Hidden Gems: Fremont Parks & Outdoor Activities

From everyday walks and picnics to epic climbs and scenic overlooks, Fremont CA is a great place to live in the Bay Area for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of our favorite local green spaces, parks, and nature preserves:

• Fremont Central Park
  Covering approximately 450 acres, this prominent and expansive community park is one largest municipal parks in the Bay Area. The park features a picturesque lake, Lake Elizabeth, where visitors can enjoy boating and fishing. Visitors can enjoy wide range of recreational amenities, including sports fields, picnic areas, playgrounds, a skate park, and walking and biking trails, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities and family gatherings. Fremont Central Park also hosts community events, festivals, and cultural celebrations throughout the year.

• California Nursery Historical Park
  This charming park is situated on the grounds of the former California Nursery Company, which was once one of the largest and most renowned nurseries in the state. Today, the park preserves the nursery's historic buildings, including a Victorian house, a barn, and a greenhouse, while offering visitors a chance to explore the history of horticulture in California through educational exhibits and guided tours.

• Shinn Historical Park & Arboretum
  This gorgeous historic site is centered around the Shinn House, a beautifully restored Victorian-era mansion that serves as a museum showcasing the history of the Shinn family and the local area. The park also features stunning gardens and an arboretum with a diverse collection of trees, making it a peaceful and educational destination for those interested in history and horticulture.

• Mission San Jose
  Established in 1797, this was one of the 21 missions built along California's El Camino Real. Today, it serves as a significant historical and cultural site, showcasing California's Spanish colonial heritage. It's surrounded by Mission San José Park, which includes the mission, a museum, and beautiful gardens. Visitors can explore the mission's architecture, religious artifacts, and learn about its history in a serene and picturesque setting.

• Mission Peak Regional Preserve
  Known for its challenging hike to the summit of Mission Peak, this popular nature preserve offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area. The Mission Peak Summit Trail is approximately 3.3 miles one way (6.6 miles round trip). The hike is considered moderately strenuous due to its steep incline and can take around 2-4+ hours to complete, depending on your fitness level. Hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Bay Area, including the San Francisco Bay, Silicon Valley, and the Diablo Range, from the summit.

• Coyote Hills Regional Park
  Covering approximately 978 acres, this regional park is known for its diverse natural features, including marshlands, rolling hills, and a diverse network of different multi-use trails for hiking, horseback riding, and biking. Birdwatchers frequent the park due to its diverse bird population. The Coyote Hills Visitor Center provides information about the park's natural history, cultural history, and wildlife, and also often hosts educational programs, exhibits, and events.

• Dunbarton Quarry Campground
  Located within Coyote Hills, this campground is the Park District’s first full-service campground, complete with 63 campsites, a camp store, an amphitheater, a playground, Wi-Fi, and picnic areas.

• Vargas Plateau Regional Park
  Host to a diverse range of wildlife, this 1,249-acre park provides tremendous views from its setting in the Fremont Hills. The plateau rises quickly and steeply from the bay plain to an elevation 1,000 feet above the streets below, overlooking Niles Canyon, Fremont, Union City, Newark and the San Francisco Bay beyond.

• Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge
  This protected natural area is one of the nation's first urban national wildlife refuges and is dedicated to the conservation of vital wetlands and uplands in the San Francisco Bay ecosystem. Several visitor centers and facilities provide opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, birdwatching, photography, and environmental education. There are a number of trails and viewing areas throughout the refuge, and some areas are open to activities like kayaking and fishing.

• Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area
  This scenic destination offers three quarry lakes—Horseshoe Lake, Rainbow Lake, and Lago Los Osos. Transformed from former gravel quarries, the area offers offer opportunities for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating, such as kayaking and canoeing. It also offers a network of trails for hiking, jogging, nature walks, and biking. Picnic areas equipped with tables and barbecues make it a great place for group gatherings. Quarry Lakes has a visitor center that provides information about the park, its history, and the wildlife that can be found in the area.

• Ardenwood Historic Farm
  This historic site preserves and interprets the agricultural heritage of the 19th century and offers visitors a glimpse into rural life during that time. It features a beautifully restored Victorian-era mansion, agricultural fields, farm animals, and interactive exhibits. Visitors can explore the farm, take guided tours, and participate in hands-on activities to learn about the history of farming and daily life in the 1800s.

• The Linear Green at Asher
  Last but not least, our gated residential community here at The Asher Fremont offers a lushly lndscaped walkway that winds its way around the property. Enjoy cafe-style seating, a pet spa, a bike workshop, and more. With over 100,000 sq. ft. of outdoor amenity space, generous amenities include shaded pavillions, an outdoor pool and spa, bocce ball courts, and more.