Photo: Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve
Photo: Manoj Yadav
Photo: Hoshun Lam
Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve
★4.7(1,362 reviews)FreeNature
🕑 2-3 hours for families with young children on shorter trails; 3-4 hours if exploring multiple trails or participating in educational programs👶 Best for ages 4 and up. Preschoolers can handle the gentler Sylvan Trail loop, while elementary-aged kids will enjoy the moderate climbs and nature scavenger hunts. Teens appreciate the longer trail options and photography opportunities during wildflower season.🧡 Saved by 90+ families
About
Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve offers families a chance to explore 467 acres of pristine California wilderness right in Redwood City. With well-maintained trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, kids can spot wildflowers, butterflies, and local wildlife while learning about Bay Area ecosystems through seasonal nature programs and guided walks.
Highlights
- ✓Stunning wildflower displays in spring featuring California poppies, lupine, and rare serpentine species
- ✓Easy-to-moderate trails with minimal elevation gain options perfect for little legs
- ✓Educational programs and guided nature walks led by knowledgeable docents
- ✓Abundant butterfly viewing, especially in late spring and summer
- ✓Panoramic views of the Bay Area from elevated trail sections
Pro Tips
- 1.Park at the Old Stage Day Use Area lot early on weekends during wildflower season (March-May) as it fills quickly by 10am
- 2.Bring a nature identification guide or download the iNaturalist app - kids love checking off wildflowers, birds, and butterflies they spot
- 3.Stick to designated trails to protect the sensitive serpentine grasslands, and make it a game to see who can spot the 'stay on trail' signs
- 4.Pack layers - the exposed hillsides can be breezy and 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding areas
- 5.Check the Friends of Edgewood website before visiting for free ranger-led walks and junior ranger programs perfect for kids
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings or late afternoons to avoid crowds. Spring (March through May) is absolutely spectacular for wildflower viewing, with peak blooms typically in April. Early mornings offer the best wildlife spotting opportunities and cooler temperatures for hiking.
What to Know
Free admission and parking. There are no food vendors or water fountains inside the preserve, so bring plenty of water and snacks. Restrooms are available at the trailhead. Dogs are not permitted to protect the sensitive habitat.
Seasonal Notes
Wildflower season (March-May) is the most popular time with peak crowds in April. Summer can be hot and dry with golden hillsides. Winter offers green landscapes and fewer visitors but trails can be muddy after rain. The preserve is open year-round with consistent hours.
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Nearby Eats
Head to Belmont or Redwood City (5-10 minutes away) for family dining options like Amici's East Coast Pizzeria for wood-fired pizza or Stacks Restaurant for breakfast after an early hike.
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