The city of San Francisco has surprisingly a lot of natural parks and viewpoints. Because the city has so many hills, there are lots of urban hikes for epic views in San Francisco. Keep reading for some of my favorite hiking spots for views, both within the city, and just outside of it.
Visiting San Francisco
Hey there fellow hiker! If you’re like me and itching to explore new trails in a city far from home, San Francisco should be high on your list of must-visit destinations. Nestled in the heart of the Bay Area / Northern California, the city has a lot more to offer than just its iconic landmarks and tech start-up fame. Here are a few reasons why San Francisco should be at the top of anyone’s list – despite what the media says about it.
Nature’s Playground at Your Doorstep
San Francisco isn’t just a concrete jungle; it’s a gateway to some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes you’ll ever lay your eyes on. Take a short hop across the mesmerizing Golden Gate Bridge, and you’ll find yourself in the Marin Headlands, a haven for hikers of all levels.
Whether you’re up for a leisurely stroll along the coastal trails or ready to tackle more challenging hikes with jaw-dropping panoramic views of the city, there’s a trail here for every hiker.
The Iconic Landmarks are Generally Outside (and Free)
San Francisco’s legendary landmarks are the cherry on top of your hiking adventure. The awe-inspiring Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the charming cable cars are just a few of the must-see sights that grace this city.
Many of the more touristy destinations are actually super fun, even from a local. Best of all, a lot of it is free.
Why San Francisco Has the Best Views
San Francisco boasts some of the best views on its hikes due to its unique geographic and topographic features. One key factor is the city’s stunning coastal location, which makes for epic sunsets, beautiful ocean views, and that ocean breeze – while still in an urban setting. While hiking, you’ll be able to see tons of rugged coastlines, and iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, all within the same hike. This juxtaposition of city life and nature makes the views in San Francisco’s hiking trails stand out.
San Francisco also has diverse microclimates and varying elevations. You will often hear that it is 70 and sunny in one side of the city, and 60 and foggy on the other side. The city’s hills, including famous ones like Twin Peaks and Telegraph Hill, provide elevated vantage points that offer unparalleled panoramic views of the entire city.
I’ve partnered with adidas as I explored my hometown of the San Francisco Bay Area. You’ll see me wearing some of my adidas Women’s hoodies favorites and of course my adidas hiking shoes.
adidas has an awesome Black Friday preview as Black Friday deals are coming around soon. It’s a great way to be prepared with your Holiday gifts. I personally plan on shopping for tons of cute stocking stuffers at adidas.
10 Best Hikes for Epic Views in San Francisco
Keep reading for the 10 best hikes for epic views in San Francisco.
1. Golden Gate Bridge Coastal Trail
Approximately 10-15 minutes from downtown San Francisco, this trail within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area offers iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean, with paths winding through cypress groves and along rugged coastal bluffs. It’s a perfect spot for whale watching during migration seasons.
This hike goes along the entire Presidio and even to Baker Beach. For first-time visitors, I will warn you that Bay Area beaches are not what you see on TV. The water is very cold, it’s generally not super hot, and you likely won’t be doing a ton of sunbathing. The beach however is really beautiful with the background of the red Golden Gate Bridge.
2. Twin Peaks
Just about a 15-minute drive from downtown San Francisco, Twin Peaks provides 360-degree views of the city and the Bay Area from its two prominent peaks, making it a popular spot for sunrise and sunset enthusiasts. Don’t forget to bring warm layers, as it can get windy at the top.
The hike up to Twin Peaks is only around 2 miles but because there is a considerable amount of elevation up, it will take around an hour.
3. Mount Davidson
Located within the city limits, Mount Davidson is only about 15-20 minutes from downtown San Francisco and offers serene hiking with beautiful city views, along with a towering cross at its summit. It’s an ideal spot for a peaceful escape and a moment of reflection.
It is technically the highest natural point in San Francisco at 938 feet. It is definitely a very Instagram-worthy destination on a clear day, with stunning views of the city.
4. Golden Gate View Point
Situated in the Marin Headlands, this trail is approximately a 20-25 minute drive from downtown San Francisco and offers striking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city skyline, making it a fantastic spot for photography. Sunset here is a mesmerizing experience on a clear day.
You will have to drive across the bridge and then loop around to get to the Golden Gate View Point. It is a one-way street and can get quite popular on the weekends. If you are timing sunset, I would recommend getting there a bit early and just bringing tons of thick jackets and blankets to keep you warm. The wind here can be no joke!
When we visited, it was 75 degrees in ‘normal’ San Francisco, and it felt like 50 degrees up by the view point. Luckily I had my adidas All Szn Fleece Boyfriend Hoodie to pair with my adidas Marathon 20 shorts and adidas Terrex Skychaser 2.0 Gore-Tex Hiking Shoes.
5. Lands End Trail
Within the city limits, Lands End Trail offers a stunning coastal hike along rugged cliffs, providing breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge, with the added attraction of the historic Sutro Baths ruins. Keep an eye out for the occasional shipwreck remnants along the shore.
Lands End is just past Baker Beach from the Presidio and has more of a historic look because of the rocks and Sutro Baths ruins. A great way to spend a day hiking in San Francisco is to start your day at Lands End Trail, head to Baker Beach, and then make your way through the Presidio along Golden Gate Bridge Coastal Trail.
6. Glen Canyon Park
In the heart of San Francisco just south of Twin Peaks, Glen Canyon Park features picturesque trails through a lush canyon, offering a serene escape from the urban environment, with opportunities to spot native flora and fauna. It’s like stepping into a hidden oasis within the city.
Glen Canyon Park doesn’t get as much attention as Twin Peaks, but in my opinion, it is still worth a visit. It’s honestly amazing that you can feel so much in nature in an urban environment!
7. Fort Funston Coastal Trail
Located along the southwest edge of San Francisco, Fort Funston Coastal Trail offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, cliffs, and opportunities to watch hang gliders.
It’s a dog-friendly destination, so you can bring your furry companion along. A popular way to hike Fort Funston is to head down to Funston Beach. On the weekends, you will see tons of families with their dogs running around.
The hike down to Funston Beach from Fort Funston Coastal Trail will take you around 1.5 hours for the full 2-mile loop. The walk along the beach is pretty slow because of the sand – and because you are taking in the views! And the way back up is a bit rough as it’s not super developed. The sand and dirt can get a bit slippery so wear good shoes and use caution.
8. Bernal Heights Park
A short drive from downtown San Francisco, Bernal Heights Park provides panoramic city views from its grassy hill, making it a favorite spot for picnics and photography. It’s particularly beautiful during sunrise and sunset on a clear day.
You can get 360 views of Golden Gate Bridge and East Bay. Bernal Heights is also a popular neighborhood for locals. Be sure to pop by Mitchell’s Ice Cream or Pinhole Coffee for your hike in Bernal Heights Park!
9. Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve
Explore the trails in this reserve, offering a quiet and forested hiking experience in the heart of San Francisco, with views of lush greenery and the surrounding city. The dense eucalyptus forest here creates a unique, almost otherworldly ambiance.
It’s a pretty easy climb up to the summit, where there are some benches so you can get views of the surrounding area.
10. Golden Gate Park
Finally, I have to mention the vast Golden Gate Park. This is the largest park in San Francisco, and there are so many small pockets of areas to explore here. It can be difficult to tackle the entire park in just one day because of how big it is!
Some of my favorite spots in Golden Gate Park are the Bison Paddock, the Queen Wilhelmina Garden which has beautiful tulips in the Spring, and the much larger San Francisco Botanical Garden.
Best Hikes Beyond San Francisco
To extend your hiking adventures beyond San Francisco, you can easily drive to other Bay Area locations for more epic views. Here are a few of my favorite hikes with epic views, just outside of San Francisco.
1. Mount Diablo State Park | 1.5 hours from SF
Mount Diablo State Park is located in East Bay, just past Oakland. It’s a popular park in East Bay because of the incredible 360 views you get of the surrounding area. The Summit Trail is one of the most popular hikes and will take you all the way up the summit to get beautiful views.
The weather in East Bay is generally a lot hotter and less foggy than San Francisco, so you have a really good chance of a clear view.
2. Muir Woods National Monument (Reservation Only) | 1 hour from SF
Muir Woods is one of the easiest ways to see redwood trees when you are visiting San Francisco. Because it is so close to SF and offers fairly easy mileage hikes for the beautiful redwoods, tons of visitors look to head to Muir Woods every year.
The parking lot at Muir Woods is very small, and they now require parking reservations in order to go. Check the official Muir Woods website to book your parking reservation.
3. Other hikes in Marin | 1-1.5 hours from SF
Up past the Golden Gate Bridge, you will get to Marin County or North Bay. There are so many hiking opportunities here, it will be hard to choose where you want to go.
One of the most popular hikes is the Tomales Point Trail in Point Reyes National Seashore. On a sunny day, you will get beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and Bodega Bay. If it is cloudy, your day won’t be ruined – because you are very likely to see some elk. The trail passes through the Tule Elk Reserve.
Another option in Marin is the Tennessee Valley Trail. We love taking our son here because it is a stroller-friendly trail. The trail leads to Tennessee Beach, which is definitely a cold, brisk Northern California Beach – but the views are so pretty!
Finally in Marin, there is Mount Tamalpais State Park. Mount Tam, as the locals call it, is one of the most popular hiking destinations. The Steep Ravine Trail is a very popular trail with a ladder climb, and one of the best ways to do it is hike Dipsea Trail to Steep Ravine to Matt Davis Loop Trail. You will be rewarded with both redwood views in the ravine, to views of the Pacific Ocean, and tons of jawdropping views.
4. Angel Island State Park | 30 minute ferry ride
Angel Island State Park is a hidden gem for San Francisco hiking trails. It is an island off the bay of San Francisco, and you need to take a ferry to get there. You can hike all around Angel Island and get amazing views of San Francisco. This is a great hiking option in the Spring, Summer or Fall! Ferry service becomes much more limited in the winter, and the waters can get pretty choppy.
If you are looking for more Bay Area hikes, check out my post on the 10 Best Dog Friendly Hikes in the Bay Area.
5. Drive Highway 1 to Half Moon Bay | 1 hour drive (one way)
Finally, driving Highway 1 from San Francisco to Half Moon Bay will get you some of the best views in all of Northern California. Highway 1 hugs along the coast of the Pacific Ocean and has dramatic cliffs all throughout.
Although a very famous portion of Highway 1 is closer to Big Sur, I personally find the section between San Francisco all the way down to Santa Cruz gorgeous as well.
Some good places to stop along your drive are Devil’s Slide (be careful as you drive here!) and Cowell Ranch Beach. If you have time, continue further down Half Moon Bay to check out Pigeon Point Lighthouse and the quaint town of Pescadero.
FAQs about Best San Francisco Hikes
Is Hiking in San Francisco Safe?
Yes! If you know where to go. There are certain areas I would recommend all first-time visitors to avoid. Luckily, most of those areas aren’t big hiking destinations anyway.
If you are in a rental car, you should always make sure the car is completely empty. Thieves target rental cars because some tourists leave luggage in plain sight – even after numerous warnings from the rental car agency, online, other people, etc.
What to Pack for Your San Francisco Hikes
San Francisco weather can be quite finicky. You might start your mornings out in cold fog, and then the sun will come out and it will feel like 100 degrees (it’s actually only 80). Then, once the sun goes behind the hills, it will feel super cold again.
Because of San Francisco’s unique micro-climate, I always like to pack tons of layers and be super prepared for the day.
adidas sent me some sweatshirts that have been in my rotation. You’ve seen the All Szn Fleece Boyfriend Hoodie in the photos above. I’ve also been wearing the adidas Men’s Adicolor Seasonal Archive Hoodie for a looser fit. You can explore more Women’s hoodies and Men’s sweatshirts on their website.
For pants, I either rotate between the adidas Basketball Shorts when I like a looser fit, the adidas Marathon 20 shorts for a more performance fit, or the adidas Daily Run 7/8 leggings for a colder day performance fit. You can view more Women’s basketball shorts on their website.
How Many Days do I need in San Francisco?
If it is your first time visiting San Francisco, I would recommend spending 1 week here. There are so many places to visit both inside the city and outside the city. There can be quite a bit of driving involved for hikes with epic views, especially if you want to go up to the Marin or down to the Half Moon Bay area (or beyond).
So in order to not tire yourself out from driving, one week is a safe bet for your first time to San Francisco.
Have you been to San Francisco before? What did you think?
