The city of San Francisco has lush coastal redwood forests and spectacular bayside views. This vibrant Californian town is also home to some of the best hiking places. You can go for a hike and watch the stunning landscapes or top tourist attractions such as Golden Gate Bridge, Muir Woods, and Land’s End.
One of the best places for Hiking near San Francisco is Twin Peaks. This place will also provide you with an incredible view of the Golden Gate Bridge and downtown Market Street.
Here are the top places for hikes around San Francisco that will give you an adrenaline rush.
1. Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park:
Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park is a tranquil place located less than 10 miles away from downtown Oakland. Spread across an area of nearly 1,833 acres, it is home to lush grasslands that are rich with wildlife, bustling rare birds, and thick redwood forest. You can head to the heart of Redwood Canyon through the nearly mile-long Stream Trail and enjoy the views that await you.
2. Mount Diablo State Park:
Located at an altitude of 3, 848 ft. Mount Diablo is a great place for hikes near San Francisco. Usually recommended for experienced hikers, the 6.8-mile ascent to reach the top through the summit trail requires amazing skills. You can enjoy mesmerizing views of the entire Bay area be it Farallon Islands, Golden Gate, Sierra Nevada or Yosemite’s Half Dome. Although you can reach the summit through a car, the journey on foot is a lot more rewarding.
3. Lands End:
Located in the northwest corner of the city, Lands End is a popular destination for Hiking near San Francisco. Clear and sunny days can offer gorgeous views of the ocean, Golden Gate, and the hills of Marin. But that doesn’t mean that foggy days are any less. You can spot the engulfed groves of eucalyptus and cypress in a fine moody mist. You can start by exploring the ocean-fed bathhouse from the 19th century, Sutro Baths. However, you can leave the Lands End trails towards the eastern side, walk via the splendid Seacliff neighborhood, and go north towards the countless trails of the Presidio that finally leads to the Golden Gate.
4. Tomales Point Trail:
Located at the Point Reyes National Seashore, Tomales Point Trail is an amazing place for adventure enthusiasts. It has top tourist attractions like gushing waves from the wild Pacific crashing on the shores, small yet charming shots and eateries offering delicacies at Point Reyes Station, and the ancient Point Reyes Lighthouse. The round-trip of almost 10 miles has the ocean on one side and the gorgeous Tomales Bay on the other. The path is mostly flat and cuts through the Tule Elk Reserve. So, you can even spot some of the wild creatures such as foxes, hawks, and coyotes grazing in front of the Pacific.
5. Angel Island State Park:
Located in the middle of San Francisco Bay, the way leading to Angel Island is mesmerizing. You will also enjoy the fun ferry ride from Fisherman’s Wharf also known as the Marin town of Tiburon. Enjoy the spectacular Bay Area views and follow the North Ridge Trail which leads to the 788 ft high Mount Livermore. This goes in a 5.9-mile-long loop via oaks, pines, and beautiful wildflowers. All this makes it one of the best hikes around San Francisco.
6. Muir Woods:
Muir Woods is undoubtedly the world’s most-visited redwood destination. With more than 100 years of history and having coastal redwoods, this is a great place to relax and unwind from your hectic schedule. You can reach the popular Cathedral Grove and Bohemian Grove after walking for almost an hour. These have centuries-old giant towers that invite contemplation and silence. The paved paths and wooden boardwalks keep the park easily accessible by a stroller or wheelchair. Mostly crowded, you need to make advance reservations for the parking.
Popular among adventure sports lovers, you will find numerous places for hiking near San Francisco such as China Camp State Park, Mori Point, Mount Tamalpais State Park, etc. Have you visited any of the hiking places mentioned above? If yes, comment below and let us know more about your thrilling experience.
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