If you like walking through forests thick with redwood trees, hiking to panoramic ocean views, and encountering practically no one along the way, then go to Butano State Park. Close to Pescadero on the San Mateo Coast, Butano may soon emerge as a favorite day-hike destination. First-time visitors should try the 5-mile Mill Ox Loop—watch out for newts and banana slugs! This moderate hike packs a diverse geographical beauty that shows why the Native Americans were attracted to this land hundreds of years ago. After crossing Little Butano Creek, the shaded trail makes a short zigzag up to Butano Fire Road. Make a right and continue along the fire road, soaking in the sunshine and views of the long Coastal Range. Loop back to the starting point on Jackson Flats Trail, which drops back into the canyon and follows the gently flowing creek. Ahhh, solitude. Butanoful.

TIP: Fill your tanks at the only gas station in Pescadero. Don't let the understated surroundings fool you—inside the gas station, Taqueria Los Amigos serves some of the best Mexican food this side of Tijuana.

Directions to Butano State Park: The park is about 22 miles south of Half Moon Bay. Go south on Hwy. 1 and turn left on Pescadero Rd. Go 2.5 miles (through town and past Taqueria Los Amigos) to Cloverdale Rd.; turn right. Go 4.2 miles to the entrance of Butano State Park. Ask for a map. After the entrance, look on the left side for a sign for Mill Ox Trail—it's easy to miss and the parking lot holds only a few cars. Follow the Mill Ox Trail up to Butano Fire Road and go right. Follow this to Jackson Flats Trail and go right, which takes you back to the Mill Ox Trail. More information here.