EXPERIENCE I recently visited Wunderlich Park to visit…read moretheir museum and carriage house. I didn't go for an extensive hike but want to return someday to do so! STARS (stand out qualities) -Beautiful and well maintained park -Well preserved historical site STAIRS (areas of growth) -More signage clarifying which of two entrances to enter at TIPS -Parking is limited so good to carpool or come during weekday if you can -Try signing up for tour. I learned interesting history of Chinese laborers!

Small Wunder A…read more940-acre park nestled in the eastern Redwoods and madrone-laden slopes of King Mountain. The name of the park is derived from contractor Martin Wunderlich, who donated the land to San Mateo County. The Good: * Free to visit * Parking lot * Picnic tables available * Restroom in parking lot * Seventeen miles of trails, including several loops. * If you like horses, then this is the place for you! There's a really cool old historic stable and lots of equine action to be found. * Camping available (https://www.smcgov.org/parks/make-reservation) The Meh: * Currently, no recreational horse activities like trail rides and lessons are available. * Crazy elevation gains, as trail elevations run from ±350' to over 4,300'. Be sure to check the trail guides to make sure you don't get in over your head. * No dogs allowed The Ugly: * The restroom has no running water, just hand sanitizer. * I'll admit, I'm not a fan of horses, and having to share trails with horses isn't my idea of a good time. Conclusion: Not the biggest park in this area that's full of fantastic OSPs, but it's certainly worth a visit--especially if you're a hippophile.

I've visited the three parks in the area, Huddart, Wunderlich, and Edgewood, and Huddart is my…read morefavorite of the three. That said, all three are great and you will not go wrong with going with one over the other. Huddart is nice because it has beautifully maintained trails that are surrounded by heavily wooded redwood trees. I came across numerous deer at the upper elevations and there were a bunch of huge banana slugs. The trails are mostly easily-walkable trails. I run on a regular basis on city streets, so even for me who does occasional hikes, it can get your heart pumping on the ascents. So if you want to spend a couple of hours here, you may want to make sure you have reasonable cardiovascular stamina before going deeper into the trails. Wunderlich has some pretty long, steep ascents, whereas Edgewood is probably the easiest to hike of the three. Huddart is in the middle. The place also a lot of picnic grounds and looks like it can be reserved for parties/get togethers. There is a six dollar cash entry fee (per car), but if you are a senior you don't have to pay. Definitely will be going back to Huddart.

I have lived in the Bay Area for over 20 years but never had the opportunity of visiting Huddart…read morePark until we were invited to a friend's kid's birthday party there. Huddart Park is such a great place if you're craving redwoods, fresh air, and well-maintained trails. The hiking options are great for all levels, with shaded paths, peaceful scenery, and plenty of spots to stop and take it all in. The picnic areas are spacious and well-kept, making this an easy choice for a relaxed day out with friends or family for a visit or a celebration. It never feels overly crowded, and the overall vibe is calm and refreshing--perfect for unplugging for a few hours. Whether you're hiking, picnicking, or just looking for a quiet place to reset, Huddart Park is a reliable favorite and absolutely worth the visit.

Sharon Park is such a lovely little park! I've had this place bookmarked for a few months now, and…read moreI finally visited it this past Saturday with my doggie buddy. There's a parking lot with good amount of spots. I think when I was there about 9am, there was about 3 cars. More people came later when we were leaving. There's a playground that's gated/fenced in so that's good for the families who has little kids. There's a cute little pond with lots of pretty flowers surrounding it. There's also some benches and picnic tables. There are also some grassy areas. We saw lots of cute other cute doggies here. It's a very dog friendly park. Someone didn't pick up their doggie's doo doo. Shame shame shame. Make sure be respectful and pick up after your doggies! We need to keep this beautiful little park clean. This spot will be added to my list of fave places to bring a doggie for a outing! :D

This is a beautiful dog-friendly park with a paved trail around a man-made, nicely landscaped pond,…read moreas well as a trail through a hilly area. We took our dog, Zoey, on both trails and spotted an egret, mallard ducks, and several deer. It's not a big enough park for a real hike, but it's a lovely place for a stroll/short walk with your kids or dogs.

A hidden gem that I've passed by for years without truly noticing it until I stumbled upon it on a…read moresatellite map long ago. It's fascinating how such a serene, monument-like structure exists right here. While it has become quite popular on social media lately for its "Instagrammable" aesthetics, it's much more than just a photo spot. As a hiker, I find this place incredibly grounding. It's part of the Hetch Hetchy water system that serves the Bay Area, and there is something truly profound about seeing the culmination of such a massive water project captured in this classical, temple-like architecture. Whether you're here for the photography or just for a quiet, contemplative walk, it's a beautiful spot that demands respect. A unique intersection of infrastructure history and architectural beauty. Highly recommended.

This historical landmark is beautiful. It's hidden and almost looks like it's in a middle of a…read moreforest. The parking lot is open Monday-Friday for only 30 mins. You can easily make a quick stop here or have a quick picnic in the grass area. It's gorgeous on a clear day. It's so peaceful.

Loved this hidden trail that was super easy to find! It was a ridiculous hot day, but the…read moresurrounding tall trees offer SO much shade that you forget about the heat. There is easy accessible parking, however there aren't too many parking spots. We refreshed our hands in the cold mini waterfall and had a cute photo opportunity. The hike is fairly easy for beginning hikers. There are areas that can be steep but there are many flat areas to take a break. We did miss a signed etched in a tree log and missed a pathway. But overall, a straight shot up and back, easily an hour or so round trip!

Lovely hidden trail with beautiful views and a true forest bathing vibe. It was a bit confusing…read moremaking our way on the trail as we hit a few dead ends but really great views.

Super cute playground. Plenty of parking when I went over the weekend and not many people around…read more The kids loved climbing and running around and it's gated too. Has baby swings and the little cabin was fun to play in. The bathroom is right next to it and had a clean changing table

I'll be honest--I probably wouldn't have visited Filoli on my own, but a friend chose it as a…read moredestination during her visit to the Bay Area, and I am very glad she did. It's a truly magnificent estate. There's a level of luxury here that feels worlds apart from my daily life, and yet, walking through the gardens and the historic house was an experience I couldn't help but appreciate. It's rare to find a place in the Bay Area that offers this kind of preserved elegance and scale. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this is one of those few "must-see" spots in the area that actually lives up to the reputation. It's well worth the trip, and I'm glad I finally had the chance to see it for myself.

Filoli is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places I've visited. The gardens are immaculately…read moremaintained, with stunning seasonal flowers, perfectly designed landscapes, and countless picturesque spots at every turn. The staff and volunteers are warm, welcoming, and incredibly knowledgeable, which adds so much to the experience. You can truly feel the care and pride that goes into maintaining the property. Whether you're going for a relaxing walk, taking photos, or just looking to unwind, Filoli is a must-visit. It's a hidden gem that never disappoints.

Had my first hike of the year, and it was a beauty! The weather worked in my favor, and hitting…read moregolden hour was a bonus. I should have stayed longer to hit sunset, but that can be for another time. It was definitely windy, so be mindful of that if you decide to trek here. The views were so worth it!

Stunning views!…read more I've been wanting to go to Windy Hill for a while and finally got to hike the Windy Hill loop today (Saturday). I got to the park around 7:45am and there was a decent amount of street parking near the trailhead then. I went clockwise (up Spring Ridge and down Hamms Gulch) - steep initially but the hike got easier as I went along. The trail was well-maintained, with benches throughout. The scenery was amazing, especially with all the green hills! Felt like a Studio Ghibli film. Weather was great as well - perfect hike for spring time. The trail got more crowded as time went on so I recommend going before 9am. Very safe for solo hikers. Highly recommend!

This is a nice, quiet smallish park next to some open space. It was a cool evening and I thoroughly…read moreenjoyed running around the park. It was nice to see a lot of families enjoying the park. I thought it was a little cold for a picnic but there were a few who were hanging out on the large lawn.

I almost don't want to write a review of this beautiful little park because it's been our secret…read morefor years. But I'll let you in on it, since unless you live in the area, it's doubtful you'd drive out of your way to get here. And drive you must. Nestled in Stanford Hills, just off of Sand Hill Road, there's no way you'd even notice the place unless you (a) had a dog; or (b) had a kid; and (c) lived nearby. A bit more than three acres of grass with a small little play area for kids, it's the perfect place for dogwalking or lounging on a lazy summer afternoon. Minuses are: there are no swings (just a play structure) and limited shade during peak hours. Pluses are: there are rarely any people here, it's quiet, and you can usually spot birds of prey circling overhead. There are better equipped parks out there (Burgess, for one), but this one is pretty great.

Ohh Nealon Park, how I love you. Let me count the ways:…read more 1. You are a fully accessible park with activities for everyone. 2. You have room for your small and large friends alike, including parents, which makes my achy back and knees so happy. 3. You're well-maintained with plenty of parking, manicured landscaping, and all park equipment in good working condition. 4. You're fully fenced in so I don't need to worry about my child running into traffic or straying too far. 5. You're close to coffee and food shops. 6. You're great for birthday parties, with tons of space and tables! Whether you're a parent of a human child or a dog child, this park is fantastic. Fenced in playground, large open grass area, and plenty of shade. Wonderful little gem that we're lucky to have in the area!

I love parks like that--so nice when there's a toddler area and a separate section for the older…read morekiddos. Plenty of space to run around too! There are swings for the smaller kids and the older kids, plus that cool swing ride for the bigger kids. And I love when they have lots of slides and different ways to climb--keeps them entertained forever!