The Best Hiking Trails Near San Francisco

Hiking Trails Near San Francisco

San Francisco is filled with natural spaces, stunning viewpoints, and dramatic landscapes. Despite being such a cosmopolitan city, it is still very much in touch with its natural setting. Both in the surrounding areas, and within the city itself, there are plenty of large parks and nature reserves that offer beautiful hikes and areas to explore.
Lands End Park
Lands End Park
Lands End is a park that's located in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It runs along the beautiful rocky shoreline and offers stunning views out over the water. It's located between the Sutro District and Lincoln Park and has a number of hiking trails that follow the coast. You'll also find a few small beaches such as Mile Rock Beach and Sea Rocks Beach. Also inside the park is the Legion of Honor art gallery, Holocaust Memorial, a golf course, the USS San Francisco WW2 Memorial, the Sutro Baths, and more. It's a nice place to explore, or find a space to yourself and enjoy reading or simply relaxing.
Seacliff, SF, California, 94121-1545
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
This recreation area (not to be confused with Golden Gate Park) is a beautiful natural area in Marin County that's across the Golden Gate Bridge from the city. It offers a beautiful escape from the city with walking trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, and beaches. The area is known for its stunning views that look back on downtown San Francisco. The park is popular with photographers who want to capture that classic San Francisco shot.
San Francisco, CA, 94123
If you're looking for more information about San Francisco, read The Best Gardens in San Francisco and The Best History Museums in San Francisco.
The Presidio
The Presidio
The Presidio historically served as a U.S. Army base but today it is a large green space and a public park. It's situated in the northwestern corner of the city at the gateway to the Golden Gate Bridge. The Presidio is a national park that is controlled by the National Park Service and it runs between the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, ending at Baker Beach. Within the park there are stunning views of Marin County and the Golden Gate Bridge, as well as a number of biking, hiking and walking paths. There are also plenty of places to enjoy a picnic or rest with a good book. The Walt Disney Family Museum as well as a golf course and several cafes are also found within the park.
The Presidio, San Francisco, CA
Muir Woods National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument is one of the closest places to San Francisco where you can enjoy a forest of redwood trees. The park spans 554 acres, with 240 acres filled with redwoods. The park is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Center and it's a popular day trip from the city. Plan to arrive early if you're visiting on a weekend.
Mill Valley, CA 94941, CA, 94941
Twin Peaks
This park is all about the views. It's one of the highest parks in the city and it looks out over the entire Bay Area. The park is made of up two peaks with the north peak offers 180 degree views of the city. The park can be a bit challenge to get to, particularly if you're relying on public transportation, but the view at the top is well worth it. In total, the park has 64 acres of land.
501 Twin Peaks Blvd, San Francisco, CA, 94114
Golden Gate Park
The Golden Gate Park is a diverse outdoor space with museums, wildlife, gardens, and trails all within a peaceful setting. It is the third most visited park in the United States, and it's the perfect place to wander, walk, run, or relax. Inside the park you'll find world-class museums like de Young Museum, the unique Japanese Tea Garden, and the impressive San Francisco Botanical Garden. It's easy to pass hours here just soaking up the refreshing outdoor setting.

Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA
Angel Island State Park
Catch a ferry from Pier 41 to explore this beautiful state park. Nature lovers will enjoy the peaceful setting and photography enthusiasts will appreciate the views looking back at the city. This is the largest natural island in the San Francisco Bay and it has a number of great biking, hiking, and running trails. There are five different picnic areas, eleven campsites, and several nice beaches as well. There's also a casual restaurant on the island.
San Francisco, CA
Glen Canyon
Glen Canyon Park is a city park with 60 acres of green space and a number of fun activities including a rock climbing wall. There's a 1.8 mile trail that can get a bit crowded during popular times. During the spring season, the park is popular for its wildflowers.
Elk St and Chenery St, San Francisco, CA, 94127
Interested in more travel advice for San Francisco? Check out What to Do in the Summer in San Francisco and Free Things to Do in San Francisco.
Kirby Cove Beach
On the north side of the Golden Gate Bridge, in the Marin Headlands area, this small southern-facing beach has fantastic views looking out towards the bridge and the city, as well as the ocean. You'll have to walk about a mile and climb some steps to get down here, but when you do, you'll be alone for the most part.
San Francisco, California
Built on a peninsula, San Francisco is surrounded by water. It touches the bay on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. With so much of life in the city geared towards the water, there are bound to be great beaches. From small and quiet, to larger and more popular, these are some of the best beaches in San Francisco.San Francisco is famous for its hiking trails and trails in the surrounding national parks. The Bay Area offers plenty of opportunities for hikers and backpackers whether you're in the city or out in nature.San Francisco offers some of the best outdoor activities in the world. With beautiful weather, scenic mountains, and fantastic beaches, it's the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking, rock climbing, biking, and kayaking, to surfing, sailing, paddle boarding, and skydiving, there's something for everyone.San Francisco has some of the best museums in the country. From iconic museums like the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Asian Art Museum, to unique museums like the Cartoon Art Museum, there's something for everyone.

San Francisco is a city full of history and heritage. From its iconic cable cars to its historic architecture, San Francisco has a wealth of interesting sites to explore.
San Francisco has plenty more to offer, so see also our other articles: A Nature Lover's Guide to San Francisco and Best Places To Enjoy A Picnic In San Francisco.
San Francisco is known for being a foodie's paradise. The city is home to some of the country's best restaurants, as well as gourmet food shops, farmers markets, and food trucks. With so much to choose from, it can be hard to choose where to go. Luckily, San Francisco's food scene is diverse, so no matter what you're in the mood for, you're sure to find something you love.San Francisco is a terrific cruise destination because there is so much to see. When getting off of a ship at the port here, you can quickly and easily stroll around town to see so many of the city's famous sites and attractions from Pier 39 to Coit Tower to Lombard Street and the city's famous cable cars.San Francisco has an abundance of family-friendly attractions, making the city a great option for a family vacation with the kids. From museums to parks, there are plenty of attractions to keep children entertained.

San Francisco is a honeymooner's paradise. The scenery, the romance, and the architecture are all perfect for a romantic getaway. The Bay Area also boasts some world-class restaurants and theater productions, making it perfect for a honeymoon filled with fine dining and a show.San Francisco is a city that embraces romance. From the cable cars, to the restaurants, to the beautiful parks and gardens, San Francisco's love of life, its romance, is palpable. Here are some of the most romantic spots in this dynamic city.San Francisco is a backpacker's paradise. With its vibrant nightlife, cheap hostels and hotels, and easy access to all the attractions, it's no wonder that backpackers from around the world flock to the city.
Planning a trip to San Francisco? You might also be interested in The Best Gardens in San Francisco and The Best Outdoor Activities in San Francisco.
San Francisco's beaches are legendary, and the city's best waves are right at its doorstep. From beginners to experts, you'll find San Francisco beaches welcoming surfers of all skill levels.

San Francisco is a city that has it all. From its rich history, to its diverse culture, to its incredible food scene, San Francisco has a little bit of everything for everyone. And it's all packed into a small area so that visitors can explore everything they want on foot.San Francisco is known for its beautiful weather and amazing scenery, making it a perfect destination for photographers. The hilly streets and colorful architecture provide endless opportunities for stunning photos. There are a variety of places in San Francisco to take photos, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf, and the Cable Cars.San Francisco is home to some of the most impressive landmarks in the world. The city is famous for the Golden Gate bridge, the Transamerica Pyramid, and Alcatraz Island, but there are also many other iconic landmarks and architectural marvels throughout the city.San Francisco is famous for its nightlife, and with good reason. With a variety of bars and clubs, there is never a shortage of things to do after the sun goes down.

Kayaking is an activity that can be enjoyed year-round in San Francisco. With calm waters, the San Francisco Bay offers perfect conditions to kayak. The bay is dotted with islands, and kayaking is one of the best ways to explore them.
San Francisco has plenty more to offer, so see also our other articles: The Best Parks in San Francisco and The Best Places To People Watch In San Francisco.
Sailing in San Francisco is a unique experience, and a great way to see the city from the water. From sunset sails to dinner cruises, there are many options to choose from.San Francisco is home to some of the best fishing in the country. The bay is teeming with fish, including salmon, halibut, and rockfish. Anglers of all ages and skill levels flock to the city's piers and waterfronts to catch their limit.San Francisco's location on the Pacific Ocean makes it one of the premiere locations for windsurfing in the world. The waters here are smooth, and the winds are consistent, too. The winds blow year-round, but the best winds are in the summer.

Parasailing is a thrilling adventure that puts you high in the air, where you can take in some of the most breathtaking views of San Francisco. Parasailing is an activity that can be enjoyed by anyone, and it's an ideal way to see the sights of San Francisco from a different perspective.San Francisco's iconic Ferry Building and Fisherman's Wharf are hubs for all things water-related. With dozens of different options, San Francisco is a terrific town to explore from the water, or just have a great time on a boat.San Francisco is the birthplace of the hippie movement, and the city's musical legacy lives on today. With an abundance of live music venues, from bars to clubs to outdoor festivals, there's never a shortage of musical events happening in the city.San Francisco has a reputation as one of the most theater-centric cities in America. Theaters line the city's streets, and nearly every corner has a performance of some kind. With dozens of theaters, a theater district, and a thriving theater community, it's no wonder that San Francisco is a mecca for theater lovers.

San Francisco is famous for its shopping, with high-end boutiques, department stores, and flea markets all across the city. San Francisco has everything from high-end designer fashion to vintage finds and one-of-a-kind items.San Francisco has long been known as the "Capital of Cool". The city's status as a tech hub is undeniable, and nowhere is this more evident than in its many tech companies. Tech companies dot the city's skyline, and you'll find them everywhere. Whether it's walking down the street and spotting a tech company's logo, or seeing employees sporting their company logo on their t-shirts, San Francisco's tech scene is inescapable.San Francisco is known for its amazing hotels, and with good reason. The hotels in San Francisco are as eclectic and unique as the city itself. From boutique hotels to luxury hotels and anything in between, San Francisco has some of the best hotels in the world.

San Francisco's Golden Gate Park is one of the best places in the city for bird watching. With more than 1,000 species of wild birds, the park is teeming with life. You can spot some species by walking the trails, and there are also several spots where you can sit on a bench and watch the birds.San Francisco is a melting pot of different cultures. From its diverse neighborhoods to its eclectic food scene, San Francisco's culture has been shaped by the many people who have come and lived here.

San Francisco's nightlife scene is legendary, and it's easy to see why. With everything from huge clubs to intimate lounges, there's something for everyone. Whether you're looking for dance clubs, live music, or somewhere to sip a cocktail, San Francisco's nightlife scene has got you covered.San Francisco is famous for its hilly terrain, and cycling is a great way to explore the city. There are plenty of great places to rent a bike, and the city's hilly terrain makes it perfect for a leisurely ride. Many of the best routes are along the waterfront, and there are also many quieter, residential streets to explore.San Francisco's architecture is as diverse as the city itself. From Victorian to Art Deco to contemporary, the cityscape is dotted with architectural styles, and is home to a variety of famous landmarks.San Francisco is one of the world's great cities for art, with a vibrant art scene that's constantly evolving. The city's museums and galleries are world-renowned, and many have free or inexpensive admission.

San Francisco is a beautiful city, and with 15 international schools, it's the perfect place to study English abroad. The city's cultural diversity, its rich artistic heritage, and its many attractions make it an ideal place to learn English.San Francisco's gardens are some of the most beautiful gardens in the world. From formal, manicured gardens to natural, wild gardens, San Francisco's gardens are a great place to spend an afternoon.San Francisco's farmers markets and flea markets are more than just places to buy fresh produce or artwork. They are community gathering spots, where locals come to socialize, play, eat, drink, and listen to live music.The San Francisco Bay Area is home to several excellent aquariums, including San Francisco and Oakland's popular California Academy of Sciences. Visitors can explore over 1,000 species of plants and animals in more than 100,000 square feet of exhibits, including a giant kelp forest, a coral reef, and a tide pool.

San Francisco is home to two world-class zoos: the San Francisco Zoo and the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens. The San Francisco Zoo is home to over 1,200 animals, including African elephants, Asian elephants, giraffes, tigers, lions, and cheetahs. The San Francisco Zoo & Gardens is home to over 1,500 animals including African lions, giraffes, tigers, and cheetahs.San Francisco has dozens of breweries, and each one offers a different experience. From classic brewpubs to cutting-edge breweries, there's no shortage of great places to enjoy a beer.
How much does it cost?

Prices for activities, things to do, and tours range from $8 to $599. The average cost for a tour or tickets is $226. A few of the best options are below.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

More Ideas for San Francisco

The Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Fisherman's Wharf in San FranciscoThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals by Ghiradelli Square in San FranciscoThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in the Marina District in San FranciscoThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in North Beach in San FranciscoThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals around Telegraph Hill and Coit Tower in San FranciscoThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in the Financial District and Embarcadero of San FranciscoThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Nob Hill in San FranciscoThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Russian Hill in San FranciscoThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in SoMa in San FranciscoThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals by Union Square in San FranciscoThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in the Mission District in San FranciscoThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals around Mission Delores Park in San FranciscoThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in The Castro in San FranciscoThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Hayes Valley in San FranciscoThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in the Lower Haight in San FranciscoThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Haight-Ashbury in San FranciscoThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals around the Painted Ladies at Alamo Square in San FranciscoThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals by the Presidio in San FranciscoThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals by Yerba Buena Gardens in SoMa in San FranciscoThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Sausalito, California
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.

Search for Travel Costs

Share This Page

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.