Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve
Discover a serene escape in Palo Alto's Baylands Nature Preserve: a vast marshland teeming with wildlife, offering scenic trails and a tranquil connection to nature along the San Francisco Bay.
Escape the Silicon Valley bustle at the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve, a sprawling 1,940-acre sanctuary of undisturbed marshland. This haven for wildlife offers 15 miles of multi-use trails, perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay. The preserve's diverse habitats, from tidal and freshwater marshes to sloughs and grasslands, attract a stunning array of bird species, making it a renowned spot for birders. Explore the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center, discover the Byxbee Park Hills, or simply soak in the tranquility of this natural gem. Whether you're a seasoned nature enthusiast or a casual visitor, the Baylands provides a refreshing escape and a chance to connect with the beauty of the Bay Area's ecosystem. Remember to bring your binoculars and keep an eye out for the endangered Ridgway's Rail!
A brief summary to Baylands Nature Preserve
- Palo Alto, California, 94303, US
- +1650-617-3156
- Visit website
Local tips
- Bring binoculars for optimal birdwatching, especially during migratory seasons (fall and spring).
- Wear layers, as Bay Area weather can change quickly from chilly and foggy to warm and sunny.
- Check the tide charts before visiting to see the mudflats teeming with shorebirds during low tide.
- Visit the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center to learn about the preserve's ecology and history.
- Be aware that dogs are allowed on leash only, and are prohibited in special nesting areas.
Getting There
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Driving
From Highway 101, take the Embarcadero Road exit and head east. Continue on Embarcadero Road for approximately 1.25 miles until you reach the Baylands Nature Preserve. Parking is available in several lots throughout the preserve, including near the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center and the Palo Alto Duck Pond. Parking is free. Be aware that parking lots can fill up, especially on weekends. An alternative is to park near the Palo Alto Boat Launch area.
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Public Transport
While public transportation directly to the Baylands Nature Preserve is limited, the Palo Alto 'E' shuttle bus comes to the edge of the preserve. The closest stop is at the intersection of Embarcadero Road and Geng Road, approximately a 1.25-mile walk to the preserve's main areas. From this intersection, you can access trains and buses serving the entire Bay Area. Caltrain to California Avenue station, followed by a bus or taxi ride, is another option. A taxi/ride-share from the California Avenue Caltrain station to the Baylands will cost approximately $15-$20.
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Walking/Biking
If you are already in the vicinity of Palo Alto, consider walking or biking to the Baylands Nature Preserve. The preserve is accessible via the Bay Trail, a multi-use trail that encircles the San Francisco Bay. From downtown Palo Alto, head east on Embarcadero Road. The Baylands are easily accessible by bike from many parts of Palo Alto and surrounding cities, with dedicated bike lanes along Embarcadero Road. There are bike racks available at various locations within the preserve.
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