California’s coastline and forests are full of hidden gems, and some of the best ways to explore them are by strolling along a scenic boardwalk.
From peaceful paths that wind through towering trees to seaside walkways with stunning ocean views, these spots show off some of the most beautiful landscapes in the state.
Ready to discover where you can find these breathtaking boardwalks?
Keep reading to explore some of California’s most stunning—and often overlooked—scenic boardwalks!
1. Sausalito Boardwalk
The Sausalito Boardwalk, located in the picturesque town of Sausalito just north of San Francisco, offers incredible views of the Bay and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
This charming waterfront area is known for its floating houseboat community, with over 400 colorful, quirky homes docked along the marina.
As you walk along the boardwalk, you’ll find boutique shops, art galleries and seafood restaurants like the famous Scoma’s, known for its fresh Dungeness crab.
It’s the perfect spot to sit and watch sailboats drift by, or take a ferry ride back to San Francisco for a scenic route across the water.
Fun fact: Sausalito’s Mediterranean-style weather and relaxed vibe make it feel like a mini-vacation destination just minutes from the bustling city!
2. Moonstone Beach Boardwalk
Moonstone Beach Boardwalk, located in Cambria, is a scenic gem along the rugged Central Coast.
This mile-long wooden path winds through wildflower-covered bluffs and offers jaw-dropping views of the Pacific Ocean.
You can often spot seals, otters and even migrating whales at certain times of year!
Known for its peaceful vibe, this boardwalk runs alongside the pebble-filled Moonstone Beach, which was named after the smooth, colorful moonstones and other semi-precious stones that wash up on shore.
Along the way, you’ll find lots of cozy benches to take in the sunset and easy access to local favorites like the Sea Chest Oyster Bar.
Cambria is pretty close to the famous Highway 1 making it a must-stop on any road trip along California’s coast!
3. Pismo Beach Walkway & Boardwalk
The Pismo Beach Walkway & Boardwalk, located in the classic beach town of Pismo Beach, is a lively place perfect for seaside strolls.
It runs along the golden sand of Pismo Beach and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, where surfers, dolphins and sometimes even whales can be seen riding the waves.
Known for its laid-back vibe, the boardwalk connects visitors to Pismo Pier, which is a hotspot for fishing, sunset watching and even local events like car shows and festivals.
Nearby, you’ll find plenty of beachside cafes, surf shops and ice cream stands like the famous Old West Cinnamon Rolls.
Fun fact: Pismo Beach is known as the “Clam Capital of the World” and you can even try clam digging during the right season!
4. Morro Bay State Park Boardwalk
This scenic boardwalk is located within the stunning Morro Bay State Park on California’s Central Coast.
It offers a peaceful escape with breathtaking views of the bay and its famous Morro Rock.
The boardwalk winds through serene salt marshes and mudflats, making it a perfect spot for birdwatchers to see egrets, herons and other wildlife up close.
It also provides easy access to the marina and the park’s natural history museum, where you can learn about the area’s unique ecosystem.
Kayaking and paddleboarding are also popular activities nearby, as the calm waters of the bay are ideal for exploring.
5. Yosemite Boardwalk
You’ll find one of California’s best boardwalks in the heart of Yosemite National Park, near the Yosemite Chapel.
Get ready for a breathtaking stroll through lush meadows with incredible views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome.
This short, scenic boardwalk winds through Cook’s Meadow, making it one of the best spots for up-close views of the park’s towering granite cliffs and rushing waterfalls.
It’s a favorite within the park, especially during spring when wildflowers bloom and the falls are at their fullest.
The boardwalk actually protects the fragile meadow which surrounds it, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the area without damaging the ecosystem.
This boardwalk actually offers some of the best sunset views in the park, with Half Dome glowing pink and orange as the sun sets!
6. Stanfield Marsh Wildlife Boardwalk Park
Stanfield Marsh Wildlife Boardwalk Park, located in Big Bear Lake, is a peaceful spot that few people know about.
This wooden boardwalk stretches over serene marshlands and offers a unique view of the wetland habitat where you can spot ducks, herons and even the occasional bald eagle.
It’s an easy, family-friendly walk, with views of Big Bear Lake and the surrounding San Bernardino Mountains adding to the peaceful vibe.
The boardwalk also features plenty of benches for resting and enjoying the calm, scenic surroundings.
Stanfield Marsh is actually a critical stop for migratory birds so it’s also a top spot for birdwatching, especially during spring and fall!
7. Big Bear Lake Alpine Pedal Path
This boardwalk is a scenic, family-friendly trail that runs along the north shore of Big Bear Lake in Southern California.
It’s a 3.2-mile paved path that is perfect for walking, biking or rollerblading, with stunning views of the lake, pine forests and the snow-capped San Bernardino Mountains in the distance.
You’ll pass through Juniper Point and Meadows Edge, two great spots for picnicking, birdwatching or just soaking in the mountain air.
The path is also wheelchair-accessible and offers plenty of benches to take a break and enjoy the natural beauty around you.
Fun fact: You might spot wildlife like squirrels, rabbits and even osprey as you cruise along this peaceful lakeside trail!
8. Big Trees Trail At Sequoia National Park
The Big Trees Trail is a must-visit loop that winds through the heart of the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park, home to some of the world’s largest and oldest trees.
Located near the Giant Forest Museum, this easy 0.7-mile trail circles a lush meadow, offering incredible views of the towering sequoias.
Signs along the way share fascinating details about the ecosystem, the importance of these giant trees and the wildlife that thrives here.
The trail is flat and wheelchair-accessible, making it perfect for all ages to enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of the ancient forest.
Fun fact: Sequoias can live for over 3,000 years, and this trail gives you a front-row seat to these living giants that have stood for millennia!
9. Redondo Boardwalk
The Redondo Boardwalk, located in Redondo Beach, is a lively and scenic coastal trail that winds along the Pacific Ocean.
This bustling boardwalk stretches from the Redondo Beach Pier to Veterans Park, with stunning ocean views, charming shops and seafood restaurants like the popular Tony’s on the Pier.
It’s a favorite spot for walking, biking and people-watching, with plenty of benches to relax and enjoy the fresh sea breeze.
You can also spot playful sea lions and catch spectacular sunsets over the water.
Redondo Beach is actually famous for its “Horseshoe Pier,” a unique pier shaped like a horseshoe that gives you great views of the ocean and coastline!
10. Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, located in Cambria, is a breathtaking coastal retreat known for its scenic bluff-top trails and stunning ocean views.
The preserve features the 0.9-mile Bluff Trail boardwalk, which runs along dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
It’s the perfect spot for whale watching, birding and enjoying wildflowers in the spring.
It’s a peaceful place where you can hike, bike or simply take a leisurely walk through the diverse habitats, from forests to grasslands.
Interestingly, Fiscalini Ranch Preserve was once a dairy farm and is now a 437-acre protected space thanks to the efforts of the local community!
11. El Moro Elfin Forest Boardwalk
The El Moro Elfin Forest Boardwalk, located in Los Osos, is a magical 1-mile wooden path that winds through a rare coastal pygmy oak forest.
This unique spot is known for its twisted, gnarled oak trees that only grow 12 to 20 feet tall due to the harsh coastal conditions, despite being hundreds of years old.
The boardwalk itself takes you through scenic marshlands and sand dunes, with incredible views of Morro Bay and the iconic Morro Rock in the distance.
Along the way, you’ll find lots of informative signs about the area’s plants and wildlife, like the endangered Morro shoulderband snail.
12. Oso Flaco Lake Boardwalk
The Oso Flaco Lake Boardwalk, located in the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes near Arroyo Grande, is a hidden gem that offers a serene walk through a unique coastal environment.
This flat, 1.5-mile boardwalk stretches across Oso Flaco Lake, where you can spot turtles, ducks and even the occasional heron as you stroll above the water.
It leads you through lush wetlands, over sand dunes and eventually opens up to stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Plus, the peaceful setting is perfect for birdwatching as the area is home to many migratory species.
Fun fact: “Oso Flaco” means “Skinny Bear” in Spanish, named after a local legend of a bear who was spotted in the area centuries ago!
13. Grove of Titans Boardwalk, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
This boardwalk is located in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and takes you through a hidden forest of towering redwoods that are some of the largest trees on Earth.
This recently constructed boardwalk winds through the dense forest floor, protecting the roots of these ancient giants while allowing you to experience them up close.
The Grove of Titans is home to massive redwoods like “Lost Monarch” and “El Viejo del Norte,” which stand hundreds of feet tall and are over 1,000 years old.
Interestingly, the exact location of the Grove was kept secret for decades to protect the trees but now this boardwalk offers a sustainable way to explore this magical place!
14. Muir Woods National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument is located just north of San Francisco in Marin County.
This magical forest is filled with towering coast redwoods, some reaching over 250 feet tall and more than 1,000 years old.
The park features a series of well-maintained boardwalks and trails that wind through the lush forest, offering an up-close view of these ancient trees while protecting their shallow root systems.
Popular trails like the Main Trail follow Redwood Creek, with plenty of signs sharing information about the forest’s unique ecosystem along the way.
The peaceful atmosphere, with sunlight filtering through the towering trees and the sounds of birds and flowing water, makes it feel like a hidden world far from the city.
