Ravenswood Open Space Preserve: A Bay Area Wetland Escape
Explore Ravenswood Open Space Preserve: A scenic Bay Area escape for birdwatching, hiking, and enjoying nature's tranquility.
Ravenswood Open Space Preserve, located in East Palo Alto, California, offers a serene escape into a restored tidal salt marsh along the San Francisco Bay. This 376-acre preserve is a haven for birdwatching, hiking, and enjoying panoramic bay views. With easy-access trails and diverse wildlife, it's an ideal destination for nature lovers of all ages.
A brief summary to Ravenswood Open Space Preserve
- Bay Rd, East Palo Alto, California, 94303, US
- +1650-691-1200
- Visit website
- Monday 5:30 am-9 pm
- Tuesday 5:30 am-9 pm
- Wednesday 5:30 am-9 pm
- Thursday 5:30 am-9 pm
- Friday 5:30 am-9 pm
- Saturday 5:30 am-9 pm
- Sunday 5:30 am-9 pm
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best opportunities to view wildlife.
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching, as many species thrive in the preserve.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.
- Check the weather before visiting, as trails can be muddy after rainfall.
Getting There
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Driving
From Highway 101, take the University Avenue exit toward East Palo Alto. Continue on University Avenue north for about three blocks, then turn right onto Bay Road. Follow Bay Road to the very end, continuing through gate RW01; Bay Road narrows and becomes a dirt road. The preserve parking area is on the left. Parking is free. Limited parking is available with 12 spaces plus 1 ADA space at the Ravenswood Parking Area and 28 spaces plus 2 ADA spaces at the Cooley Landing Parking Area.
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Public Transport
SamTrans routes 296 and 280 stop at the Bay Road/Pulgas Avenue stop, about a half-mile walk from the preserve. From the bus stop, walk down Bay Road to Cooley Landing. A single ride on SamTrans is $2.25.
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Walking
If you are near University Avenue and Bay Road, you can walk north on Bay Road. Continue onto Bay road for about 1 mile until you reach the preserve entrance. Be aware that Bay Road narrows and becomes a dirt road.
Discover more about Ravenswood Open Space Preserve
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