San Franciscans are totally spoiled in the nature department, and the waterfall selection around here is one of the country’s finest. Most of these breathtaking spots near San Francisco are just a quick drive (or even bike ride) away. In fact, one sits in the city itself (okay, it’s a man-made one, but so what?!). Here are our picks for the most beautiful waterfalls near San Francisco. There’s just something about water and gravity that leaves us all speechless. If you were to do a search for “waterfalls near me” one of these would most certainly pop up at the top of the list! Check them out:

1. Alamere Falls in Point Reyes National Seashore
Alamere Falls, California 94924, USA
Flickr/Kenny Easwaran
The Alamere Falls is also called a "tidefall" and you won't see too many of these beauties around. This one takes a 40-foot plummet right into the Pacific. Of course, you gotta work a bit to see it. The hike is roughly 8.4 miles out-and-back. But, oh, is it worth it! Discover more about this trail on AllTrails.com.
2. Cataract Falls at Mount Tamalpais
Cataract Falls, California 94970, USA
Flickr/Alan Grinberg
Climbing Mt. Tam is a local favorite, and the Cataract Falls are a popular, refreshing attraction. Discover more about this trail on AllTrails.com.
3. Berry Creek Falls at Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Berry Creek Falls, California 95017, USA
Flickr/Vlad Karpinskiy
Venture south along the coast to the oldest state park in California, and check out the beautiful Berry Creek FallsAllTrails.com.
4. Cascade Falls in Mill Valley
Cascade Falls Trail, California 96150, USA
Flickr/Michael Arrighi
An easy, breezy hike from downtown Mill Valley will give you a wonderful display of the Cascade Falls. Discover more about this trail on AllTrails.com.
5. Golden Cascade Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Big Basin Redwoods State Park, 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA 95006, USA
Flickr/Sathish J
One look and you'll see why the Golden Cascade is called "Golden." Discover more about the many trails inside the park on AllTrails.com.
6. Tucker Trail Falls in Marin
Tucker Trail, California 94904, USA
Flickr/Brian Tobin
The trails are much quieter in this neck of the woods, if you're looking for a truly serene moment with nature. But you really can't go wrong with anything you find in Marin!
7. Huntington Falls at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park
Stow Lake, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA
Nick Newell/Flickr
Althgouh these falls in Golden Gate Park are artificial, they are in the city! Also nearby (and manmade, too): Rainbow Falls.
8. Mount Diablo Falls in the East Bay
Mount Diablo State Park, Summit Rd, Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA
Greg Elkinbard/AllTrails
While at Mount Diablo, just follow the "Falls Trail Loop." We love when it's that simple. Also, watch for mountain lions! Discover more about this trail on AllTrails.com.
9. Carson Falls in Marin
Carson Falls Trail, California 94924, USA
Flickr/Stephanie
If you enjoy hiking, this one's so awesome you can see it from several different viewpoints along the wildflower-speckled trail.
10. McWay Falls in Big Sur
McWay Falls, California 93920, USA
Flickr/Brandon Levinger
Ok, so the McWay Falls are a bit of a drive from SF, but OMG, look at this. Discover more about this trail on AllTrails.com.

If this doesn’t get you off your bum and out into the great outdoors, we don’t know what will!

So what do you think about these waterfalls and waterfall hikes near San Francisco? If you’d like to embark upon other hikes in the areas around any of these spots, you can find some great trails by going to the overall AllTrails website.

Any other waterfalls near San Francisco we need to add to this list? Let us know in the comments!

If you’re still in the mood for more California adventures, explore with us in this video about beautiful Big Sur:

 

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More to Explore

More to Love about Northern California

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | July 04, 2023

Where can we find other natural wonders in Northern California?

  • The Subway Cave at Lassen Volcanic National Park is where you will find a 1/3-mile-long natural lava tube.
  • The Cypress Tree Tunnel at the Point Reyes National Seashore is formed by a natural curving canopy of ancient cypress trees.
  • The Mendocino Botanical Gardens, although maintained, is a natural wonder for its spectacular one-of-a-kind views of the ocea

Read on to learn more about some of the many other beautiful natural wonders in Northern California.

Where can we find railway adventures in Northern California?

  • The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is a historic, open-air railroad that operates steam train locomotives.
  • The Niles Canyon Railway makes several stops between San Francisco and Santa Clara and features themed rides throughout the year.
  • The Napa Valley Wine Train is very popular with those who want to stop at several of this region’s major wineries.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other fun railway adventures in Northern California.

What are some fun facts about San Francisco?

  • The bear used for the image on the California State flag once lived in Golden Gate Park.
  • Denim jeans were invented here by Levi Strauss.
  • The Chinese fortune cookie was invented by a Japanese resident of San Francisco.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other fun facts about San Francisco.

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