Photos: Palo Alto’s Baylands Nature Preserve

Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto features 15 miles of multi-use trails, where you can explore tidal and fresh water habitats.

If you want to see some of San Francisco Bay’s last remaining undisturbed marshland, visit the 1,940-acre Baylands Nature Preserve. The protected area features 15 miles of multi-use trails, where you can explore tidal and freshwater habitats.

The Bay Area offers many destinations for birdwatchers, but many devotees consider the Baylands one of the West Coast’s best for viewing. Not only do hundreds of species make their homes here, the preserve also is a major stopover for migrating birds on the Pacific Flyway. We’re just now entering the best times for birdwatching.

Details: Open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset at 2775 Embarcadero Road in Palo Alto. The preserve offers picnic tables and restrooms, as well as hiking trails. More information here.