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, 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 identified however nonetheless nice mountaineering spots and vista factors. These are the very best hikes in San Francisco to get you outdoor and supply wonderful views.

Greatest Hikes in San Francisco, California

1. Golden Gate Nationwide Recreation Space

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 photos alongside the best way and go residence. That isn’t dangerous, however to get extra train, soak up higher views, and find yourself feeling extra happy by having a day filled with extra different experiences let’s take issues a bit additional.

The Golden Gate Nationwide Recreation Space boasts miles of mountaineering trails, and unobstructed views and is the proper method to see a unique facet of San Francisco. It spans each the Marin and San Francisco sides of the Golden Gate Bridge and has mountaineering trails for each health stage. For extra data on mountaineering 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 affords super 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 within 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 Primary Parking Lot. From there, a path leads into Lands Finish throughout the Golden Gate Nationwide Recreation Space, and your journey begins.

The realm is known as Lands Finish as a result of it’s positioned actually on the finish of all land to the west as its cliffs finish on the base of the Pacific Ocean. The slender 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 top-of-the-line artwork museums in San Francisco. The Palace of the Legion of Honor is a good place to take a break for an hour or two and soak up some Picasso and Rembrandt earlier than lastly heading off to Golden Gate Bridge. The Lands Finish Path ends (no pun supposed) on a avenue known as El Camino Del Mar, which has a number of the finest views of the ocean in the whole metropolis and is in a prestigious neighborhood. 

Viewpoints embody 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 best way to the Golden Gate Bridge. The road El Camino Del Mar passes China Seaside after which turns into Lincoln Boulevard which leads towards the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s a highway-like avenue, however fairly quickly, smaller strolling trails turn out to be accessible as detours and lead in the direction of the bridge by way of a quieter and extra scenic strolling route unhindered by automobiles.

As soon as on the bridge, the normal and traditional expertise of strolling the bridge affords a number of the similar views of San Francisco Bay from a a lot completely different angle. As well as, as you get nearer to the opposite facet of the bridge, views of San Francisco downtown open up, with the long-lasting Transamerica constructing standing tall above the remaining.

On heat and clear days, there are numerous little sailboats proper under the bridge, throughout the bay, and close to Alcatraz Island.  As well as, there are numerous gigantic freighter ships coming into the San Francisco and Oakland ports from in all places on the planet.  All of 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 autos 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 Finish hike is the Batteries to Bluffs path hike in San Francisco. Positioned in San Francisco’s Presidio, a 1,500-acre park on a former navy put up, the Batteries to Bluffs path hike affords 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 might 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 car parking zone connects to the paths resulting in the Golden Gate Welcome Middle which options the Golden Gate Overlook and the batteries used to guard the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco from 1891 to 1946. You’ll be able to 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 affords the very best views of the Golden Gate Bridge within the metropolis. There are plenty of wood steps alongside this hike and top-of-the-line locations to for sundown is to take the steps right down to Marshall’s Seaside.

5. Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks is likely one of the finest San Francisco mountaineering 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 mountaineering path positioned throughout the metropolis limits it’s the second tallest peak in San Francisco (922-foot tall ) that overlooks the whole San Francisco Bay space, and the town’s landmarks. The hike feels far-off from the town with forest trails, eucalyptus timber, rocky outcrops, wood walkways and dust 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 Aspect to Christmas Tree Level for the very best views of the Pacific and the town of San Francisco. Christmas Tree Level bought its identify from the enormous Christmas tree that’s erected every year by the town. On the best way again, hop on to the Gum Tree Ladies Path 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 highway to the Mount Sutro Open Area Reserve with mountaineering 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 Area Reserve which is a 61 acre open house reserve owned by the UCSF. It’s a standard 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 a part of the Fairy Gates path to the Fairy Gates Trailhead at Stanyan Road 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 Middle 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 mountaineering trails within the Muir Woods.

8. Muir Woods

Positioned simply exterior of San Francisco, Muir Woods Nationwide Monument affords a number of the most gorgeous mountaineering trails close to San Francisco. There are many completely different trails spanning throughout the 554 acres of Muir Woods. There are a number of trails in Muir Woods to select from.

Be aware that Parking reservations are required upfront. Parking fills up shortly and when you don’t ebook upfront you received’t get in. Test with the National Parks Service for more information.

This lovely space affords spectacular bay space mountaineering among the many old-growth coastal redwoods. Muir Woods has numerous trails, with The Muir Woods Primary Path being a preferred beginning place that hooks up with different trails within the space.

Leaving from the Muir Woods Customer’s Middle and following Redwood Creek, this simple hike is finished 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 searching for an extended hike be a part of The Ben Johnson Path for a 6.3km loop that can take you thru a number of the most beautiful landscapes within 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 couple of 40 minute drive east of the town. This can be a excellent day journey and the views over East Bay hills are spectacular. The summit path right here ranges in size and issue and is finest fitted to seasoned hikers.

For the very best 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 average path.

Begin within the car 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 simply really move just a few waterfalls and weave by the plains throughout the second half of the path. If you’re searching for a day of mountaineering, close to the San Francisco bay space make certain to take a look at this State Park.

10. Tennessee Valley Path, Marin Headlands

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

Should you select the Tennessee Valley path it winds its manner by lovely coastal hills and ends on the seashore at Tennessee Cove. Right 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 usually missed place to hike within the Bay Space, though it is just a 40min ferry journey from Pier 41 in downtown San Francisco. There are 2 essential mountaineering trails within 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 offers you many alternative viewpoints in addition to locations to study 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 unquestionably price a go to even when mountaineering just isn’t on the high of your checklist. You too can camp on the island.

• Find out how to Get to Angel Island:

12. Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

Positioned within the East Bay Regional Park District, only a 20-minute drive from downtown San Francisco, Redwood Regional Park is finest is thought for the previous development redwood forest that makes for the proper backdrop to any hike. It’s really the most important remaining pure stand of coast redwood in East Bay.

Our advice is to hop on the Stream Path, Mill Path, and French Path Loop. This can be a path with plenty 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. Comply with this for a bit till it hooks up with the French Path and take this again to the car 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 affords just a few completely different mountaineering trails which might be alongside the coast. It additionally hooks up with the longer Coastal Path. This 32 acre wetland park has a number of the finest views of the ocean within the Golden Gate Nationwide Nationwide Recreation space.

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

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

14. Tomales Level Path at Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore

This hike is likely one of the classics. Not solely due to the gorgeous views, however as a result of it is likely one of the quieter hikes close to San Francisco. The Tomales Level Path is positioned in Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore between Tomales Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

There’s a lot to see throughout this hike. Duck Seaside, Sand Level, Tom’s Level and views of Hen Rock simply to call just a few. What can also be cool is that it’s fully within the Tule Elk Protect, so your possibilities 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 commonly lined in fog. This doesn’t take away from the hike itself, however when you put within the time to get to the lookout and it’s fogged in you is likely to be disillusioned. That being stated, 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. Totally different trails with differing ranges of issue and size. Newbies, seasoned hikers, walkers, joggers, and bikers all have a spot at Mount Tam.

Its various panorama makes making it probably the most standard trails within the space. Take pleasure in gorgeous views of the rolling hills, oak forest, redwood, and scenic ocean on the paths.

The last word problem is to hike all the best way as much as the mountain peak for a panoramic 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

Also referred to as the coast facet path, get pleasure from scenic trails with breathtaking views of the pacific ocean. Despite the fact that this path is on a cliff it’s most likely one of many best on this checklist as the whole terrain is generally flat. The mountaineering path is about 6-mile roundtrip and is ideal for bikers, walkers, or hikers.

All the path is well-maintained and really simple to stroll, take into account it extra of a scenic strolling route. Take pleasure in beautiful views of actual swimming within the ocean and birds floating about. The very best half is the cooling breeze from the ocean that makes the hike properly price it.

What to Pack to your San Francisco Hikes

In terms of mountaineering across the San Francisco space you wish to ensure you pack just a few requirements because the climate can change shortly and also you wish to be ready for any state of affairs, even on the shorter hikes. Here’s what we advise 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 Working Footwear
• Snacks
• Beanie or heat hat
• Sunscreen
• Sun shades

No matter which hike you select, getting out onto the paths is a good exercise so as to add to your San Francisco Itinerary. To say that we had been impressed with the sheer quantity of trails could be an understatement. Pair that with the coastal views and the way well-maintained the paths are and it’s simple to see why San Francisco is a good place to hike.

Creator Bio

Alex Genadinik has lived in San Francisco for over 15 years and enjoys the Northern California outdoor.  He’s at present engaged on uniting the various completely different small mountaineering teams dispersed all through the Bay Space right into a extra united outside group. You’ll find out extra about nice San Francisco hikes at Hiking San Francisco. This put up has been up to date by ThePlanetD Staff.