16 Best Hikes in San Francisco You Must Try

Many vacationers know in regards to the world-renowned Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and flock there as quickly as they get to the town and they need to, it’s an icon of San Francisco. As somebody who has lived within the metropolis for nearly 20 years, vacationer sights in San Francisco are good, however I wish to share a technique to boost the expertise of visiting the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Bay space by combining it with lesser recognized however nonetheless nice climbing spots and vista factors. These are one of the best hikes in San Francisco to get you outside and provide wonderful views.

Best Hikes in San Francisco, California

1. Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Most vacationers have a tendency to start out their Golden Gate Bridge stroll on the base of the bridge, flip round and stroll again. They take some footage alongside the best way and go residence. That isn’t dangerous, however to get extra train, absorb higher views, and find yourself feeling extra happy by having a day stuffed with extra different experiences let’s take issues a bit additional.

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area boasts miles of climbing trails, and unobstructed views and is the proper technique to see a unique facet of San Francisco. It spans each the Marin and San Francisco sides of the Golden Gate Bridge and has climbing trails for each health stage. For extra data on climbing and parking go to the Golden Gate Bridge Website.

2. Lands End

The path alongside Lands End Hike isn’t too lengthy, however it’s fairly magical. The stroll presents large vistas distinctive to San Francisco. On a transparent day, the hikers can see far into the depths of the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Marin Headlands to the north, and the Golden Gate Bridge to the east.

Start off within the Outer Richmond space on the fringe of Lands End Golden Gate Area close to the Cliff House and the historic Sutro Baths and Park on the Lands End Main Parking Lot. From there, a path leads into Lands End inside the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and your journey begins.

The space is named Lands End as a result of it’s situated actually on the finish of all land to the west as its cliffs finish on the base of the Pacific Ocean. The slim path that parallels the cliffs doesn’t disappoint. It rapidly leads the vacationers proper alongside the sting of the cliffs, beneath which the Pacific Ocean waves crash into the rocks.

Surprisingly, the park additionally has probably the greatest artwork museums in San Francisco. The Palace of the Legion of Honor is a superb place to take a break for an hour or two and absorb some Picasso and Rembrandt earlier than lastly heading off to Golden Gate Bridge. The Lands End Trail ends (no pun supposed) on a road referred to as El Camino Del Mar, which has a few of the greatest views of the ocean in your complete metropolis and is in a prestigious neighborhood. 

Viewpoints embody the Sutro Baths, Eastern Coastal Trail Lookout, Lands End Labyrinth, Dead Man’s Point and the Golden Gate Bridge.

3. Golden Gate Bridge

Walking again from Lands End Trail, you possibly can stroll all the best way to the Golden Gate Bridge. The road El Camino Del Mar passes China Beach after which turns into Lincoln Boulevard which leads towards the Golden Gate Bridge. It is a highway-like road, however fairly quickly, smaller strolling trails grow to be accessible as detours and lead in direction of the bridge by way of a quieter and extra scenic strolling route unhindered by automobiles.

Once on the bridge, the normal and traditional expertise of strolling the bridge presents a few of the similar views of San Francisco Bay from a a lot completely different angle. In addition, as you get nearer to the opposite facet of the bridge, views of San Francisco downtown open up, with the enduring Transamerica constructing standing tall above the remaining.

On heat and clear days, there are a lot of little sailboats proper beneath the bridge, throughout the bay, and close to Alcatraz Island.  In addition, there are a lot of gigantic freighter ships coming into the San Francisco and Oakland ports from all over the place on the planet.  All the ships to those ports come by the bay and they’re fairly a deal with to see. On fortunate days, there are even navy automobiles that come into the port and I’ve personally ever seen a submarine cruising above the water about ten years in the past.

4. Batteries to Bluffs

Sticking across the similar space because the Lands End hike is the Batteries to Bluffs path hike in San Francisco. Located in San Francisco’s Presidio, a 1,500-acre park on a former navy publish, the Batteries to Bluffs path hike presents views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco Bay space, and the rugged shoreline. This is only a 2-mile (3.2 km) hike spherical journey, so it will probably simply be added to your San Francisco Itinerary.

The path begins at Lincoln blvd the place you possibly can park on the Langdon Court Parking lot. This car parking zone connects to the paths resulting in the Golden Gate Welcome Center which options the Golden Gate Overlook and the batteries used to guard the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco from 1891 to 1946. You can stroll by these historic websites with views of the Golden Gate Bridge from Presidio, Battery Boutelle, Battery Marcus and Battery Cranston.

The Golden Gate Overlook is likely one of the premier spots to {photograph} the Golden Gate Bridge so the path is busy, however for good motive. It presents one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge within the metropolis. There are a whole lot of wood steps alongside this hike and probably the greatest locations to for sundown is to take the steps right down to Marshall’s Beach.

5. Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks is likely one of the greatest San Francisco climbing trails for spectacular metropolis views. It is a closely trafficked path 3.4 mile loop path, and you’ll drive or cycle as much as the lookout. Twin Peaks is an city climbing path situated inside the metropolis limits it’s the second tallest peak in San Francisco (922-foot tall ) that overlooks your complete San Francisco Bay space, and the town’s landmarks. The hike feels distant from the town with forest trails, eucalyptus bushes, rocky outcrops, wood walkways and grime paths taking you as much as Eureka Peak and Noe Peak.

Starting in Glen Canyon Park, the Twin Peaks path climbs 1.7 miles to Eureka Peak and Noe Peak after which descend on the North Side to Christmas Tree Point for one of the best views of the Pacific and the town of San Francisco. Christmas Tree Point received its title from the large Christmas tree that’s erected every year by the town. On the best way again, hop on to the Gum Tree Girls Trail for a unique perspective.

6. Mount Sutro Loop

If you wish to proceed strolling, it’s one other 1.1 miles from Twin Peaks alongside the street to the Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve with climbing trails and greenspace overlooking the town. Or you possibly can stroll this 1.9 mile loop path (3.2 kilometer) alongside The Historic Trail from seventeenth and Stanyan. It takes you as much as the Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve which is a 61 acre open area reserve owned by the UCSF. It is a well-liked spot for locals with 5 miles of public, multi-use trails, and a 900-foot elevation achieve.

On the best way down you possibly can be part of the Fairy Gates path to the Fairy Gates Trailhead at Stanyan Street to stroll again alongside the road to the place you began.

7. Golden Gate Bridge to Marin Headlands

One of probably the most iconic issues to do in San Francisco is to stroll throughout the Golden Gate Bridge. Leaving from the Golden Gate Welcome Center a stroll throughout the bridge to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area to the Marin Headlands. Most individuals discover this sufficient of a stroll, however if you wish to discover extra, There are loads of climbing trails within the Muir Woods.

8. Muir Woods

Located simply exterior of San Francisco, Muir Woods National Monument presents a few of the most beautiful climbing trails close to San Francisco. There are loads of completely different trails spanning throughout the 554 acres of Muir Woods. There are a number of trails in Muir Woods to select from.

Note that Parking reservations are required upfront. Parking fills up rapidly and if you happen to don’t e book upfront you received’t get in. Check with the National Parks Service for extra data.

This lovely space presents spectacular bay space climbing among the many old-growth coastal redwoods. Muir Woods has numerous trails, with The Muir Woods Main Trail being a well-liked beginning place that hooks up with different trails within the space.

Leaving from the Muir Woods Visitor’s Center and following Redwood Creek, this straightforward hike is completed on a boardwalk and is appropriate for all ages. It is a 2.0 mile loop path (3.2 km) with solely a 30-foot elevation achieve.

If you might be on the lookout for an extended hike be part of The Ben Johnson Trail for a 6.3km loop that may take you thru a few of the most beautiful landscapes within the Muir Woods National Monument.

9. Mount Diablo State Park

If you might be up for a little bit of a drive exterior of San Francisco, you possibly can head out to Mount Diablo State Park, which is a few 40 minute drive east of the town. This is an ideal day journey and the views over East Bay hills are spectacular. The summit path right here ranges in size and problem and is greatest suited to seasoned hikers.

For one of the best views we advocate the Donner Creek Loop path. This out-and-back path has a few of the most spectacular views and is extra of a average path.

Start within the car parking zone on the north entrance at Regency Drive and hike alongside the Donner Creek Fire Road after which take the Back Creek Trail Back.

One of the explanations you’ll love this path is that you simply really cross a number of waterfalls and weave by the plains through the second half of the path. If you might be on the lookout for a day of climbing, close to the San Francisco bay space make sure that to take a look at this State Park.

10. Tennessee Valley Trail, Marin Headlands

Located simply north of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Tennessee Valley path is a hike that results in a sandy seaside a stupendous lookout. You can select from two completely different seashores. From the Tennessee Valley trailhead, you possibly can both hike straight to Tennessee Beach for an out-and-back hike or do the tougher loop to Muir Beach by way of the Pirate’s Cove Trail. This hike begins from the Tennessee Valley Trailhead and is a few 9-mile loop.

If you select the Tennessee Valley path it winds its means by lovely coastal hills and ends on the seaside at Tennessee Cove. Here you possibly can have a picnic and take within the views of the Pacific Ocean. See extra: 24 Of The Best Beaches in California

11. Angel Island State Park

Surprisingly, Angel Island State Park is an typically neglected place to hike within the Bay Area, though it’s only a 40min ferry experience from Pier 41 in downtown San Francisco. There are 2 predominant climbing trails within the state park. The Sunset Trail goes to the summit of Mount Livermore and is a bit more difficult than the opposite one. The payoff is the 360 diploma views of the skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and East Bay.

The different path in Angel Island State Park is the Perimeter Trail. This is a simple hike and offers you many alternative viewpoints in addition to locations to be taught in regards to the historical past of the island itself. If you might be visiting the bay space for a number of days then Angel Island is unquestionably price a go to even when climbing will not be on the high of your listing. You can even camp on the island.

• How to Get to Angel Island:

12. Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

Located within the East Bay Regional Park District, only a 20-minute drive from downtown San Francisco, Redwood Regional Park is greatest is understood for the outdated progress redwood forest that makes for the proper backdrop to any hike. It is definitely the biggest remaining pure stand of coast redwood in East Bay.

Our suggestion is to hop on the Stream Trail, Mill Trail, and French Trail Loop. This is a path with a whole lot of ups and downs however the scent of the redwoods mixed with the attractive forest panorama make this an ideal hike particularly when it will get actually sizzling.

 Start on the Skyline Gate Parking Lot and observe the Stream Trail till you come to the place it meets the Mill Trail. Follow this for a bit till it hooks up with the French Trail and take this again to the car parking zone.

13. Mori Point, Pacifica

Mori Point is a spectacular lookout that’s simply south of San Francisco. Situated in San Mateo County, Mori Point presents a number of completely different climbing trails which might be alongside the coast. It additionally hooks up with the longer Coastal Trail. This 32 acre wetland park has a few of the greatest views of the ocean within the Golden Gate National National Recreation space.

The 2 trails we advocate are the Old Mori Trail, which is extra of a stroll as it’s flat as a pancake. It does nevertheless deliver you out to some unbelievable views. And you possibly can head down the steps to get to the seaside if you happen to like. Just keep in mind, you must come again up the 185 steps.

The different suggestion is the Mori Point Loop Trail. This 1.5-mile (2.4km) loop path presents some nice coastal views in addition to wildflowers and wildlife. It can get windy alongside the coast and there are some steep sections, however it’s price it in our opinion. This is an ideal place to benefit from the sundown and spot whales.

14. Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore

This hike is likely one of the classics. Not solely due to the beautiful views, however as a result of it is likely one of the quieter hikes close to San Francisco. The Tomales Point Trail is situated in Point Reyes National Seashore between Tomales Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

There is quite a bit to see throughout this hike. Duck Beach, Sand Point, Tom’s Point and views of Bird Rock simply to call a number of. What can also be cool is that it’s fully within the Tule Elk Preserve, so your probabilities of seeing some elk are fairly good.

This is an out-and-back path so make sure that to offer your self time to get again. One notice, this path is commonly lined in fog. This doesn’t take away from the hike itself, however if you happen to put within the time to get to the lookout and it’s fogged in you could be disenchanted. That being mentioned, the hike is price it fog or no fog.

15. Mount Tamalpais state park

At Mount Tamalpais state park, there’s a little little bit of every little thing for everybody. Different trails with differing ranges of problem and size. Beginners, seasoned hikers, walkers, joggers, and bikers all have a spot at Mount Tam.

Its numerous panorama makes making it probably the most fashionable trails within the space. Enjoy beautiful views of the rolling hills, oak forest, redwood, and scenic ocean on the paths.

The final problem is to hike all the best way as much as the mountain peak for a wide ranging view of the ocean. Most guests go for a leisurely stroll alongside the Dipsea Trail, steep ravine path loop, and Matt Davis loop.

16. Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail

Also often called the coast facet path, take pleasure in scenic trails with breathtaking views of the pacific ocean. Even although this path is on a cliff it’s in all probability one of many best on this listing as your complete terrain is generally flat. The climbing path is about 6-mile roundtrip and is ideal for bikers, walkers, or hikers.

The total path is well-maintained and really straightforward to stroll, think about it extra of a scenic strolling route. Enjoy beautiful views of actual swimming within the ocean and birds floating about. The better part is the cooling breeze from the ocean that makes the hike properly price it.

What to Pack to your San Francisco Hikes

When it involves climbing across the San Francisco space you wish to ensure you pack a number of requirements because the climate can change rapidly and also you wish to be ready for any state of affairs, even on the shorter hikes. Here is what we propose you pack in a day pack earlier than hitting the paths.

• Water
• Camera or Smartphone
• Day Pack
• Hiking Jacket (Waterproof and windproof)
• Hiking Shoes or Running Shoes
• Snacks
• Beanie or heat hat
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses

Regardless of which hike you select, getting out onto the paths is a superb exercise so as to add to your San Francisco Itinerary. To say that we have been impressed with the sheer quantity of trails can be an understatement. Pair that with the coastal views and the way well-maintained the paths are and it’s straightforward to see why San Francisco is a superb place to hike.

Author Bio

Alex Genadinik has lived in San Francisco for over 15 years and enjoys the Northern California outside.  He is at the moment engaged on uniting the numerous completely different small climbing teams dispersed all through the Bay Area right into a extra united outside neighborhood. You can discover out extra about nice San Francisco hikes at Hiking San Francisco. This publish has been up to date by ThePlanetD Team.