If you’re looking to increase your fitness level, find go-to running trails for you and your dog, or spend time getting back to nature, Vallejo and the surrounding area have plenty of gorgeous trails that are perfect for hiking, walking, biking, running, and even horseback riding. So put down your cell phone or tablet and spend some time outside. You’ll have plenty of places to choose from, if you live in Vallejo. We’ve rounded up the best trails that’ll make you want to spend more time outside.

Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve

Photo courtesy of Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve

Many would agree this preserve is the crown jewel of Vallejo’s nature parks. The preserve overlooks Carquinez Bay, giving you great views of the water while you hike the network of trails. There are also gorgeous grasslands surrounding the area, so you can admire both land and sea. On most days, you’ll find the Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve filled with photographers capturing sunset views, artists painting flowery fields, and hikers trekking along the one-mile Shoreline Preserve Scenic Vista Trail, which passes the oldest naval cemetery in the Pacific. You’ll want to come back to this stunning landscape over and over.

Benicia State Recreation Area

Benicia State Recreation Area photo courtesy of Calmuziclover 

This recreation area is home to all kinds of habitats. You’ll see wet marshes, grassy hills, and rocky beaches, which are conducive to different types of recreation. At the Benicia State Recreation Area, you can bring along your binoculars and go bird-watching, strap on some hiking shoes and traverse the trails, or hop on a bike and explore the park on two wheels. Plus, no matter what activity you partake in at this park in Benicia, you’ll get a great view of the Carquinez Bridge.

Blue Rock Springs Park

Photo courtesy of Blue Rock Springs Park

If you’re looking for an easy stroll on a sunny day, check out Blue Rock Springs Park. This community park offers trails for walking and hiking, as well as a barbecue area and playground. This is the perfect destination for a fun day with family and friends, as you can grill up some burgers then burn them off on one of the easygoing trails while your children play on the playground. The park is also home to a gorgeous lake, as well as an island filled with peacocks. Now that’s something you don’t see every day.

Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline

Photo courtesy of Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline

For a quiet and tranquil day in nature, away from people, cars, and buildings, you’ll want to visit Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline in Martinez. This huge park is very serene, with gorgeous nature trails that are perfect for strolling year-round and catching a glimpse of wooded cliffs and rolling hills. There are also picnic tables available if you want to pack a snack or even a casual picnic lunch. At this park, you get 1,415 acres of gorgeous views, from grassy bluffs to rocky shoreline to shaded meadows. Dogs are welcome at this park.