The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Millbrae
4.7
(78)
2,356
hikers
8
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Millbrae are characterized by their diverse terrain, ranging from bayfront paths to hillsides. The region features varied landscapes including oak woodlands, chaparral, and shoreline areas. Trails often provide views of the San Francisco Bay and surrounding hills. This area offers a mix of paved and unpaved paths, suitable for different preferences.
Best family friendly hiking trails in Millbrae
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is San Andrea's Lake View – San Andreas Trail loop from Millbrae, a 4.1 miles (6.7 km) trail that takes 1 hour 44 minutes to complete. This easy route offers views of San Andreas Lake.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is San Andreas Lake – Jepson Laurel loop from Millbrae, a moderate 5.1 miles (8.2 km) path. This route traverses varied terrain around San Andreas Lake.
- Local hikers also love the Planespotting location SFO – View of the Nature Trail loop from Millbrae, an 8.2 miles (13.2 km) trail leading through bayfront areas, often completed in about 3 hours 20 minutes.
- Hiking around Millbrae is defined by bay views, oak woodlands, and shoreline paths. The network offers options for different ability levels, including easy family hikes near Millbrae.
- The routes in Millbrae are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from nearly 100 reviews. More than 2,400 hikers have used komoot to explore Millbrae's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
17
hikers
6.67km
01:44
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
15
hikers
8.59km
02:18
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
11
hikers
6.64km
01:45
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
hikers
2.61km
00:40
0m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Millbrae is located in San Mateo County, just south of San Francisco and right next to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). It's perfectly situated for travelers and commuters, with excellent connections via BART, Caltrain, and SamTrans.
2
0
San Andreas Lake is a hidden gem tucked into the hills of San Mateo County, just south of San Francisco. Originally a natural sag pond formed by the San Andreas Fault, it was transformed into a reservoir in the late 1800s and now serves as a vital water source for the region. The lake is off-limits for swimming or boating, but you can enjoy its peaceful beauty from the San Andreas Trail or the popular Sawyer Camp Trail, which runs along its eastern edge. It's a serene spot where you can walk or bike with sweeping views of the water and surrounding hills, all while standing right on one of the world’s most famous fault lines. Despite its proximity to urban life, San Andreas Lake offers a quiet, scenic escape steeped in natural and historical significance.
1
0
The San Andreas Trail is a 2.6-mile segment of the Crystal Springs Regional Trail in San Mateo County, California, running along the eastern shore of San Andreas Lake. The path is mostly paved and is popular with hikers, runners, and cyclists.
0
0
This small park punches well above its weight. There are great fishing, bird watching, and wildlife viewing opportunities. It's also located just south of SFO, so plane watchers can get their fill of watching the take-offs and landing.
0
0
This used to be a small, natural pond, but was expanded with the help of an earthwork dam that miraculously survived a famous earthquake in 1906 that more or less took place right underneath the dam. Because this is a reservoir you can't swim in it, but there's a great multi-use trail that you can follow as far as the Crystal Springs Dam.
0
0
The San Andreas Trail, a popular multi-use path in San Mateo, starts/ends at this point by the intersection of Skyline Boulevard and San Bruno Avenue. Unfortunately, there are no amenities here, but there is a large gravel parking area across the street.
0
0
This is a designated place for planespotting. In fact, at low tide the mudflats may be exposed all the way across to the San Francisco/SFO airport runways. Don't even think of walking across them, though; the mudflats can trap you like quicksand, even if your first few steps onto the flats don't feel like that.
0
0
beautifully renovated waterfront trail through the park along San Francisco Bay, with an elegant trail bridge across the mouth of the lagoon into the bay.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available around Millbrae?
There are 7 family-friendly hiking trails around Millbrae featured in this guide. These routes range from easy strolls perfect for younger children to moderate hikes for families looking for a bit more adventure.
Are there any easy hiking trails suitable for families with young children or strollers?
Yes, several trails are well-suited for families with young children or strollers. For a shorter, easy option, consider the San Andreas Lake – San Andreas Lake loop from Millbrae, which is just under 3 km. The San Andrea's Lake View – San Andreas Trail loop from Millbrae also offers an easy, paved segment along the San Andreas Trail, which is known for its accessibility.
What kind of views can we expect on family hikes near Millbrae?
Hiking around Millbrae offers a variety of scenic views. Many trails provide stunning vistas of the San Francisco Bay, especially those near the Bay Trail or Coyote Point Recreation Area. You can also enjoy views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, surrounding hillsides, and serene oak woodlands. For a unique experience, the Planespotting location SFO – View of the Nature Trail loop from Millbrae offers a chance to see planes taking off and landing at SFO.
Are there any circular routes for families who prefer not to retrace their steps?
Absolutely! Most of the family-friendly routes in this guide are circular, allowing you to experience new scenery throughout your hike. Examples include the San Andrea's Lake View – San Andreas Trail loop from Millbrae and the San Andreas Lake – Jepson Laurel loop from Millbrae, both offering diverse landscapes without repeating sections.
What interesting natural landmarks or attractions can we see along these trails?
The Millbrae area is rich with natural beauty. Many trails, such as those around San Andreas Lake, offer views of this significant natural monument (San Andreas Lake). You might also encounter viewpoints like The Point or explore parts of San Bruno Mountain State & County Park, which offers diverse ecosystems. For coastal views, Gray Whale Cove State Beach and Mori Point Headlands are nearby highlights.
What do other hikers say about the family-friendly trails in Millbrae?
The family-friendly trails around Millbrae are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from nearly 100 reviews. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the beautiful bay and lake views, and the suitability of the routes for all ages, making them perfect for a family outing.
Are there any trails that offer a mix of natural scenery and local points of interest?
Yes, trails like the Planespotting location SFO – View of the Nature Trail loop from Millbrae combine natural scenery with a unique local point of interest. The broader region also features historical sites like the Mori Point Summit Graffiti Bunkers, offering a blend of nature and human history.
What is the best time of year to go hiking with family in Millbrae?
Millbrae's mild climate makes it suitable for family hiking year-round. Spring is particularly beautiful, with wildflowers blooming in areas like Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve. Fall offers pleasant temperatures and clear skies. Even in winter, many trails remain accessible and enjoyable, especially those with paved sections or well-drained paths.
Are there any moderate difficulty trails for families with older children?
For families seeking a slightly more challenging hike, the San Andreas Lake – Jepson Laurel loop from Millbrae is a moderate option covering over 8 km with some elevation gain. This route offers varied terrain and beautiful views, perfect for older children who are comfortable with longer distances.
Can we find trails that are less crowded for a more peaceful family experience?
While popular spots can get busy, exploring trails during off-peak hours (weekdays or early mornings) can offer a more peaceful experience. The Spur Trail within Millbrae, particularly Phase II, is noted for being a quieter, more inclined path through residential areas, providing a local escape from busier spots.
What should we bring for a family hike in Millbrae?
When hiking with family in Millbrae, it's always a good idea to bring plenty of water, snacks, sun protection (hats, sunscreen), and comfortable walking shoes. Depending on the trail, a light jacket might be useful due to coastal breezes. For younger children, consider a carrier or stroller for easier sections, and don't forget binoculars for birdwatching along the Bay Trail!
Most popular attractions around Millbrae
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
