Woodside brings together landscaped garden spaces and historic estates with redwood forests, hiking trails and insights into the region’s past. A prominent landmark is Filoli: the 654-acre estate is located in Woodside. The history of the Ohlone/Costanoan is also part of the local story; they lived here before the European exploration and settlement of Alta California.
Filoli: Architecture, Garden and Nature
Filoli House was built in 1917 in the Georgian Revival style and is now a historic landmark. The 16-acre garden is designed as a formal English Renaissance garden. The Natural Lands cover more than 650 acres, creating a distinct landscape alongside the architecture and garden design. The different areas offer visitors a range of experiences: historic architecture, landscaped garden spaces and expansive natural areas.
General admission to Filoli includes access to the House, garden, redwoods and hiking trails. Since admission policies and temporary closures may change, it is a good idea to check the latest visitor information before planning your visit.
Hiking Through Forests, Meadows and Scenic Views
Huddart Park covers more than 900 acres of coastal mountain landscape. Its redwood forest includes hiking and horseback riding trails; forested slopes and steep, cool ravines characterize other parts of the park. At Wunderlich Park, redwood forest, open meadows, oaks and madrone trees sit side by side. Hiking and horseback riding are available there.
A distinctive trail at Wunderlich Park is the Meadow Trail: it passes through the park’s only large grassland area and leads to a viewpoint overlooking the southern half of San Francisco Bay. The Skyline Trail connects Huddart Park and Wunderlich Park, passing through stands of redwoods and madrones. The trails differ not only in their scenery but also in their purpose: the Meadow Trail explores a specific natural area and viewpoint, while the Skyline Trail connects the two parks.
Near Woodside: Thornewood and Teague Hill
The 167-acre Thornewood Preserve, near Woodside, offers easy hiking trails and opportunities for horseback riding. The 0.75-mile Bridle Trail passes through Douglas fir, redwood, oak and madrone forests and connects to the Schilling Lake Trail. Thornewood House and the 10-acre private leasehold are closed to the public. The remaining 77 acres of the property have a trail to Schilling Lake that is open year-round.
Thornewood also preserves remnants of August Schilling’s estate; four interpretive panels stand along the Rock of Ages Trail. Also nearby is Teague Hill Preserve, above Woodside. The only accessible route there follows the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It runs through Teague Hill and takes hikers or horseback riders toward Wunderlich Park or El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve.
Local History and Events
The Woodside Store is a historic house museum with artifacts that offer a glimpse into the past of what was once a thriving logging area. The building has been restored to its 1880s condition and furnished with items from that era. Folger Stable also tells the story of the age of the great estates: the Carriage Room has been converted into a museum showcasing the local history of logging, farming and these estates.
The Old Woodside Store Day program includes demonstrations and hands-on family activities; it takes place on the first Sunday in May. Check the dates and program for the relevant year before your visit.
Equestrian Activities and Wine Tastings
The Horse Park at Woodside is set on more than 270 gently rolling, oak-studded acres on the border between Menlo Park and Woodside. The facility includes an eventing cross-country course for levels Introductory through Advanced, with three water complexes, as well as a loop trail connected to the Woodside Trail Club’s regional trail network.
Thomas Fogarty Winery offers several tour and tasting options. The Estate Tour & Tasting includes a guided walk through the vineyards, a behind-the-scenes look at the production area and a seated wine tasting. An Off-Road Tour & Tasting takes visitors on a guided UTV ride across the 300-acre alpine estate; tastings on the outdoor terrace featuring five wines are also available. The options focus on different experiences, including a walk, a look at production, a UTV ride or a wine tasting. Check dates and availability before planning.
Discover more destinations: Pescadero, Pacifica, Moss Beach, South San Francisco, Foster City, Burlingame, Half Moon Bay, Belmont.
For the broader travel overview: San Mateo.
