Just a few miles and worlds away from the heart of Oakland, Redwood Regional Park offers 1,830 acres of serene rolling hills filled with redwoods, evergreens, chaparral, and grasslands. The spacious park offers picnic sites, camping areas, and many miles of trails. Hikes can range from a short, easy stroll on the Sequoia Bayview trail or a longer trek on the East and West Ridge trails and the lush French trail. Redwood Regional also connects to Joaquin Miller, Anthony Chabot and Lake Chabot, and Tilden Regional Parks, creating an extensive trail network.
Must see and must do at Redwood Regional Park
Picnic in the shady Redwood Bowl. Finish a late-afternoon hike near the Woodminster Amphitheatre and catch a musical in the summer or a concert in the fall.
Best time and worst time to go to Redwood Regional Park
Saturday mornings are one of the park's busiest. Try weekdays and Sunday mornings for a little less traffic.
Admission to Redwood Regional Park
Free at most park entrances. $5 per vehicle and $2 per dog (except for guide/service dogs) at the Redwood Gate entrance.
Wildlife at Redwood Regional Park
Be on the lookout for deer, raccoons, rabbits, and squirrels, as well as birds such as the rare golden eagle and Alameda striped racer.
Insider tip for Redwood Regional Park
In the winter, ladybugs swarms cover tree stumps and branches at the intersection of Prince and Stream trails. If you like ladybugs, you will see them by the thousands here.
Author's bio: Heather Johnson is a freelance writer based in Oakland, California. She runs in Redwood Regional Park often.