Great Hikes in Vallejo, Benicia, and American Canyon, California

By Rachel Puryear

In the outer northeastern part of the San Francisco Bay Area, nestled between Napa and the East Bay region, is a cluster of three cities/towns – Benicia, Vallejo, and American Canyon. This is a sort of micro-region, that has its own local vibe.

It’s also home to some beautiful scenery, and great places to hike and visit. It’s situated near water, yet also has rolling hills, and feels less crowded and rushed than much of the rest of the metro region.

Here are some of our favorite outdoor spots in this region:

Blue Rock Springs Park in Vallejo

If you like dramatic views from the tops of hills, this is a great park to visit. Or, if you prefer, there are also some flatter paved paths with plenty of verdant scenery.

View from top of the hill in Blue Rock Springs Park.

Paved walking path in Blue Rock Springs Park.

Vallejo’s Waterfront

Downtown Vallejo is home to the city’s ferry station, and there’s plenty of flat, paved walking paths from which to enjoy the gorgeous views of the Napa River. Plus, enjoy the diverse downtown dining offerings while you’re there.

Benicia’s Waterfront

The smaller, charming city of Benicia also boasts its own beautiful waterfront, with flat, paved walkways. The pier is also popular for fishing. Nearby downtown Benicia also has a great variety of dining choices and shops.

Paths around Benicia’s downtown waterfront.

Benicia State Recreation Area

If you prefer a quieter hike that’s a bit more out of the way, and enjoy views of marshlands, be sure and check out this park. See here for more about this park, including detailed accessibility information.

Napa River Bay Trail in American Canyon

This gorgeous trail offers views of marshlands, ponds, marine life, and of course the Napa River. Enjoy a picnic at the trailhead with its own great views, or hike along the trails.

Birds in marshlands of the Napa River Bay Trail.

Dan Foley Park

This park not only has gorgeous trees and greenery to admire, but it’s got something for the whole family. There’s a community center, a fishing lake (see here for rules), a playground, boating, soccer and baseball fields, tennis and basketball courts, picnic and barbecue areas, and of course trails.

Love this blog, and want to help support it? Please check out the following products. We are Amazon affiliates, and earn a commission when you purchase through these links – this helps support the blog, so we thank you!

Does Winter’s chill make you dread showers? Look forward to bathing again with these big, soft, thick 100% Turkish cotton bath towel sets that will wrap you in warmth and luxury, and get you dry quickly. Available in a variety of gorgeous colors, and reasonably priced.

Stack of three colorful rolled bath towels.

Thank you, dear readers, for reading, following, and sharing. Here’s to beautiful local hikes. If you enjoyed this post and want to see more like it, please hit “like” and subscribe, if you have not already.

Check out my other blog, too – Free Range Life, at https://freerangelife.net. It’s about road trips to the outdoors, traveling while fat, wealth and economic philosophy, remote/passive income streams, and van/RV life.

Note: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We appreciate your support!

World Class Hugs