Best Hikes - San Francisco Bay Area
Truly blessed with such a wide variety of outdoor activities here in the San Francisco Bay Area, here are some of our favorite hikes.
Great for an end of day hike, this shoreline hike dazzles during the golden sunset hours with stunning views of the coastline.
There is plenty of coastal plants, wildlife, and optional paths to take you down to either Marshall or Baker Beach if you want to get closer to the water.
One of my favorite hikes in the city, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a dense forest surrounded by tall trees, chirping birds, and the Pacific Ocean breeze rustling through the leaves.
For an easy 2 mile hike you can do the Loop trail which starts near 17th and Stanyan St.
For a longer hike that has a rewarding view at the top of Twin Peaks, you can veer off at the top of the Loop trail. When you’re at the top of Twin Peaks, you can easily walk down via the streets/sidewalks or go back the way you came.
This windswept, wild corner of San Francisco is a local favorite for it’s sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Golden Gate Bridge, and tree filled terrain.
I like to park at the lot near the Legion of Honor and enter from there.
You can head towards the Sutro Baths, Cliff House, and Ocean Beach while seeing some of the most amazing views of the bay. There’s also a rock labyrinth in an opening that juts out with sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Make sure to have some decent hiking shoes so you can scramble into and out of all nooks and crannies at Lands End. Oh, and bring layers since it tends to get windy at certain parts of this hike.
A recent discovery of mine and now a favorite - this easy to access hike offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco, and the terrain in the area.
There is a large parking lot at Rodeo Beach with clean bathrooms.
Make sure to wear sunscreen as there is barely any tree cover on this hike.
This lush, tree-lined park is another local gem where you can feel like you’re in a faraway forest.
There is an easy 1.8 mile loop with a wide array of views to take in or you can do the round trip hike from the bottom of the park all the way to Twin Peaks and back.
One of the most stunning hikes in the Bay Area, this 9.4 mile out and back trail features some of the most picturesque views of Tomales Bay, Bodege Bay, and the Pacific Ocean.
During the hike you’ll see all sorts of wild flowers, elk, and so many stunning views.
Make sure to wear long pants for the last part of the hike, which is usually a bit overgrown.
Also, bring layers as Point Reyes is known for having unpredictable fog and wind.
If you’re looking for a real treat covers beautiful coastline views and being able to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, this is the hike you’re looking for.
Staying on the Coastal Trail, you’ll have the opportunity to veer off to Baker or Marshall Beach, but make sure you continue on so you can walk across the majestic Golden Gate Bridge.
If possible, try to time sunset to be on your way back for the incredible, golden light.
A beautiful 8 mile loop hike with lovely scenery, views of the Bay, lots of redwood trees, and shade cover - this is one of my favorites in the East Bay. Speaking of redwood trees, there are so many places to see them within 2 hours of San Francisco!
Bring some bug spray and comfy shoes - you’ll fall in love with this hike for sure!
A shorter loop trail in Oakland, this hike offers long stretches of redwood trees, lush greenery, and lots of shade.
For a easy hike with lovely sunset views, the Pacific Coast, and whale watching, Mori Point is a great choice.
Map of All The Trails
Check out the link below to all the trails, with maps of each hike in great detail.