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, vacationer points of interest in San Francisco are good, however I need 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 mountaineering 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 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 way in which and go house. That isn’t unhealthy, however to get extra train, take in higher views, and find yourself feeling extra happy by having a day filled with extra assorted experiences let’s take issues a bit additional.
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area boasts miles of mountaineering trails, and unobstructed views and is the right option to see a distinct 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 degree. For extra data on mountaineering 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 provides great 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 in 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 known as Lands End 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 among the best 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 take in some Picasso and Rembrandt earlier than lastly heading off to Golden Gate Bridge. The Lands End Trail 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 complete metropolis and is in a prestigious neighborhood.
Viewpoints embrace 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’ll be able to stroll all the way in which to the Golden Gate Bridge. The avenue 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 avenue, however fairly quickly, smaller strolling trails turn out to be out there as detours and lead in the direction of the bridge by way of a quieter and extra scenic strolling route unhindered by automobiles.
Once on the bridge, the standard and traditional expertise of strolling the bridge provides a number of the identical 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 long-lasting Transamerica constructing standing tall above the remaining.
On heat and clear days, there are lots of little sailboats proper under the bridge, throughout the bay, and close to Alcatraz Island. In addition, there are lots of gigantic freighter ships coming into the San Francisco and Oakland ports from all over the place in the world. 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 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 identical 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 provides 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 may simply be added to your San Francisco Itinerary.
The path begins at Lincoln blvd the place you’ll be able to 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 among 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 quite a lot of wood steps alongside this hike and among the best locations to for sundown is to take the steps right down to Marshall’s Beach.
5. Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks is among the finest San Francisco mountaineering trails for spectacular metropolis views. It is 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 inside the metropolis limits it’s the second tallest peak in San Francisco (922-foot tall ) that overlooks the complete San Francisco Bay space, and the town’s landmarks. The hike feels far-off 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 the most effective views of the Pacific and the town of San Francisco. Christmas Tree Point obtained its title from the enormous Christmas tree that’s erected annually by the town. On the way in which again, hop on to the Gum Tree Girls Trail for a distinct perspective.
6. Mount Sutro Loop
If you need to proceed strolling, it’s one other 1.1 miles from Twin Peaks alongside the highway to the Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve with mountaineering trails and greenspace overlooking the town. Or you’ll be able to 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 house 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 way in which down you’ll be able to be a 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 folks discover this sufficient of a stroll, however if you wish to discover extra, There are loads of mountaineering trails in the Muir Woods.
8. Muir Woods
Located simply outdoors of San Francisco, Muir Woods National Monument provides a number of the most beautiful mountaineering 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 in advance. Parking fills up shortly and if you happen to don’t e-book in advance you gained’t get in. Check with the National Parks Service for extra data.
This stunning space provides spectacular bay space mountaineering among the many old-growth coastal redwoods. Muir Woods has varied trails, with The Muir Woods Main Trail being a preferred beginning place that hooks up with different trails in the world.
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 a part of The Ben Johnson Trail for a 6.3km loop that may take you thru a number of the most attractive landscapes in the Muir Woods National Monument.
Distance: 2.0 mi (3.2 km)Elevation Gain: 30 ftTime: 2 hoursTrailhead: Muir Woods Visitor CenterGoogle Maps Directions
9. Mount Diablo State Park
If you might be up for a little bit of a drive outdoors of San Francisco, you’ll be able to head out to Mount Diablo State Park, which is a couple of 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 finest suited to seasoned hikers.
For the most effective views we advocate 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.
Start in 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 just really go 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 mountaineering, close to the San Francisco bay space be sure 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 seashore an attractive lookout. You can select from two completely different seashores. From the Tennessee Valley trailhead, you’ll be able to 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 couple of 9-mile loop.
If you select the Tennessee Valley path it winds its manner by stunning coastal hills and ends on the seashore at Tennessee Cove. Here you’ll be able to have a picnic and take in the views of the Pacific Ocean. See extra: 24 Of The Best Beaches in California
Distance: 7.0 mi (14.6 km) by way of Muir Beach LoopElevation Gain: 900 ftTime: 4 hoursTrailhead: Tennessee Valley Trailhead
11. Angel Island State Park
Surprisingly, Angel Island State Park is an usually missed place to hike in the Bay Area, despite the fact that it’s only a 40min ferry experience from Pier 41 in downtown San Francisco. There are 2 major mountaineering trails in 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 various viewpoints in addition to locations to study 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 mountaineering just isn’t 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 in the East Bay Regional Park District, only a 20-minute drive from downtown San Francisco, Redwood Regional Park is finest is understood for the outdated progress redwood forest that makes for the right 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 quite a lot of ups and downs however the odor of the redwoods mixed with the gorgeous forest panorama make this an ideal hike particularly when it will get actually sizzling.
Start on the Skyline Gate Parking Lot and comply with 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 provides a number of completely different mountaineering trails which are alongside the coast. It additionally hooks up with the longer Coastal Trail. This 32 acre wetland park has a number of the finest views of the ocean in 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 convey you out to some unbelievable views. And you’ll be able to head down the steps to get to the seashore if you happen to like. Just keep in mind, it’s important to come again up the 185 steps.
The different suggestion is the Mori Point Loop Trail. This 1.5-mile (2.4km) loop path provides 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.
Distance: 1.5 mi (2.4 km)Elevation Gain: 1200 ftTime: half-hourTrailhead: Mori Point Parking Lot (Directions Here)
14. Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore
This hike is among the classics. Not solely due to the beautiful views, however as a result of it is among the quieter hikes close to San Francisco. The Tomales Point Trail is positioned in Point Reyes National Seashore between Tomales Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
There is lots 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 completely in the Tule Elk Preserve, so your probabilities of seeing some elk are fairly good.
This is an out-and-back path so be sure to provide your self time to get again. One notice, this path is usually lined in fog. This doesn’t take away from the hike itself, however if you happen to put in the time to get to the lookout and it’s fogged in you may be upset. 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 part 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 one of the vital in style trails in the world. Enjoy beautiful views of the rolling hills, oak forest, redwood, and scenic ocean on the paths.
The final problem is to hike all the way in which as much as the mountain peak for a panoramic view of the ocean. Most guests go for a leisurely stroll alongside the Dipsea Trail, steep ravine path loop, and Matt Davis loop.
Distance: 60 mi (96 km) out and backTime: VariesTrailhead: Pantoll Ranger Station or the East Peak Center
16. Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail
Also referred to as the coast facet path, get pleasure from 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 the complete terrain is generally flat. The mountaineering 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, take into account it extra of a scenic strolling route. Enjoy attractive views of actual swimming in the ocean and birds floating about. The better part is the cooling breeze from the ocean that makes the hike nicely price it.
Distance: 7.5 mi (12 km) out and againElevation Gain: 213 ftTime: 1hr quarter-hourTrailhead: Miramontes Point Road
What to Pack on your San Francisco Hikes
When it involves mountaineering across the San Francisco space you need to be sure to pack a number of requirements because the climate can change shortly and also you need to be ready for any state of affairs, even on the shorter hikes. Here is what we advise 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 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 straightforward to see why San Francisco is a good place to hike.
Author Bio
Alex Genadinik has lived in San Francisco for over 15 years and enjoys the Northern California outside. He is presently engaged on uniting the various completely different small mountaineering teams dispersed all through the Bay Area right into a extra united outside group. You can discover out extra about nice San Francisco hikes at Hiking San Francisco. This publish has been up to date by ThePlanetD Team.