9 Hiking Trails In San Francisco That Are Anything But Basic

San Francisco's allure extends far beyond its vibrant neighborhoods, thriving food scene, and storied past. To truly immerse yourself in the Bay Area's essence, consider embarking on a scenic hike. The area is a treasure trove of natural wonders, from rugged coastlines along the Pacific to tranquil redwood havens and bustling wetlands, all just a stone's throw from the city. Embark on an adventure through San Francisco's hiking trails to experience the region's splendid outdoors, with a curated list of top trails ready for your exploration.

These Are The Best Hikes in San Francisco

1. California Coastal Trail: Lands End to Golden Gate Bridge

Location: Golden Gate Recreation Area, San Francisco
Hours: Sunrise to sunset 
Parking: Available near the Golden Gate Bridge
Difficulty: Moderate 
Distance: 4.4 miles 
Time: 48 minutes 
Route: Point-to-point 
Dogs allowed: On leash

Rocky coastal bluffs, glimpses of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, and endless views of windswept Monterey cypress—the California Coastal Trail in San Francisco has to be seen to be believed. There are quite a few spots to stop and take in all the beauty around you, so make sure to take advantage of those. They’re also guaranteed to leave you with Instagrammable moments you won’t be able to forget.

2. Tomales Point Trail

Location: Point Reyes National Seashore, Marshall
Hours: Sunrise to sunset 
Parking: Available at the Tomales Point Trailhead 
Difficulty: Moderate 
Distance: 9.4 miles 
Time: 3 hours 
Route: Out and back
Dogs allowed: No

Venture to Point Reyes to discover a series of attractions that captivate visitors, from the historical lighthouse and the dramatic Pacific coastline to the quaint shops and eateries in Point Reyes Station. Notably, the Tomales Point Trail stands out as a premier hiking destination, offering a nearly 10-mile journey with breathtaking views of the ocean and Tomales Bay. It's an experience you won't forget, complete with the possibility of spotting majestic elk along the way.

3. Muir Woods Fern Creek Loop

Location: Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley
Hours: Sunrise to sunset 
Parking: Available at the Paved Parking Lot off Muir Woods Road 
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.3 miles 
Time: 1 hour
Route: Loop
Dogs allowed: No

This one’s hardly a secret—Muir Woods is the world’s most-visited redwood destination. A mist-cloaked wonderland, this national monument nurtures the best places to hike in San Francisco. Hundreds of Sequoia sempervirens (the tallest trees known to man) lead to wooden boardwalks and paved paths, all carpeted in the lushness the Bay Area’s known for.

4. Dipsea Trail to Steep Ravine Trail from Stinson Beach

Location: Mount Tamalpais State Park, Stinson Beach
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Parking: Available near Stinson Beach
Difficulty: Moderate 
Distance: 6.1 miles 
Time: 3 hours 
Route: Loop
Dogs allowed: No

Mount Tam (as the locals call it) is a towering beauty dominating the Marin County landscape, and it’s only logical that the namesake state park features a natural bounty to match. Featuring every kind of terrain NorCal is famous for, this spot boasts trails on trails—200 miles to be exact. But this San Francisco hike is a unique experience. You get to encounter shady oak forest, iconically Californian rolling hills, sandy shores, and, if the season allows, magical cascading waterfalls.

5. North Ridge and Sunset Trail Loop

Location: Angel Island State Park, Tiburon
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Parking: Not applicable
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 4.8 miles 
Time: 2.5 hours
Route: Loop
Dogs allowed: No

Angel Island, nestled in the heart of San Francisco Bay, presents its own set of wonders, starting with the picturesque ferry ride from Fisherman’s Wharf. The island's trails, including the climb to the 788-foot summit of Mount Livermore, are enveloped in lush pine and oak forests, adorned with vibrant wildflowers, creating a memorable hiking experience.

Dog-Friendly Hikes in San Francisco

6. Lands End Trail San Francisco

Location: Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco
Hours: Sunrise to sunset 
Parking: Available at the end of Geary Avenue 
Difficulty: Moderate 
Distance: 3.4 miles 
Time: 2.5-3 hours
Route: Loop
Dogs allowed: On leash

Few cities can rival San Francisco for a sense of endless nature within city limits. And at S.F.’s far northwest corner, this hike has miles of trails that go straight to the rugged Pacific coast. Sunny days on the Lands End Trails in San Francisco yield far out into the ocean and the hills of Marin—Golden Gate views galore.

7. Presidio Loop Trail

Location: Presidio of San Francisco, San Francisco
Hours: Sunrise to sunset 
Parking: Free three-hour parking at the nearest golf course
Difficulty: Moderate 
Distance: 6.1 miles 
Time: 4.5 hours 
Route: Loop
Dogs allowed: On leash

An urban hike through Presidio—S.F.’s beloved national park—is one of the most unforgettable on-foot experiences you’ll have in the bay. Filled with vistas of all the essentials, the Presidio Loop Trail takes you through a shaded wonderland of eucalyptus. You can find multiple spots for picnicking and birdwatching; just be prepared to share the experience with fellow nature enthusiasts since the trail is quite popular.

8. Stream, Mill, and French Trail Loop

Location: Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, Oakland
Hours: Sunrise to sunset 
Parking: Available at the Park's entrance
Difficulty: Moderate 
Distance: 5 miles 
Time: 2.5 hours 
Route: Loop
Dogs allowed: On leash

A redwood hideaway with minimal driving, Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park feels worlds away when it’s actually a few miles from the bay. Featuring a whopping 1,833 acres, the park is home to a forest of coastal redwoods brimming with grasslands and rare birdlife. The paved path of the Stream, Mill, and French Trail Loop takes you through the heart of Redwood Canyon—this S.F. trail is tailor-fit for any skill level.

9. Mori Point Loop Trail

Location: Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Pacifica
Hours: Sunrise to sunset 
Parking: Available near the Golden Gate Bridge 
Difficulty: Moderate 
Distance: 2.5 miles 
Time: 2 hours 
Route: Loop
Dogs allowed: On leash

For those seeking a shorter, pet-friendly excursion, Mori Point is an excellent choice. Located less than an hour south of San Francisco, this 32-acre coastal wetland offers stunning trails leading to the Pacific, where panoramic views of coastal bluffs await. On a lucky day, you might even glimpse whales migrating offshore. Remember to bring an extra layer, as the coastal weather can be unpredictable, even on seemingly warm days.