Mt. Diablo State Park ​

Mt. Diablo is the peak that 3 million East Bay residents drive past every day, vaguely acknowledge with a "I should check that out sometime," and then go to Costco instead. Which is a shame, because on a clear winter day, the summit views stretch from the Sierra Nevada to the Farallon Islands, covering more of California than most road trips. I've been up there when you could see Half Dome and Mt. Lassen simultaneously, which is the geographic equivalent of seeing both coasts from your living room.

Spring wildflower season turns the lower slopes into something out of a Monet painting. Fall brings the tarantulas — they come out for mating season, they're harmless, and your hiking partners' reactions will be entertainment enough. Sunsets from the summit are the best in the East Bay, full stop.

Photo Gallery ​

Good to Know ​

Sunset: Drive to the summit, bring a jacket. It gets cold and windy fast. Check the gate closure time or your car's spending the night.

Best Season: Spring (March–May) for wildflowers and green hills. Fall for tarantulas and clear views. Summer gets hot — like, "reconsider your choices" hot.