Thornewood Open Space Preserve: A Tranquil Retreat
Discover serene trails and redwood forests at Thornewood Open Space Preserve, a historic estate turned natural sanctuary in Woodside, CA.
Escape to Thornewood Open Space Preserve, a 167-acre haven in the Santa Cruz Mountains near Woodside, CA. Originally part of a private estate, it now offers easy hiking and horseback riding trails amidst redwood forests and the serene Schilling Lake.
A brief summary to Thornewood Open Space Preserve
- 707 La Honda Rd, Woodside, California, 94062, US
- +1650-691-1200
- Visit website
- Monday 8 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
- Thursday 8 am-5 pm
- Friday 8 am-5 pm
- Saturday 8 am-5 pm
- Sunday 8 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early, especially on weekends, as the parking lot is small and fills up quickly.
- Bring water, as there are no water facilities within the preserve.
- Stay on marked trails to avoid poison oak and protect the delicate ecosystem.
- Dogs are allowed on leash, making it a great place to bring your furry friend.
- Download a trail map before you go, as paper maps may not be available at the preserve.
Getting There
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Driving
From Highway 280, take the CA-84 W/Woodside Road exit and head west. Continue on CA-84/Woodside Road until you see the brick gates marking the entrance to Thornewood Preserve on your left. Turn onto the preserve road and follow it to the parking lot. Parking is free, but limited to a small lot with only 5 regular slots, 1 ADA slot, and 3 informal parallel parking spots. An alternative entrance with 8-10 roadside spaces is located off Old La Honda Road. Be aware that parking fills up quickly on weekends.
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Public Transport
While direct public transportation to Thornewood Open Space Preserve is limited, you can take SamTrans bus routes to nearby locations in Woodside and then use a ride-sharing service or taxi to reach the preserve. Check SamTrans schedules and plan your route accordingly. Keep in mind that ride-sharing costs from Woodside to Thornewood can range from $15-$25, depending on demand and availability.
Discover more about Thornewood Open Space Preserve
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Horse Statue
3.6 km
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Allen Peak
3.6 km
Experience the rich history and stunning views at Allen Peak, a tranquil landmark nestled in the heart of Woodside, California.
Methuselah Tree (Sequoia sempervirens)
4.4 km
Explore the Methuselah Tree in Woodside, CA – a magnificent Sequoia that stands tall as a symbol of nature's beauty and resilience.
The Couple Bench
4.6 km
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Vista Hill
7.5 km
Discover the stunning vistas and serene trails of Vista Hill in Palo Alto, a must-visit destination for nature lovers and scenic views.
MacFarland House
7.9 km
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Lou Henry Hoover House
8.0 km
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Jack W. Lyle Park
8.3 km
Experience the beauty of nature at Jack W. Lyle Park, Menlo Park's charming urban oasis for relaxation, recreation, and family fun.
Frenchman's Tower
8.3 km
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Auguste Rodin - The Burghers of Calais
8.3 km
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Tootsie's at the Cantor Arts Center
8.5 km
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Escondido Turnaround
8.6 km
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Stone River by Andy Goldsworthy
8.6 km
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Menlo Park Design District
8.6 km
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Brookdale Redwood City
8.7 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve
1.2 km
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Wunderlich County Park
1.5 km
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Teague Hill Open Space Preserve
4.1 km
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Woodside Store Park
4.1 km
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Windy Hill Open Space Preserve
4.4 km
Explore Windy Hill Open Space Preserve in Portola Valley for hiking, biking, and panoramic views of the Bay Area and Pacific Ocean.
Redwood Picnic Area, Huddart Park
5.1 km
Escape to the serene Redwood Picnic Area in Huddart Park for a refreshing retreat surrounded by towering redwoods and natural beauty.
Sharon Park
5.1 km
Discover Sharon Park in Menlo Park: A serene escape with a picturesque lake, lush landscapes, and diverse birdlife, perfect for leisurely strolls and family picnics in a tranquil setting.
El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve
5.3 km
Discover redwood forests, unique sandstone formations, and remnants of logging history on over 34 miles of trails in this revitalized Santa Cruz Mountains preserve.
Huddart Park
5.8 km
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Stanford Hills Park
5.8 km
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La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve
6.5 km
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Stanford Dish
6.8 km
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Pearson-Arastradero Preserve
7.3 km
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Papua New Guinea Sculpture Garden
7.9 km
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Memorial Church
8.2 km
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Essential places to dine
Parkside Grille
2.6 km
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Madera
4.6 km
Discover Madera in Menlo Park: where culinary artistry meets luxurious ambiance for an unforgettable fine dining experience.
El Cerrito
6.0 km
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Dutch Goose
6.2 km
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Flea Street
6.2 km
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Redwood Grill
6.9 km
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CORNER TABLE
7.2 km
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The Mountain House
7.5 km
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Cafe Wisteria
8.4 km
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Canyon Inn
8.4 km
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Camper
8.5 km
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Vina Enoteca
8.5 km
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Tootsie's At The Stanford Barn
8.5 km
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Galata Bistro Mediterranean Grill
8.6 km
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Ristorante Carpaccio
8.7 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Shady Lane
5.9 km
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Sharon Heights Shopping Center
6.0 km
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Menloville Country Store
6.4 km
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Rehreh threads & goods
7.0 km
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Joy Imai Pottery Studio
8.4 km
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La Layette Boutique
8.4 km
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Alys Grace
8.5 km
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ANTHEM San Francisco in Menlo Park
8.5 km
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Draeger's Market
8.5 km
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Anatomie Menlo Park
8.6 km
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Luminaire Menlo Park
8.6 km
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Stanford Barn Shopping Center
8.6 km
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Gitane
8.6 km
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bijoux bijoux
8.6 km
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Nordstrom
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Village Pub
3.5 km
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Pool Garden Terrace at Rosewood Sand Hill
4.6 km
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The Library & Bar
4.6 km
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Saddle Room Bar
7.0 km
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Villa Roma
8.5 km
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Atherton Club San Luis
9.5 km
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MacArthur Park Restaurant and Bar
9.5 km
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Gemelos Cantina & Sports Bar
9.5 km
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Mazzocco's Club
9.6 km
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The Patio @ Rudy's
9.7 km
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Scotty's Bar & Grill
9.8 km
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The Rose & Crown
9.8 km
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The Wine Room
9.8 km
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Hidden Tap And Barrel Palo Alto
10.0 km
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SliderBar Restaurant
10.0 km
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Redwood City Elks Lodge #1991
6.5 km
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Willis Lounge
9.0 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Willis Lounge, the perfect student retreat in Stanford for relaxation and socializing with friends.
Coyote's Keep
9.6 km
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Club Fox
10.2 km
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MAYA NIGHTCLUB
10.4 km
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Haker
13.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Menlo Park at Haker, a premier night club featuring electrifying music and a lively atmosphere for all party lovers.
Monte Carlo Restaurant & Bar
15.6 km
Discover Monte Carlo Restaurant & Bar: A lively night club in Old Mountain View, California, offering delicious cuisine and vibrant nightlife.
Alberto's Night Club
15.6 km
Discover the energy of Alberto's Night Club, where live music, dancing, and a vibrant atmosphere create memorable nights in Mountain View.
Roberto Lee Shipping
17.8 km
Discover the pulse of San Mateo's nightlife at Roberto Lee Shipping, a premier night club for unforgettable experiences and lively entertainment.
The Clubhouse Bistro
18.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at The Clubhouse Bistro in Foster City, where delicious food and great drinks come together for unforgettable evenings.
O'Neills Irish Pub
19.8 km
Discover O'Neills Irish Pub in San Mateo, a lively venue for food, drinks, live music, and unforgettable nights in a welcoming atmosphere.
Pure Nightclub
20.1 km
Immerse yourself in the electrifying nightlife of Pure Nightclub, Sunnyvale, where unforgettable parties and vibrant energy await.
SMPGHQ
20.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at SMPGHQ, San Mateo's premier dance club, where music, energy, and unforgettable memories come together.
Vinyl Room
21.6 km
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Evolution Night Club
22.9 km
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