10 Trails In San Francisco You Must Take If You Love The Outdoors

If you don’t love the outdoors, you might want to get out of San Francisco. Seriously. Because this city’s got all the goods for every type of nature lover: fertile forests, lush parks, sandy beaches, steep mountains, sweeping vistas. In fact, there are nearly 30 miles of trails throughout our little 7x7 metropolis. Here are just a few of the best trails for hiking in San Francisco.

1. Lands End Trail

One of the more scenic urban trails, Lands End is as dramatic as it sounds. Start at the historic Cliff House, explore Sutro Baths, and take the Coastal Trail. Follow signs for Mile Rock Beach to see the very cool labyrinth and some of San Francisco’s most incredible views. You’ll end at the ritzy seaside neighborhood, aptly called Sea Cliff.

2. Batteries to Bluffs Trail

From the Lands End Trail, keep going to Baker Beach and then weave your way up and down the coastline. Stop at the smaller Marshall's Beach for the ultimate Golden Gate Bridge shot, climb the batteries, and take in breathtaking views the whole way through.

3. Mount Sutro

You’ll see the mighty Sutro Tower from just about every corner of the city, so why not get up close and personal with it! This uphill trail has you weaving through a dense eucalyptus forest. Sometimes, the fog gets caught up here, and even though it can steal you from the views, it’s a magical experience in its own right.

4. Mount Davidson Park

Climb 927 feet to the highest peak in San Francisco for more outstanding views. The park itself is laced with a few different trails, most offering a fairly leisurely 1-mile hike upward. Be sure to check out the 103-foot cross at the top—it's hard to miss.

5. Presidio Trails

There are several ways to weave your way through the Presidio. Try the Presidio Promenade—an easy 2.2-mile paved trail that starts at the Lombard Gate, passes by the San Francisco National Cemetery, and ends at the Golden Gate Bridge. Or the slightly longer Bay Area Ridge Trail, which starts at the Arguello Gate, leads you through the lush forest, pass the Spire sculpture made of Monterey cypress trunks, and all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge.

6. Golden Gate Park Trails

There are also a number of ways to meander your way around the 1,000+ acres of this lush, green park. Loop around Stow Lake and up Strawberry Hill, or make your way from Hippie Hill all the way to Ocean Beach, passing by landmarks like the Conservatory of Flowers, the de Young Museum, the bison, and the windmills.

7. Twin Peaks

At 922 feet, this popular hilltop spot is just slightly shorter than Mt. Davidson. And forget those people in cars—the 360 views are so much more rewarding if you walk to the top.

8. Bernal Hill

Take the paved trail that winds all the way up to the top, or take a shortcut through rockier paths, and get yourself another stunning 360 degree look of the city.

9. Fort Funston Trails

You can take one of the paved trails or just rough it through the sandy dunes at this gorgeous oceanside park in the southwestern corner of the city. Want more action? Walk the 4-mile loop around nearby Lake Merced.

10. Philosopher’s Way in McLaren Park

The second-largest park in San Francisco features a 2.7-mile loop with stops along the way in which one can muse over quotes, historical facts, and interesting park info. At the top, guess what, more wonderful views spanning downtown to San Bruno.

Where do you like to go for some outdoor adventuring? Let us know some of your favorite trails for hiking in San Francisco!