Coyote Hills was dedicated in 1967. The East Bay Regional Park District says it covers 1,266 acres of marshland and grassy hills on the bay shore northwest of Fremont and Newark.
What you'll see
The low hills look out over the bay, the Dumbarton, San Mateo and Bay bridges, San Francisco, Oakland and Mount Tamalpais. Most trails are wide fire roads, and the San Francisco Bay Trail runs through the park. The waters to the south and west are part of the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, which makes the park a bird-watching favorite.
Deep history
The park preserves 2,000-year-old Tuibun Ohlone shellmound sites. Visitors can't walk in on their own, but visits can be arranged through the park. The hills also hold remnants of a Project Nike missile base, with guard stations still visible.
Hours and fees
- Gate hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in October, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Nov. 1 to 27, and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Nov. 28 to Dec. 31.
- The visitor center is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. It's closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- Parking is $5 per vehicle.
- The address is 8000 Patterson Ranch Road, Fremont.