Being in California, and of course, near or in San Francisco is ideal if you're a nature lover. Why? With temperate weather most of the year around San Francisco, there's never a better reason to go exploring, especially if you've been searching for "waterfalls near me." You will need to prepare for this trip as some waterfalls are a bit of a drive outside San Francisco. These waterfalls are all in beautiful areas and are well worth the trip. There is a map below that is interactive and shows the exact locations of each of the waterfalls in this piece. Whether you're looking for a waterfall in San Francisco or waterfalls near San Francisco, you've come to the right place. Now, let's check out these waterfalls!

Use our interactive map with the itinerary and driving directions.

1. Cascade Falls

It is best to visit Cascade Falls after a rainy period to see the falls in all of their glory. If you've been wondering about hiking trails with waterfalls near San Francisco, there is an easy and short trail near Mill Valley. However, the falls are relatively small. Lastly, there are two sets of waterfalls that can be reached at each split on the fork in the road so you'll get to view two waterfalls!

2. Dawn Falls

The hike to Dawn Falls is family-friendly and it takes hikers along a redwood-lined creek. Dawn Falls is a great hike for everybody at only two miles long. It's one of the best waterfalls near San Francisco and even has a swimming hole! Remember to bring your swimsuits. Also, please note that parking at the Madrone Drive Trailhead is very limited.

3. Carson Falls

Carson Falls near San Francisco is a wonderful 32-foot-high freefall. In the winter months and after a lot of rain, Carson Falls is an amazing rushing set of falls. This waterfall is often overlooked but more than worthwhile to visit.

4. Cataract Falls

Cataract Falls near San Francisco is one of the more popular waterfall hikes in Marin County. The trail follows Cataract Creek from a high elevation down to Alpine Lake. The hike to this stupendous waterfall is about three miles and is one of the best hiking trails with waterfalls near San Francisco.

5. Alamere Falls

Alamere Falls is a sight to see. The is a rare tide fall which is a waterfall that flows directly into the ocean. Getting to this waterfall can be tricky but absolutely worth the effort. Alamere Falls is one of the best waterfalls near San Francisco.

6. Mount Diablo Falls

Mount Diablo Falls is more dependent on rain than some other waterfalls so these falls are variable. There are a number of waterfalls around the north side of Mount Diablo and within the trails. Consult the Mount Diablo State Park trail map when you're there and start to explore!

7. Little Yosemite Waterfalls - Sunol Regional Wilderness

Little Yosemite is the waterfall to see when you visit Sunol Regional Wilderness. This park in Sunol where there are plenty of hikes leading to Little Yosemite river which has tons of waterfalls to enjoy as well as beautiful rock formations. This area has some of the best hiking trails with waterfalls near San Francisco.

Check out a great video by YouTube user USA Tourist Attractions of Alamere Falls in Bolinas. This has been described as one of the best waterfalls in the USA.

Have you been to any of these "waterfalls near me" in the San Francisco area? What's your favorite waterfall in San Francisco? Let us know your experiences, and if we missed any other waterfalls, in the comments. Also, if you're curious about more nature in Marin County then check out our previous article on this remarkable day trip.