.
Where are the best hiking trails in San Carlos?
San Carlos features numerous parks with hiking trails, such as Highlands Park, Big Canyon, Eaton Parks, and Waterdog Lake Park. These areas offer diverse terrain and scenic views. For a comprehensive overview, consult the Hiking in San Carlos guide.
Are there easy hiking trails in San Carlos?
Yes, San Carlos provides options for easy hikes suitable for various fitness levels. Parks like Arguello Park offer pleasant walking paths. More options can be found in the Easy hikes in San Carlos guide.
What are the best road cycling routes in San Carlos?
Road cyclists can enjoy the 15-mile (24 km) Crystal Springs Regional Trail, which is largely paved and offers scenic views around the Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir. Challenging climbs like Old La Honda Road and descents like Kings Mountain Road are also popular. Further details are available in the Road Cycling Routes in San Carlos guide.
Where can I find mountain biking trails in San Carlos?
Mountain biking is well-catered for in San Carlos, with trails like the Waterdog Lake Park Loop offering diverse terrain. The area includes a mix of beginner-friendly loops and more technical trails. Explore specific routes in the MTB Trails in San Carlos guide.
Are there family-friendly outdoor activities in San Carlos?
San Carlos offers several family-friendly options, including parks with walking paths and picnic areas. Highlands Park and Waterdog Lake Park provide accessible trails suitable for families. The Family-friendly hikes in San Carlos guide lists suitable routes.
What natural features can be explored in San Carlos?
San Carlos is home to various natural features, including parks like Big Canyon and Eaton Parks, which offer panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay. The Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir is a prominent feature, surrounded by the Crystal Springs Regional Trail. The Pulgas Water Temple and nearby Bair Island Wildlife Refuge also contribute to the region's natural landscape.
Can I reach hiking trails in San Carlos using public transport?
Yes, some hiking trails in San Carlos are accessible via public transportation. Specific routes that start near bus stations are detailed in the Hikes from bus stations in San Carlos guide.
Are there traffic-free cycling options in San Carlos?
Yes, a section of Cañada Road is car-free on Sundays, providing a relaxed riding experience for cyclists. This offers a safe and enjoyable environment away from vehicle traffic. More information can be found in the Traffic-free bike rides in San Carlos guide.
Where can I find running trails in San Carlos?
San Carlos offers various running trails in its parks and open spaces. Waterdog Lake Park features diverse terrain suitable for jogging, and Highlands Park provides scenic routes. The Running Trails in San Carlos guide provides detailed information on routes.
Are there any waterfall hikes in San Carlos?
Yes, San Carlos has routes that feature waterfalls. These trails offer unique natural sights within the region's diverse landscapes. For specific locations and details, consult the Waterfall hikes in San Carlos guide.
How can I contact the City of San Carlos for more information?
The official website for the City of San Carlos, California, is cityofsancarlos.org. For general inquiries, the non-emergency phone number is (650) 802-4100.
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