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 in the town for nearly 20 years, tourist attractions in San Francisco are good, however I wish to share a method 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 the most effective hikes in San Francisco to get you outside and supply wonderful views.

Best Hikes in San Francisco, California

1. Golden Gate Nationwide Recreation Space

Most vacationers have a tendency to begin their Golden Gate Bridge stroll on the base of the bridge, flip round and stroll again. They take some photos alongside the way in which and go dwelling. That isn’t unhealthy, however to get extra train, take in higher views, and find yourself feeling extra glad by having a day stuffed with extra assorted experiences let’s take issues a bit additional.

The Golden Gate Nationwide Recreation Space boasts miles of climbing trails, and unobstructed views and is the proper strategy to see a distinct aspect of San Francisco. It spans each the Marin and San Francisco sides of the Golden Gate Bridge and has climbing trails for each health degree. For extra info on climbing and parking go to the Golden Gate Bridge Website.

2. Lands Finish

The path alongside Lands Finish Hike isn’t too lengthy, however it’s fairly magical. The stroll provides 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.

Begin off in the Outer Richmond space on the fringe of Lands Finish Golden Gate Space close to the Cliff Home and the historic Sutro Baths and Park on the Lands Finish Fundamental Parking Lot. From there, a path leads into Lands Finish throughout the Golden Gate Nationwide Recreation Space, and your journey begins.

The world is named Lands Finish 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 shortly leads the vacationers proper alongside the sting of the cliffs, under which the Pacific Ocean waves crash into the rocks.

Surprisingly, the park additionally has among the finest 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 take in some Picasso and Rembrandt earlier than lastly heading off to Golden Gate Bridge. The Lands Finish Path ends (no pun supposed) on a road referred to as El Camino Del Mar, which has a number of the greatest views of the ocean in all the metropolis and is in a prestigious neighborhood. 

Viewpoints embrace the Sutro Baths, Jap Coastal Path Lookout, Lands Finish Labyrinth, Useless Man’s Level and the Golden Gate Bridge.

3. Golden Gate Bridge

Strolling again from Lands Finish Path, you possibly can stroll all the way in which to the Golden Gate Bridge. The road El Camino Del Mar passes China Seashore after which turns into Lincoln Boulevard which leads towards the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s a highway-like road, however fairly quickly, smaller strolling trails grow to be obtainable as detours and lead in the direction of the bridge through a quieter and extra scenic strolling route unhindered by vehicles.

As soon as on the bridge, the standard and basic expertise of strolling the bridge provides a number of the identical views of San Francisco Bay from a a lot totally different angle. As well as, as you get nearer to the opposite aspect of the bridge, views of San Francisco downtown open up, with the enduring Transamerica constructing standing tall above the remainder.

On heat and clear days, there are a lot of little sailboats proper under the bridge, throughout the bay, and close to Alcatraz Island.  As well as, there are a lot of gigantic freighter ships coming into the San Francisco and Oakland ports from in every single place in the world.  All of the ships to those ports come by means of the bay and they’re fairly a deal with to see. On fortunate days, there are even army 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 identical space because the Lands Finish hike is the Batteries to Bluffs path hike in San Francisco. Situated in San Francisco’s Presidio, a 1,500-acre park on a former army put up, the Batteries to Bluffs path hike provides views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco Bay space, and the rugged shoreline. That is only a 2-mile (3.2 km) hike spherical journey, so it may well simply be added to your San Francisco Itinerary.

The path begins at Lincoln blvd the place you possibly can park on the Langdon Courtroom Parking zone. This parking zone connects to the paths resulting in the Golden Gate Welcome Heart 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 means of these historic websites with views of the Golden Gate Bridge from Presidio, Battery Boutelle, Battery Marcus and Battery Cranston.

The Golden Gate Overlook is without doubt one of the premier spots to {photograph} the Golden Gate Bridge so the path is busy, however for good cause. It provides the most effective views of the Golden Gate Bridge in the town. There are a variety of wood steps alongside this hike and among the finest locations to for sundown is to take the steps all the way down to Marshall’s Seashore.

5. Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks is without doubt one of the greatest San Francisco climbing trails for spectacular metropolis views. It’s a closely trafficked path 3.4 mile loop path, and you may drive or cycle as much as the lookout. Twin Peaks is an city climbing path situated throughout the metropolis limits it’s the second tallest peak in San Francisco (922-foot tall ) that overlooks all the 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 filth paths taking you as much as Eureka Peak and Noe Peak.

Beginning in Glen Canyon Park, the Twin Peaks path climbs 1.7 miles to Eureka Peak and Noe Peak after which descend on the North Facet to Christmas Tree Level for the most effective views of the Pacific and the town of San Francisco. Christmas Tree Level bought its identify from the large Christmas tree that’s erected every year by the town. On the way in which again, hop on to the Gum Tree Ladies Path for a distinct perspective.

6. Mount Sutro Loop

If you wish to proceed strolling, it’s one other 1.1 miles from Twin Peaks alongside the highway to the Mount Sutro Open House 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 Path from seventeenth and Stanyan. It takes you as much as the Mount Sutro Open House Reserve which is a 61 acre open area reserve owned by the UCSF. It’s a widespread spot for locals with 5 miles of public, multi-use trails, and a 900-foot elevation achieve.

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

7. Golden Gate Bridge to Marin Headlands

One of the crucial iconic issues to do in San Francisco is to stroll throughout the Golden Gate Bridge. Leaving from the Golden Gate Welcome Heart a stroll throughout the bridge to the Golden Gate Nationwide Recreation Space to the Marin Headlands. Most individuals discover this sufficient of a stroll, however if you wish to discover extra, There are many climbing trails in the Muir Woods.

8. Muir Woods

Situated simply exterior of San Francisco, Muir Woods Nationwide Monument provides a number of the most beautiful climbing trails close to San Francisco. There are many totally different trails spanning throughout the 554 acres of Muir Woods. There are a number of trails in Muir Woods to select from.

Notice that Parking reservations are required in advance. Parking fills up shortly and should you don’t ebook in advance you received’t get in. Verify with the National Parks Service for more information.

This lovely space provides spectacular bay space climbing among the many old-growth coastal redwoods. Muir Woods has varied trails, with The Muir Woods Fundamental Path being a preferred beginning place that hooks up with different trails in the world.

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

If you’re in search of an extended hike be part of The Ben Johnson Path for a 6.3km loop that can take you thru a number of the most attractive landscapes in the Muir Woods Nationwide Monument.

9. Mount Diablo State Park

If you’re 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 can be a good day journey and the views over East Bay hills are spectacular. The summit path right here ranges in size and issue and is greatest suited to seasoned hikers.

For the most effective views we suggest the Donner Creek Loop path. This out-and-back path has a number of the most spectacular views and is extra of a reasonable path.

Begin in the parking zone on the north entrance at Regency Drive and hike alongside the Donner Creek Hearth Street after which take the Again Creek Path Again.

One of many causes you’ll love this path is that you just truly go just a few waterfalls and weave by means of the plains throughout the second half of the path. If you’re in search of a day of climbing, close to the San Francisco bay space make certain to take a look at this State Park.

10. Tennessee Valley Path, Marin Headlands

Situated simply north of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Tennessee Valley path is a hike that results in a sandy seashore a phenomenal lookout. You can select from two totally different seashores. From the Tennessee Valley trailhead, you possibly can both hike straight to Tennessee Seashore for an out-and-back hike or do the tougher loop to Muir Seashore through the Pirate’s Cove Path. This hike begins from the Tennessee Valley Trailhead and is a few 9-mile loop.

Should you select the Tennessee Valley path it winds its means by means of lovely coastal hills and ends on the seashore at Tennessee Cove. Right here you possibly can have a picnic and take in 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 ignored place to hike in the Bay Space, despite the fact that it is just a 40min ferry experience from Pier 41 in downtown San Francisco. There are 2 most important climbing trails in the state park. The Sundown Path 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 opposite path in Angel Island State Park is the Perimeter Path. That is a straightforward hike and provides you many various viewpoints in addition to locations to be taught in regards to the historical past of the island itself. If you’re visiting the bay space for just a few days then Angel Island is certainly value a go to even when climbing just isn’t on the high of your listing. You also can camp on the island.

• Learn how to Get to Angel Island:

12. Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

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

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

 Begin on the Skyline Gate Parking Lot and comply with the Stream Path till you come to the place it meets the Mill Path. Observe this for a bit till it hooks up with the French Path and take this again to the parking zone.

13. Mori Level, Pacifica

Mori Level is a spectacular lookout that’s simply south of San Francisco. Located in San Mateo County, Mori Level provides just a few totally different climbing trails which can be alongside the coast. It additionally hooks up with the longer Coastal Path. This 32 acre wetland park has a number of the greatest views of the ocean in the Golden Gate Nationwide Nationwide Recreation space.

The two trails we suggest are the Previous Mori Path, which is extra of a stroll as it’s flat as a pancake. It does nonetheless carry you out to some unimaginable views. And you’ll head down the steps to get to the seashore should you like. Simply keep in mind, it’s a must to come again up the 185 steps.

The opposite suggestion is the Mori Level Loop Path. This 1.5-mile (2.4km) loop path provides some nice coastal views in addition to wildflowers and wildlife. It might probably get windy alongside the coast and there are some steep sections, however it’s value it in our opinion. This can be a good place to benefit from the sundown and spot whales.

14. Tomales Level Path at Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore

This hike is without doubt one of the classics. Not solely due to the beautiful views, however as a result of it is without doubt one of the quieter hikes close to San Francisco. The Tomales Level Path is situated in Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore between Tomales Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

There’s a lot to see throughout this hike. Duck Seashore, Sand Level, Tom’s Level and views of Chook Rock simply to call just a few. What can be cool is that it’s completely in the Tule Elk Protect, so your probabilities of seeing some elk are fairly good.

That is an out-and-back path so make certain to offer your self time to get again. One observe, this path is usually coated in fog. This doesn’t take away from the hike itself, however should you put in the time to get to the lookout and it’s fogged in you is perhaps disenchanted. That being mentioned, the hike is value it fog or no fog.

15. Mount Tamalpais state park

At Mount Tamalpais state park, there’s a little little bit of all the things for everybody. Completely different trails with differing ranges of issue and size. Newbies, seasoned hikers, walkers, joggers, and bikers all have a spot at Mount Tam.

Its numerous panorama makes making it some of the widespread trails in the world. Take pleasure in beautiful views of the rolling hills, oak forest, redwood, and scenic ocean on the paths.

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

16. Half Moon Bay Coastal Path

Often known as the coast aspect path, take pleasure in scenic trails with breathtaking views of the pacific ocean. Regardless that this path is on a cliff it’s in all probability one of many best on this listing as all the terrain is usually flat. The climbing path is about 6-mile roundtrip and is ideal for bikers, walkers, or hikers.

All the path is well-maintained and really straightforward to stroll, think about it extra of a scenic strolling route. Take pleasure in attractive views of actual swimming in the ocean and birds floating about. The most effective half is the cooling breeze from the ocean that makes the hike nicely value it.

What to Pack to your San Francisco Hikes

In terms of climbing across the San Francisco space you wish to be sure you pack just a few requirements because the climate can change shortly and also you wish to be ready for any scenario, even on the shorter hikes. Here’s what we recommend you pack in a day pack earlier than hitting the paths.

• Water
• Digital camera or Smartphone
• Day Pack
• Mountaineering Jacket (Waterproof and windproof)
• Mountaineering Footwear or Operating Footwear
• Snacks
• Beanie or heat hat
• Sunscreen
• Sun shades

No matter 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.

Writer Bio

Alex Genadinik has lived in San Francisco for over 15 years and enjoys the Northern California outside.  He’s presently engaged on uniting the numerous totally different small climbing teams dispersed all through the Bay Space right into a extra united out of doors neighborhood. You can discover out extra about nice San Francisco hikes at Hiking San Francisco. This put up has been up to date by ThePlanetD Crew.