Skip to content

Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve

ExploreWoodside, Peninsula4.6/5

About This Place

A stunning 5,412-acre redwood preserve on the western slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The easy quarter-mile Redwood Trail near Skyline Boulevard is perfect for families, with picnic tables along the way. Creek crossings and fern-filled canyons create a magical atmosphere.

Info

Age Range

5-8, 8-12

Venue Type

Outdoor

Price Level

Free

Best Time

Year-round; winter-spring for creek flow; summer for fog-free redwoods

Parking

Free parking at Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35) or Purisima Creek Road trailheads.

Tips

Redwood Trail is the easiest option at 1/4 mile. Purisima Creek Trail is a gentle uphill along the creek for longer outings. No dogs allowed. Open sunrise to sunset.

Stroller Friendly--Changing Station--Dining On Site--Reservation Needed--

Tags

redwoodshikingnature-preservecreeksscenic
Official Website

Trail Day Checklist

Handpicked for this kind of outing — including a few things families usually wish they'd packed.

Owala FreeSip Kids Stainless Steel Water Bottle 16 oz Trail On

Owala FreeSip Kids Stainless Steel Water Bottle 16 oz Trail On

View on Amazon

Luwint Waterproof Kids Leg Boot Gaiters - Hiking Hunting Climbing Gear for 6-12 Yrs Old Girls Boys (Blue)

Luwint Waterproof Kids Leg Boot Gaiters - Hiking Hunting Climbing Gear for 6-12 Yrs Old Girls Boys (Blue)

View on Amazon

Kids Hiking Poles, Kids Walking Stick, Lightweight Aluminum Adjustable

Kids Hiking Poles, Kids Walking Stick, Lightweight Aluminum Adjustable

View on Amazon

OLDLEY 20oz Kids Water Bottle With Straw, Insulated Leakproof School Bottle

OLDLEY 20oz Kids Water Bottle With Straw, Insulated Leakproof School Bottle

View on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, kidsbayarea.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability shown are as of the last update and may change.

Location

Woodside, PeninsulaGet Directions

Similar Places

Elkhorn Slough Safari

Elkhorn Slough Safari

explore
Moss Landing4.8

A family-friendly 90-minute pontoon boat tour through Elkhorn Slough wetlands featuring playful sea otters, curious seals, and dozens of bird species. A trained naturalist narrates, and complimentary binoculars and refreshments are provided.

2-5, 5-8, 8-12Outdoor$$
field-tripboat-tourwildlifesea-otterswetlandsnature
Kirby Cove Campground

Kirby Cove Campground

explore
Sausalito4.8

An incredibly scenic campground with just 5 sites directly below the Golden Gate Bridge. A small beach offers stunning bridge views. Most sought-after camping near SF.

5-8, 8-12Outdoor$
campinggolden-gate-bridgebeachscenicunique

Lands End Trail & Sutro Baths

explore
San Francisco4.8

A spectacular 1.3-mile coastal trail with sweeping Golden Gate Bridge views, mysterious Sutro Baths ruins, and hidden shipwrecks visible at low tide. The Visitor Center has restrooms, maps, and a cafe for families to refuel.

2-5, 5-8, 8-12Outdoorfree
hikingscenicgolden-gate-bridgeruinscoastal
Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium

explore
Monterey4.8

One of the world's best aquariums with breathtaking exhibits including a massive kelp forest, sea otter exhibit, and Open Sea tank. The Splash Zone area is designed specifically for toddlers with touchpools and interactive play.

All AgesIndoor$$$
aquariumoceanottersday-tripworld-class