Attractions and Places To See around Hillsborough - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Hillsborough include a blend of natural features and historical sites. The region is characterized by its reservoirs, coastal areas, and trails, offering diverse outdoor experiences. These areas provide opportunities for hiking, cycling, and exploring significant natural and man-made landmarks. The landscape combines water bodies with accessible trails, making it suitable for various activities.
Best attractions and places to see around Hillsborough
- The most popular attractions is Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir, a lake that is part of the 15-mile Crystal Springs Regional Trail. It offers scenic views and is routed along three lakes amid riparian woodlands.
- Another must-see spot is San Andreas Lake, a lake and reservoir adjacent to the San Francisco Peninsula cities of Millbrae and San Bruno. It is situated directly on the San Andreas Fault and offers views from the San Andreas Trail or Sawyer Camp Trail.
- Visitors also love Mirada Surf Beach, a coastal beach that is part of Half Moon Bay State Park. This shallow beach offers ocean views and is part of the California Coastal Trail.
- Hillsborough is known for its natural features, historical sites, and cultural experiences. The area provides opportunities for outdoor activities, exploring historical landmarks, and engaging with local arts.
- The attractions around Hillsborough are appreciated by the komoot community, with 3 highlights receiving 66 upvotes and featuring 6 photos.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir
Highlight β’ Lake
Speed limit: 15 mph, difficult for high-end road bikes to stay below, so bring a bell: some hikers stand and talk in the center of the trail ;-)
San Andreas segment: From Skyline Boulevard south of San Bruno Avenue the trail drops to the head of San Andreas Lake, with pretty views across to the west of the wilderness slope of Montara Mountain. It rides along the lake 2 miles to an access point near Larkspur and 0.6 miles to another (at Hillcrest) where it connects to the Sawyer Camp segment.
Sawyer Camp segment: This is a gorgeous, easy bike ride, where you drop 400 feet over the span of 6 miles to Crystal Springs Dam. The route descends into riparian woodlands for 2.5 miles to Jepson Laurel picnic grounds, then runs along Crystal Springs Reservoir for 5.2 miles. You can continue another 1.7 miles to CaΓ±ada Road for Bicycle Sunday (no cars).
CaΓ±ada Road/Crystal Springs segment: South along Upper Crystal Springs Reservoir for 2.1 miles to the Pulgas Water Temple. It continues another 2.1 miles past Filoli Botanical Center and Phleger Estate to Edgewood Road
sfgate.com/outdoors/sundaydrive/article/Crystal-Springs-Trail-links-lakes-woodlands-4723374.php
parks.smcgov.org/crystal-springs-regional-trail
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San Andreas Lake
Highlight β’ Lake
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Pulgas Water Temple
Highlight β’ Monument
On October 28, 1934, the roar of Hetch Hetchy mountain water greeted everyone gathered at Pulgas Water Temple to celebrate its arrival. With vivid memories of the fire that had raged after the Great Earthquake of 1906, the city rejoiced in its new secure, plentiful supply of high quality drinking water. The frieze above the columns expresses the cityβs relief: βI give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people.β
Pulgas Water Temple was designed in the Beaux Arts style by William Merchant, a San Francisco architect trained by Bernard Maybeck. Merchantβs design featured fluted columns and Corinthian capitals to reflect the architecture of ancient Greeks and Romans, whose engineering methods were used to build the new water system. Artist and master stone carver Albert Bernasconi brought Merchantβs drawings to life.
Pulgas Water Temple is located about one-half mile south of the CaΓ±ada Road trailhead.
Open free to bikers & pedestrians every day, car parking opens only M-F 9-4
sfwater.org/index.aspx?page=93
Biketrail with more highlights and annotated photos at komoot.com/tour/11413421
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Oracle Lagoon
Highlight β’ Lake
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Mirada Surf Beach
Highlight β’ Beach
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Tips from the Community
A fun, pretty place to stop while riding CaΓ±ada road. I has water and an air pump and bathrooms. Take a photo with friends.
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San Andreas Lake is a hidden gem tucked into the hills of San Mateo County, just south of San Francisco. Originally a natural sag pond formed by the San Andreas Fault, it was transformed into a reservoir in the late 1800s and now serves as a vital water source for the region. The lake is off-limits for swimming or boating, but you can enjoy its peaceful beauty from the San Andreas Trail or the popular Sawyer Camp Trail, which runs along its eastern edge. It's a serene spot where you can walk or bike with sweeping views of the water and surrounding hills, all while standing right on one of the worldβs most famous fault lines. Despite its proximity to urban life, San Andreas Lake offers a quiet, scenic escape steeped in natural and historical significance.
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You're not hallucinating: This monument was deliberately built in the style of ancient Greek and Roman architecture, to commemorate the Great Depression-era Hetchy Hetchy Project that brought water down from the mountains to the Bay Area. The frieze says, βI give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people.β
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The Crystal Springs Regional Trail is a top spot for cyclists, featuring mostly paved paths with minimal car traffic. The trail runs through scenic areas like Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir, offering beautiful lake views. On Sundays, you can ride the car-free CaΓ±ada Road segment for a more relaxed experience. Be mindful of the 15 mph speed limit, especially around hikers. The Sawyer Camp segment provides a gentle descent and stunning views, perfect for an easy ride through woodlands and along the reservoir.
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This small lagoon offers an excellent photo opportunity for visitors and photographers alike. Its calm, crystal-clear waters create a stunning mirror-like reflection of the iconic Oracle Buildings that surround it. The tranquil setting, combined with the striking architecture, makes it an ideal spot to capture breathtaking images, especially during sunrise and sunset.
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Mirada Surf Beach, located in El Granada just south of Pillar Point Harbor, offers a fantastic shallow beach. While accessing the beach may require climbing over large rocks in some areas, there are easier steps at the northern access point. The beach typically has clean sand and is part of the 15-acre coastal bluff along the California Coastal Trail, with amazing ocean views. Mirada Surf East is a 34-acre protected open space with a trail leading to Quarry Park, a 40-acre community park with a playground.
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Vallejo Beach is a lovely coastal beach that's part of Half Moon Bay State Park. Enjoy rapid waves and a peaceful atmosphere on the rocky Pacific Coast.
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a nice place to fill up your water bottle and relax a few minutes
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Hillsborough?
Hillsborough offers several beautiful natural features. You can visit Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir, which is part of the 15-mile Crystal Springs Regional Trail, offering scenic views amid riparian woodlands. Another significant spot is San Andreas Lake, situated directly on the San Andreas Fault, where you can enjoy views from the San Andreas Trail or Sawyer Camp Trail. For coastal scenery, Mirada Surf Beach provides ocean views and is part of the California Coastal Trail.
Are there opportunities for hiking or cycling near Hillsborough attractions?
Yes, the area around Hillsborough is excellent for outdoor activities. The Crystal Springs Regional Trail, which runs along Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir, is popular for both cycling and walking. The Sawyer Camp Trail, adjacent to San Andreas Lake, is another scenic option. For more detailed routes, you can explore the Running Trails around Hillsborough or Cycling around Hillsborough guides.
What historical sites or landmarks can I visit in the area?
A notable historical landmark is the Pulgas Water Temple. This monument commemorates the engineering feat of bringing Hetch Hetchy water to the Bay Area. Its Beaux Arts style architecture, with fluted columns and Corinthian capitals, reflects ancient Greek and Roman engineering methods. You can also learn about the San Andreas Fault's historical significance at San Andreas Lake.
Are there any family-friendly attractions around Hillsborough?
Many attractions around Hillsborough are suitable for families. The Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir and San Andreas Lake areas offer easy trails for walking and cycling, perfect for all ages. Mirada Surf Beach is a shallow coastal beach where families can enjoy the ocean views. The Pulgas Water Temple is also considered family-friendly, offering an interesting historical visit.
Where can I find scenic views or viewpoints?
For scenic views, the Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir offers picturesque vistas along its trail. San Andreas Lake provides sweeping views of the water and surrounding hills. Additionally, Mirada Surf Beach boasts amazing ocean views, and Oracle Lagoon is known for its calm waters reflecting the surrounding architecture, making it an excellent photo opportunity.
What kind of trails are available for outdoor activities?
The area features a variety of trails. The Crystal Springs Regional Trail is mostly paved, ideal for cycling and walking. The Sawyer Camp Trail offers a gentle descent through riparian woodlands and along the reservoir. For those interested in gravel biking, there are routes like the Baquiano Trail and the San Andreas Lake loop. You can find more options in the Gravel biking around Hillsborough guide.
Are there any coastal attractions or beaches nearby?
Yes, Mirada Surf Beach is a notable coastal attraction. It's a shallow beach that is part of Half Moon Bay State Park and offers beautiful ocean views. It's also integrated into the California Coastal Trail, providing opportunities for scenic walks along the bluff.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Hillsborough?
Visitors particularly appreciate the scenic beauty and the well-maintained trails. The Crystal Springs Regional Trail is highlighted for its mostly paved paths, minimal car traffic, and beautiful lake views. The serene environment of San Andreas Lake, despite its proximity to urban life, offers a quiet escape. The historical significance of sites like the Pulgas Water Temple also captivates many.
Are there any attractions that are wheelchair accessible?
While specific accessibility details vary, Oracle Lagoon is listed as wheelchair accessible. For other attractions, it's advisable to check individual highlight pages or local resources for the most current accessibility information, especially for trails which can have varied terrain.
Can I bring my dog to these attractions?
Some attractions, like Oracle Lagoon, are noted as dog-friendly. For other natural areas and trails, it's best to check specific regulations regarding pets, as rules can vary for state parks and reservoirs. Always ensure dogs are leashed and follow local guidelines.
What is the best time to visit the trails and attractions?
The trails and attractions around Hillsborough can be enjoyed year-round. However, for cycling on the Crystal Springs Regional Trail, Sundays are particularly pleasant as the CaΓ±ada Road segment is closed to cars, offering a more relaxed experience. Coastal areas like Mirada Surf Beach are generally pleasant, though weather can be variable. Always check local forecasts before your visit.
Are there any unique architectural or man-made monuments to see?
The Pulgas Water Temple is a unique man-made monument, designed in the Beaux Arts style to celebrate the Hetch Hetchy Project. Its grand columns and historical frieze make it a distinctive site. Additionally, Oracle Lagoon offers a modern architectural backdrop with its iconic Oracle Buildings.
Most popular attractions around Hillsborough
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