Douglas Wynn: I often travel across the bay or into other counties to go view birds when this has been near me the entire time. The parking lot is on a one way road with a lot of no u-turn signs nearby making it difficult to get to, but well worth it. The view is spectacular.
Balaji G.: This is a beautiful park near Redwood city. It has a beautiful picnic area right besides the lake. There are lots of trees which provide lots of shade from the heat. The lake is also beautiful and the attraction here is that you can view lots of jellyfish in the lake. There is lots of street parking which may sometimes be occupied since there is usually football league games going on during weekends in summer. It’s a nice place to hangout and go for an evening stroll.
Raghu Mallampati: Great place for dog walks. There is a section for off lease as well. It is 112 mile loop but very scenic while being close to the residences
Victor Wang: Amazing FREE museum that shows off quite a lot of history and small trinkets and artifacts. Theyve even incorporated some interactive pieces like an old telephone that you can hand crank. Lego Baylug also hosted their Lego display here and its cool to see all the lego creations (temporary exhibit).
Arthika K: Spectacular bird watching spot in the Bay Area. Also saw a pretty speedy hare.
The volunteers and organizers from the Preserve are passionate and open to answering all my questions.
Joined this adventure after a seasoned bird watcher friend suggested and found this educational. Got to see a ton of birds, their habitat and hear their songs.
Also learned about Fernando, the flamingo.
Got a chance to view feathers under a powerful microscope to inspect the pigments.
Calm and peaceful. Also has a few picnic tables and a huge parking lot.
Amulya M: A peaceful and scenic spot to enjoy sunset views, nature, and birdwatching. The boardwalk through the wetlands is perfect for a relaxing evening walk with friends or family. It’s usually not crowded, which adds to the calm vibe.
There’s also a small museum at the entrance—a nice bonus for those interested in local wildlife and the area’s history.
When I visited, there wasn’t much water, but the sunset reflecting on the landscape still looked stunning.
Tip: It can get windy, so bring a jacket!
Highly recommended for a quiet nature escape.
Mei S Chen: Gamble Garden is one of those places I keep coming back to. I’ve been with my kids for casual visits, attended community events, and even went to a wedding here—it always feels peaceful and beautifully maintained.
The garden isn’t huge, but it’s full of winding paths, shaded corners, and a wide variety of flowers that change with the seasons. My three kids always find things to explore, and it’s the kind of place where you don’t have to rush.
Weekends are usually quiet, with no wait and easy street parking. It’s free to enter, and you can stay for a quick walk or take your time. Events are well organized, and the whole space has a calm, welcoming feel.
Whether youre there for a moment of quiet, a family stroll, or something special like a wedding, it just works. A favorite spot I’m always happy to return to.
Maria del Pilar Hernandez: This one has everything — big playgrounds, tennis courts, and even a pool. It’s always a fun place to spend a few hours and let kids roam.
-Play Area: Two playgrounds, including inclusive structures.
-Amenities: Swimming pool, tennis courts, picnic areas.
-Shade & Scenery: Mature trees and shaded seating.
-Accessibility: Paved and inclusive playground equipment.
-Parking: Street and on-site parking options.
-Good for: Families, nannies, caregivers, daycares
