Welcome to the San Francisco Bay Area Water Trail! The Water Trail program is an ongoing effort to create a network of launch and landing sites, or “trailheads,” to inspire people in human-powered boats and beachable sail craft to enjoy the historic, scenic, cultural, and environmental richness of San Francisco Bay through multiple-day and single-day trips on the Bay.

The Water Trail is a regional trail linking nine counties in the Bay Area. It joins three other regional trail systems:

San Francisco Bay Trail — a 500-mile shoreline trail around San Francisco Bay

Bay Area Ridge Trail — a 550+-mile trail for hikers, mountain bicyclists, and equestrians along the ridgelines overlooking San Francisco Bay

California Coastal Trail — a network of public trails along the 1200-mile California coastline

The Water Trail is different from these other trails in several respects. It is non-linear and on the water — the possibilities for recreation and exploration are dependent on your ability, boat preference, Bay conditions, and the experience you are seeking.