Whether you like it rich or spicy, with marshmallows or whipped cream, here’s the best hot chocolate San Francisco has to offer

With the weather we’ve been having, nothing can warm up a rainy day or a snow day adventure than a cup of the best hot cocoa. In our food-obsessed Bay Area, it’s not surprising that people (kids and adults) take their hot chocolate as seriously as any other treat. The best cafes and hot chocolatiers use premium chocolates, freshly steamed milk, and gourmet toppings galore, taking a simple cup of cocoa to a whole new level. Whether you like it rich or spicy, locally sourced or European style, hot chocolate near me will cure a multitude of cold weather woes.

The Best Hot Chocolate in San Francisco

 

1. Christopher Elbow Artisanal Chocolates

This modern chocolatier in Hayes Valley is known for its eye-popping, gorgeous decorated chocolates, but if you haven’t tried their drinking chocolate, you’re only getting half the experience. With numerous flavors to choose from, there's something for everyone. The Classic and Cocoa Noir are the best bets for the kids and can be topped with housemade vanilla bean marshmallows. If your little one can’t finish their chocolate, the staff here recommend taking the remainder home and popping it in the refrigerator. It will set into a zero-effort chocolate pudding by dinner time. If you can’t get enough of the hot chocolate, Christopher Elbow also sells the mixes in canisters so you can get your fix at home.

401 Hayes St.
San Francisco
Online: elbowchocolates.com

2. Socola Chocolatier

Socola’s Asian-inspired chocolates have an enthusiastic following in the Bay Area, and fans cheered when sisters Wendy and Susan Lieu finally opened a jewel box of a shop in SOMA. You can find their whole line of gourmet chocolates, from guava to earl grey to Vietnamese coffee-filled truffles, along with coffee and a killer gourmet hot chocolate. The hot chocolate is made with their 72% dark ganache and freshly steamed milk and is topped with a homemade chocolate marshmallow. 

535 Folsom St.
San Francisco
Online: socolachocolates.com

3. Kokak Chocolates

We love this Castro spot for small batch single origin heirloom chocolates and hot chocolates too. "Kokak," meaning "ribbit" in the Filipino language, stems from Founder and Head Chocolatier Carol Gancia's deep Asian roots and passion for making adventurous flavors with the rare cacao variety, "Naciónal." Your hot cocoa options include classic, hot hot chocolate (spicy drinking chocolate that harkens back to the Mayans), single province hot chocolate, and cold chocolate milk if you want yours chilled. 

3901 18th St.
San Francisco
Onlinekokakchocolates.com

4. XOX Truffles

French truffle maker and San Francisco chocolate hero Jean-Marc Gorce makes quite the show with his fancy hot chocolate at his chocolate shop and cafe on Columbus Ave., just up the hill from North Beach Library. There you’ll find him talking truffles in his tiny, sunshine-yellow and blue storefront. His hot chocolate recipe begins with a ladle full of liquid truffle which is then whisked with hot milk on the countertop before your eyes. Decide if you want whipped cream and claim a free truffle with every drink. Peanut butter truffles are a hit with the kids but there are tons of other flavors to choose from. If the kiddos can’t finish their cup make sure you sneak the final sip to get the luxurious, rich truffle sediment.

754 Columbus Ave.
San Francisco
Online: xoxtruffles.com

5. Dandelion Chocolate

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This chocolate factory serves up three types of hot chocolate (and bites to eat that look so perfect, glazed, and petite it’s almost a shame to eat them). Take your pick from a thick, rich European drinking chocolate, a Mission blend with Mexican spices, or the Dandelion classic, lighter, and sweeter than the rest. They all come with a micro cookie on the side. Dandelion also serves Frozen Hot Chocolate, a recipe invented by the pastry chef. When they're back open for in-person dining you can pull up a seat in the cafe or better yet, snag a stool at the sidebar and watch chocolate science taking place. You’ll see vats of melted chocolate being stirred and shaken.

740 Valencia
San Francisco

1 Ferry Building
San Francisco
Online: dandelionchocolate.com

6. Lush Gelato

Hot chocolate at an ice cream parlor? Definite yes. Lush is the first store licensed to make gelato from scratch in the city of San Francisco. They feature many local purveyors in their flavors, including Cowgirl Creamery, Frog Hollow Farm, and Bellweather Farms. The house hot chocolate is made with their chocolate gelato, is served piping hot, and is wonderfully rich and smooth—just like everything else at Lush. Your child may have trouble choosing between a hot chocolate and an ice cream cone!

520 Columbus Ave. 
San Francisco
Online: lushgelato.com

The Best Hot Cocoa in the East Bay

1. Chocolaterie

The gourmet chocolates in this store are so artistic they could be installed at SFMOMA. People regularly come in just to take pictures of the meticulously fashioned bon bons. Drinks are made with the same Solstice chocolate that's used to make the signature truffles. The classic hot chocolate blends 75% dark chocolate with sugar and a touch of salt and is then hand-mixed with steamed organic whole milk. There's also a Mexican blend with cinnamon and chili as well as an option to add lavender for a different taste altogether. All are rich, smooth, and silky. Afterward, snag a box of chocolates to continue the indulgence at home.

1964 University Ave.
Berkeley
Online: shopchocolaterie.com

2. The Chocolate Dragon Bittersweet Cafe & Bakery

This favorite chocolate shop offers lots of options when hot cocoa cravings hit. Their classic hot chocolate is made with traditional milk chocolate with a touch of dark, or you can go for a spicy version—an intense and spicy sipping chocolate. Salted caramel combines all those great flavors and chocolate chai melts dark chocolate into their unsweetened house-brewed chai. 

5427 College Ave.
Oakland
Online: chocolatedragoncafe.com

Where to Find the Best Hot Chocolate on the Peninsula & South Bay

1. Timothy Adams Chocolates

Timothy Adams offers the ultimate custom hot chocolate experience. Pick from nine different chocolates ranging from white to dark, from Valrhona to TCHO, combine it with milk, almond milk, or hazelnut milk, and have it served hot with homemade marshmallows or chilled over ice. Spice it up with a Mexican blend, or for parents, make it a mocha. Timothy Adams is a place for the serious chocoholic: the owners have been making chocolate for over twenty years and selling professionally for a decade. 

539 Bryant St.
Palo Alto
Online: timothyadamschocolates.com

2. Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay

Although this hot chocolate is only available on Saturdays and Sundays, it’s worth the wait, and the drive. The Ritz-Carlton at Half Moon Bay opens up its hot chocolate bar on its outdoor terrace at 1 p.m. on weekends. After you get your cup of dark or milk hot chocolate, embellish it with all the toppings your heart desires, from cinnamon whipped cream to caramel to chocolate crispies to mini marshmallows. Adults can add a shot of liquor as well if you need extra warming. Enjoy your hot chocolate in front of some of the most spectacular views in the Bay, then get a s’mores kit for your kids to enjoy making over the fire pits.

1 Miramontes Point Rd.
Half Moon Bay
Online: ritzcarlton.com

3. Cocola

Cocola has locations all over the peninsula and we particularly love getting a hot chocolate from their Santana Row location and finding a sunny spot outside to sit. Grab a chocolate eclair if you're feeling especially indulgent. 

Various Locations
Online: cocolabakery.com

The Best Hot Chocolate in Marin County

Equator Coffees & Teas

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Equator might be better known for its coffee but which kid can resist a hot chocolate that comes with frothy bear artwork? The dark chocolate they use comes from TCHO, a Bay Area chocolatier that works directly with cacao bean farmers and cooperatives to improve growing and drying methods. Baristas at Equator add sugar and water and mix the chocolate with soy, almond, or regular milk creating something that just hits the spot on your way to or from the beach or hiking the trails of Marin.

Various Locations
Online: equatorcoffees.com

Looking for the perfect Christmas tree, Atlanta families? Here’s where to cut your own festive fir or pick up a pre-cut pine

For a fresh take on the holidays, head to one of these u-cut Christmas tree farms near Atlanta. Don’t feel like doing the sawing yourself? At many of these places you can also choose from pre-cut trees, as well as lights, wreaths and garlands to bring more of that brilliant pine-scented cheer into your home. For bonus points, pick up a hayride or a visit with Santa while you’re there. Just be sure to call or check websites before you go to verify hours and tree availability.

1. Berry's Tree Farm

Open daily till Christmas, Berry's offers more than 5,000 real Christmas trees to choose from, plus train rides and a petting zoo. Purchase pre-cut trees or saw your own with supplies provided (or you can bring your own saw). And to help you get your perfect fir home, Berry's offers assistance cutting, tying, and needling, if you'd like a hand. They also offer snow flocking for an additional fee if you want it to really look like Christmas (or maybe just winter) at your place.

Insider Tip: Make your trip to the tree farm extra special when you pair it with a Santa visit. The Big Guy will be there November 25-27, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays, December. 3-18.

Opening Day: Nov. 19, 2022

70 Mount Tabor Rd.
Covington, GA
Online: berrystreefarm.com

Related: Holiday Road: Driveable Winter Destinations from Atlanta

2. Minter’s Farm

Voted one of the best Christmas tree farms near Atlanta in 2021, Minters Farm has been around for more than 30 years and opens daily for the holiday season right after Thanksgiving. Drive to the fields or take a hay ride to cut your own Murray Cypress, Virginia Pines, and Carolina Sapphires. Staff can help you cut, if you need it, and they'll also drill your tree if your stand requires it.

Insider Tip: The Carolina Sapphires are shorter season trees, so it's best to wait until the second week in December to start cutting them.

Opening Day: Nov. 25, 2022

283 Hill’s Bridge Road
Fayetteville, GA
Online: mintersfarm.com

A family carries a tree out from a christmas tree farm atlanta
iStock

3. Thompson's Tree Farm

The original owners of this tree farm near Atlanta recently sold the spot but the new owners are keeping the same name. However, things are going to look a bit different here this year because of the business transition. You can cut your own Green Giants, Blue Ice, and Carolina Sapphires, or pick out freshly cut Christmas trees by appointment only.

Good to Know: Thompson's Tree Farm won't have the gift shop, wreaths, garlands, Fraser Firs, or a petting zoo this year, although they hoping to bring these features back next year. The good news? You can still expect free hot chocolate and coffee. 

Opening Day: Nov. 19, 2022

1829 Prospect Rd.
Lawrenceville, GA
Online: thompsonstreefarm.com

Related: Things to Do in Atlanta on Christmas Day

4. Sleepy Hollow Farm

Expect a wide selection of high-quality trees, including Leyland Cypress, Carolina Sapphires, and Blue Ice, at this Atlanta Christmas tree farm that also has barn animals to visit. Come cut your own (you'll receive a saw at the entrance), or pick up fresh-cut Fraser Firs and freshly-made wreaths beginning Novebmer 20. This spot is closed on Mondays (these people are our kind of people), but open Tuesday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Insider Tip: If you purchase a tree on Saturday or Sunday it’s no charge to visit the playground. If you want to come play on weekends without purchasing a tree, it’s $5 per person (children under 2 are free). The playground is not open during the week. 

Opening Day: Nov. 19, 2022

628 Sleepy Hollow Rd.
Powder Springs, GA
Online: sleepyhollowtrees.com

a father wheels his son around a christmas tree farm atlanta in a wheelbarrow
iStock

5. Hunter's Christmas Tree Farm

This family Christmas tree farm near Atlanta has been producing trees for more than 30 years, and is considered one of the most reasonably-priced options around. However, it's still managing the Christmas tree shortage, so visit early to make sure you get what you want. The u-cut field currently has more than 150 Leyland Cypress trees 5 to 15 feet tall, and there are more than 800 pre-cut Frasier Fir trees on order. They also offer a variety of garlands, wreaths and tree stands, and don't forget to dive into the complimentary hot chocolate and cookies. Remember to bring a toy or canned good for the North Fulton Community Charities.

Insider Tip: Santa will be at the farm on November 25, 26, and December 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Pony Rides will be provided on November 25 and 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and donations are appreciated.

Opening Day: Nov. 19, 2022

14680 Wood Rd.
Milton, GA
Online: hunterschristmastreefarm.com

Related: Bright Lights, Big City: Holiday Light Show in Atlanta

6. Kinsey Family Farm

Select among both both pre-cut and cut-your-own Christmas trees, where you'll take a wagon ride out to choose your tree at this family farm in Gainesville. They expect to have a good range of varieties this year: Douglas, Fraser, Noble, Balsam, and Nordmann Firs; Carolina Sapphire Cypress, Murray Cypress, Blue Spruce, Scotch Pine, and Deodar Cedar. Warm up around the fire with marshmallows and hot chocolate before you head out into the field. Take a peek at their Facebook page to make sure weather, schedule, and supply all look good for your visit before you go.

Insider Tip: Kinsey Family Farm cannot take you into the fields to cut trees after dark, so be sure to arrive at the farm with ample daylight if you want to cut a tree from the fields. The last tractor run will be 5:30 p.m.

Opening Day: Nov. 19, 2022

7170 Jot-em Down Rd.
Gainesville, GA
Online: kinseyfamilyfarm.com

7. Yule Forest Farm

Head to Yule Forest Farm if you want to experience one of our favorite Christmas tree farms near Atlanta. Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday through Sunday it's a great spot for pre-cut Frasier Firs and Blue Spruces. But if you're feeling like you want a more authentic tree, why not cut your own Christmas tree? They've got Leyland Cypress, Green Giants, and Virginia Pines waiting for you, plus flocked Christmas trees of all sizes. Stick around for the hot apple cider, candy canes, hayrides, and a petting zoo. On the weekends, delight your elves with a trip to the fun zone for a nominal fee. Make sure to check Yule Forest's Facebook page to see updates on their stock of trees or unexpected closings due to weather or tree shortage.

Insider Tip: Yule Forest is an official drop-off site for Toys For Tots, so bring and donate any new, unwrapped toys to brighten a child's holiday season. 

Opening Day: Nov. 19, 2022

3565 North Highway 155
Stockbridge, GA
Online: yuleforest.com

Related: Holiday Teas for Tots: An Atlanta Tradition Continues

8. Bottoms Tree Farm

If the scent of freshly cut Christmas trees and apple cider doesn’t make you melt, then the taste of roasted marshmallows and the promise of happy kids playing cornhole while the nice folks at Bottoms help you tie your tree on your car will. This farm offers a variety of pre-cut and cut-your-own trees. When you spend time at this Christmas tree farm, your little elves can enjoy a hay ride ($3), a stroll around their lake, and time with farm animals while you oversee the loading-up of this year's tree. Be sure to check the Facebook page for weather, supply, and schedule changes before you go!

Insider Tip: Santa will pay a visit on November 19 and 26 and December 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Opening Day: Nov. 19, 2022

5880 John Burruss Rd.
Cumming, GA
Online: bottomstreefarm.com

Holiday Tip: Once the Christmas season is over, you can recycle your fresh-cut Christmas tree through the city. Simply put it out with your yard trimmings or drop it off at a special Christmas tree recycling event.

additional reporting by Dhyana Levey

Maybe you picked some cherries this summer, or any number of berries recently, but have you ever ventured into acres of flowers of all kinds and snipped a few stems right from the field? From wildflowers to sunflowers, zinnias, peonies and more, here are our favorite farms near NYC for flower picking.

For a Wide Variety: Brittany Hollow Farm

Head to Brittany Hollow Farm in the Hudson Valley for one of the best selections of pick-your-own flowers near NYC. Flower varieties include zinnias, cosmos, black-eyed susans, strawflowers, snapdragons, celosia, sunflowers, butterfly weed, statice, and more, and the farm is open July through early October. Flowers are $20 per bucket, and you take the bucket home with you—bring it back for $15 buckets all season long. The fields are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.

Brittany Hollow Farm
7141 Albany Post Rd.
Rhinebeck, NY
Online: brittanyhollowfarmflowers.strikingly.com

For "Gazillions" of Flowers, Veggies & A Winery: Terhune Orchards

A major player in the "you pick" scene, Terhune Orchards offers the chance to pick something throughout the growing season.  They offer a great selection of flowers here, available from late June to October. Planters and culinary herbs are also available on site, as are numerous other fruits and veggies—both in the fields for picking and the farm store for purchase. Terhune also operates its own winery. FYI: Leave your pets with a friend—they aren’t allowed on the farm. 

Terhune Orchards
330 Cold Soil Rd.
Princeton, NJ
609-924-2310
Online: terhuneorchards.com

For Gorgeous Blooms for the First Time: Spring Wind Farm

The stunning blooms are grown sustainably, and flowers for picking include sunflowers, zinnias, cosmos, celosia, gomphrena and more. Pick for a mason jar or a three-gallon bucket; prices start at $16. 

95 Holmes Mill Rd. 
Cream Ridge, NJ
Online: springwindfarm.com

For Super Sunflowers & Farm Fun: Johnson's Corner Farm

Johnson's Corner Farm loves its sunflowers. (The farm even holds Sunflower Celebrations.) In addition to lots of barnyard fun and picking produce, you can pick sunflowers for $1 a stem here, and zinnias for 25 cents each. Entrance to the field is $5/person on weekdays, and $6/person on weekends; buy tickets online to guarantee admission. 

133 Church Rd. 
Medford, NJ
Online: johnsonsfarm.com

For Lavender Lovers: Lavender By the Bay

To be fair, you can't pick the lavender at Lavender By the Bay, but it's a must for fans of this soothing herb, and peak bloom for French lavender is happening now, and more to come late summer! Plus: you can load up on sachets and sprigs in the gift shop. This farm has two locations on Long Island, growing more than 80,000 plants in hues of purple, lilac, white and beyond. (FYI: The Calverton spot is across the street from water park Splish Splash.) It's $12 to enter the field and stroll in the fragrant fields. Tickets must be purchased beforehand. 

Open daily, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

7540 Main Rd.
East Marion, NY

47 Manor Rd.
Calverton, NY 

Online: lavenderbythebay.com

For a Butterfly Moment: Melick's Town Farm

You can pick apples and peaches at Melick’s, but from July through September its stunning gardens are open for picking as well. You'll find flowers such as zinnias, sunflowers and snapdragons here, and no appointment is necessary, but they do ask that you bring your own clippers. (They advise calling ahead to find out what is blooming before you head over.) The farm charges per stem and also has pre-picked bouquets and arrangements if you need to grab a bouquet on the go. Melick's Town Farm is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6.pm., and on a nice day, butterflies flock to the gardens, making for nice Instagram fodder.

Melick’s Town Farm
170 Oldwick Rd.
Oldwick, NJ
Online: melickstownfarm.com

For Flowers, Berries & a Side of Fresh Ice Cream: Patty’s Berries and Bunches

If you’re looking to ditch the scissors, but pick up some berries, this is the place to go. Patty's "bunches" are flowers, which are sold pre-picked and include blossoms such as sunflowers, dahlias, peonies, and zinnias. You can also pay $8 to walk through the flower fields for the perfect photo op!  The farm features an "Ice Cream Patch,” where visitors can buy scoops of seasonal flavors which are made with fresh ingredients grown on-site. This 40-acre Long Island farm is one of our favorites for U-pick berries. Open daily, 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

410 Sound Ave.
Mattituck, NY
Online: pattysberriesandbunches.com

For Evergreen & Sunflower Mazes & Lots of Produce to Pick: Alstede Farms

Alstede is a popular place for picking many, many things. Not only can you pick your own flowers at Alstede Farms, they've also added a cute evergreen maze, which is included with admission. Picking season runs mid-July through September, and flowers go for $1 a stem. The farm is packed with beautiful sunflowers ready for picking, and the farm’s annual sunflower maze is also open for navigation. This farm is also one of our favorites for “U-pick” fruits & veggies as well. Sweet Corn, vegetables (peppers, eggplant, tomatoes), peaches, cantaloupe, nectarines, honeydew and canary melon are all in season during the “cut your own flower” season, so you can pick up some "Jersey Fresh" produce while you're at it. Check this page to see if flowers are open for picking. 

1 Alstede Farms Ln.
Chester, NJ
Online: alstedefarms.com

 

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What better way to keep everyone happy than to get out in nature. Even the little ones can enjoy these Bay Area hikes for kids that have paved paths, restrooms and are perfect for little legs and strollers. Pack the water bottles and the snacks and get ready for a day in the fresh air on one of our favorite Bay Area stroller hikes!

San Francisco

Crissy Field
This flat-paved trail offers photo-worthy views of the SF Bay and Golden Gate Bridge, beach access, picnic areas and historical landmarks. In the West Bluff area you’ll find the Warming Hut, which serves fresh pastries and a variety of drinks. The Torpedo Wharf is fun to explore while spying for seals. The close up views of the bridge here are impressive.
Location: Mason St., San Francisco

Golden Gate Park
We all know how much this park has to offer, though its size may seem daunting for a simple stroll. Don’t let that stop you from enjoying the wide, beautifully-landscaped trails with gardens and playgrounds along the way. Try entering at Stanyan and Haight and walking your way toward the coast.
Location: Stanyan and Haight, San Francisco

MacLaren Park 
From playgrounds to a lake, there is lots to explore in San Francisco’s second largest park. With over seven miles of scenic trails, the 2.7-mile Philosophers Trail is a good one for the stroller bunch. Take in the cityscape and ocean views, pack a snack and take a break at one of the many picnic areas.
Location: 100 John F. Shelley Dr., San Francisco

Lands End/Sutro Heights Park
Most of the main Coastal Trail can be done with wheels. Camino del Mar Trail is another one to consider. It is best accessed from the War Memorial parking lot, there are some stairs but still manageable and loops at the Legion of Honor. Stop by the visitors center near the main parking lot, there’s a cafe, restrooms and information plaques. Be sure to check out Sutro Bath ruins while there. For more stroller friendly trails with amazing ocean views, stroll across to Sutro Heights Park and explore the area that was formerly Sutro Estates and Gardens.
Location: 680 Point Lobos Ave., San Francisco

The Presidio
The Presidio is super stroller friendly with tons of trails for exploring and amazing views of the San Francisco Bay. Download this guide for an interactive experience while hiking on the Ecology Trail or Anza Trail. The guide points out native plants and animals, talks about the history of The Presidio and helps kids explore the area while hiking.
Location: 210 Lincoln Boulevard on the Presidio’s Main Post, San Francisco

East Bay

Point Pinole Regional Shoreline
This easy hike is nearly all flat, with some gentle hills, picnic areas and a children’s playground. You don’t even have to walk to the fishing pier—a shuttle will pick up guests from the parking lot. Over 100 species of birds, myriad wildflowers in season and you could go fishing at the pier.
Location: Location: 5551 Giant Hwy., Richmond

Redwood Regional Park
The paved trail here is short and sweet at one mile long. It's perfect to get a dose of nature without having to strap a day’s worth of baby gear on your back. Bring the stroller for the baby and the bicycle for the toddler, and do two miles round-trip on the Stream Trail. Along the way, enjoy a canopy of redwood trees (bring sweaters for the shade) and a playground.
Location: 7867 Redwood Rd., Oakland

Lafayette Reservoir
Take the Lakeside Nature Trail—a paved, 2.7-miles around the Lafayette Reservoir. It’s mostly flat and shady, with pretty views of the hills and water. When you’re ready to break from walking, choose a table on the east lawn, where the playground will keep little squirm-balls busy. Remember to bring $6 for parking (exact change only), or to bring plenty of quarters for metered, two-hour parking.
Location: 3849 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette

Mount Diablo State Park
This rugged mountain may not be the first to come to mind, but it does have its gentler points. Near the summit, the Mary Bowerman Interpretive Trail is quite doable at less than a mile long, with access to the Summit Museum and lots of picnic tables.
Location: Summit Road off of Southgate, Danville

Iron Horse Regional Trail
Here you'll find 32 miles of paved multi-use trails that are perfect for cycling, scootering or pushing strollers. Mostly flat, the trail passes through various parks. If you park at Hillgrade Avenue and head South, you’ll pass by some horses and chickens. Perfect to keep the kids excited, you can bring carrots and feed the horses.
Location: Hillgrade Ave., Dublin

Peninsula

Coyote Point Recreation Area
Coyote Point has several stroller-friendly trails to choose from. Enjoy views of the San Francisco Bay, airplanes at SFO, Eucalyptus groves and more. Dip your feet into the beach and let the little ones run wild at the Magic Mountain Playground. Park on Airport Blvd. to enter park through Bay Trail, or bring $6 for main park entrance.
Location: 1701 Coyote Point Dr., San Mateo

Sawyer Camp Segment-Crystal Springs Regional Trail
This is a popular, three-mile segment, within the Crystal Springs Regional Trail. It is wide and paved with serene views of Crystal Springs Reservoir. Your little trekkers will love seeing the native wildlife and the amazing 600+ year old Laurel tree. There are restrooms and picnic tables a long the way but no drinking fountains. Also: no dogs allowed.
Location: Skyline Blvd & Crystal Springs Rd., San Mateo

Crystal Springs Regional Trail
With beautiful views of the reservoir and paved paths, this hike is super kid friendly. Restrooms are found near the Pulgas Water Temple side. Carry your own water.
Location: Skyline Blvd & Crystal Springs Rd, San Mateo

Kate Loweth

Mori Point
Most of the trails here are doable with stroller. Some are inclined and bumpy but worth the awesome ocean views. Keep your eyes open for blooming wild flowers, San Francisco Garter snakes and California red-legged frogs, both threatened native wildlife that thrive in the area. Accessible trail off of Old Mori Rd. has restrooms near by. Dress in layers as it gets pretty windy.
Location: Mori Point Rd. and Bradford Way, Pacifica

Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve
The .25 mile, flat Redwood trail, loops around towering redwoods and is perfect for strollers. There are restrooms and picnic tables nearby. Some of the other trails are stroller accessible with some unpaved inclines that are done best with a carrier. You’ll find a creek, wildflowers, amphibians and great views of Half Moon Bay. Parking is limited.
Location: Main entrance: Skyline Blvd. (Highway 35), 4.5 miles south of highway 92. Redwood trail: 6.5 miles south of Highway 92, Half Moon Bay

Stanford Dish
This gorgeous hike takes you up into the rolling hills near the famed satellite dish that you can see from 280. Park at Junipero Serra Blvd. and Stanford Ave. and you can catch the paved trail from here. The trail makes a loop of 3.65 miles and is fully exposed and at times can be really steep. Best time to visit is on the weekdays as the trail can get busy with hikers on the weekends. Use the bathroom before you go and carry your water as there are no facilities on site.
Location: Junipero Serra Blvd. and Stanford Ave. in Palo Alto

South Bay

Rancho San Antonio Preserve
There are 24 miles of trails in this preserve, it’s free and has tons of parking. The easy one-mile trek from the main parking lot to the Deer Hollow Farm, is a popular one for families with strollers. Go early on the weekends as the parking lot does fill up. 
Location: 22500 Cristo Rey Dr., Los Altos

Santa Teresa County Park
The park has 17 miles of unpaved trails, most are fine for strollers. The Joice and Norred trails offer great views of San Jose and a look at the historic Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch. The Pueblo Day Use Area is a popular stop—there are restrooms, picnic tables and horseshoe pits. There is lots of wildlife in the area, including grazing cows and calves. Bring $6 for parking.
Location: 260 Bernal Rd., San Jose

Fremont Older
This hundreds-of-acres large preserve includes miles of wide, pleasant trails. Enter the park gate at Prospect Road for a view of Silicon Valley, or take the Seven Springs Loop to enjoy the oak groves and search for lizards in the meadow. This trail can be hilly and is popular with bicyclists.
Location: Prospect Rd. off of De Anza Blvd. in Cupertino

Picchetti Ranch Preserve
The 3.7 miles of trails with forested canyons of madrone, coast live oak and California bay provide shade on a warm day. The Zinfandel Trail ducks into the forest, crossing seasonal creeks. The Bear Meadow Trail invites a leisurely walk to a small pond, making a pleasant setting for a picnic and singing some songs. 
Location: 13100 Montebello Rd, Cupertino

Marin/North Bay

Nella DuBon-Koch

Tennessee Valley Trail
This flat, paved and dirt trail, begins at the main parking lot. The 3.4-mile, round trip hike, will take you through coastal hills and habitat to native wildlife. At mid point, you can take the low or main trail. The main is steep through a hill and the lower, to the left, remains flat and simple. There’s a pit toilet at half way point, before reaching the rewarding Tennessee Beach. At low tide you can see remnants of the Tennessee shipwreck, after which the trail is named.
Location: at the end of Tennessee Valley Rd., Mill Valley

Blackie’s Pasture
This trail, which begins at Blackie’s Pasture and continues on to downtown Tiburon, is flat and easy. Stroll along slowly, enjoy the views of the Bay, stop at the playground and read about the history of the area with the help of some reading plaques along the way.
Location: Intersection of Trestle Glen Rd., Tiburon

Nella DuBon-Koch

Verna Dunshee Loop Trail
At less than a mile long, this is as flat and paved as you can get on the Sleeping Lady and the go-to for the stroller set who want to climb a mountain. It’s still Mt. Tam, however, so beware of some narrow passes and steep outlook points. Find the Verna Dunshee Loop on Mt. Tam’s East Peak, by the visitor center ($8 to park), and look forward to a front-row view of the Pacific Ocean and SF Bay.
Location: East Ridgecrest off of Pantol, Mill Valley

Corte Madera Creek Path, Greenbrae
A favorite with locals on bikes, this wide, easy path begins with a neat playground (Hal Brown Park) sectioned off for preschoolers and for older kids. If you can convince the kids off the climbing structure, you can walk with them from here all the way into Ross.
Location: Bon Air Rd., Greenbrae

China Camp State Park
Wheelchair accessible with beautiful views of San Pablo Bay, this one is great to let the young ones stretch their legs as bikes are not allowed. Wildflowers are abundant and placards along the way provide information on the flora and fauna. Park along San Pedro Road at the north end of China Camp and head to the Turtle Back Nature Trail for some shade in the hotter months.
Location: 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael

—Shruti Priya Bapna, Nella DuBon-Koch and Renee Macalino Rutledge

 

Already missing Hawkins and it’s demonized inhabitants? Now you can experience what it’s like for Eleven and her pals to escape demigorgons and skin flayers in a new escape room in Hopper’s cabin from Stranger Things.

Season four of Stranger Things is a long way away, but if you’re itching to get an up close experience with life in the Upside Down, head to Atlanta where you can experience an escape room built in Hopper’s cabin. The real life cabin where the show is filmed on location resides at Sleepy Hollow Farm, a 60-acre family farm in Powder Springs, Georgia, just half an hour outside of Atlanta.

“If you have seen ‘Stranger Things’ seasons 2 and 3, then you probably saw Hopper’s Cabin a lot. Hopper, Eleven, and their friends spent much of the seasons in the cabin,” Sleepy Hollow Farm wrote about the cabin. “Some of you may know that Hopper’s Cabin is actually located on Sleepy Hollow Farm, which is where Escape Woods is located so we have decided to turn it into an escape room adventure for all of the ‘Stranger Things’ fans out there.”

The escape room experience is priced at $33 per person or you can rent the entire cabin for up to 10 people to participate for $309. The age recommendation is 10 and up. You can book your experience here.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: EscapeWoods via Instagram

 

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