Best Hiking Trails Around the World in San Francisco, United States
1. Muir Woods National Monument
Explore a lush, old-growth redwood forest just north of San Francisco. Hike the easy Boot Jack Tree Trail or challenge yourself with the steep, scenic Muir Woods Loop.
- Rich Biodiversity: Home to numerous species of plants and wildlife
- Redwood Trees: See some of the tallest trees on Earth
- Historic Site: Established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908
2. Golden Gate Park
San Francisco's urban oasis offers numerous hiking trails within its sprawling grounds. Explore the Japanese Tea Garden, the Buffalo Paddock, or the Strawberry Hill.
- Urban Hike: Experience nature in a city setting
- Diverse Attractions: Visit numerous attractions within the park
- Scenic Views: Enjoy panoramic city and ocean vistas
3. Lands End Trail
Follow the rugged coastline from the Golden Gate Bridge to Ocean Beach, taking in stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Sutro Baths ruins, and the iconic Seal Rock.
- Coastal Hike: Explore the rocky coastline
- Historic Sites: Visit historical landmarks along the trail
- Scenic Viewpoints: Capture breathtaking photographs
4. Baker Beach
Hike the coastal bluffs above Baker Beach and take in views of the Golden Gate Bridge, or descend to the sandy shore for a beach stroll.
- Coastal Views: Enjoy stunning vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge
- Beach Access: Accessible beach with unique rock formations
- Picnic Opportunities: Perfect spot for a picnic and relaxation
5. Mount Tamalpais State Park
Discover diverse ecosystems as you hike through Mount Tam's scenic trails. Reach the summit for panoramic views of San Francisco and the Bay Area.
- Scenic Summit: Experience stunning 360-degree views
- Variety of Trails: Offers trails for hikers of all levels
- Natural Beauty: Explore rolling hills, forests, and wildflowers
6. Angel Island State Park
Take a ferry to Angel Island for hiking trails that offer incredible city views. Explore historical sites such as the Immigration Station.
- Ferry Accessible: Easily accessible by ferry from San Francisco
- Historical Landmarks: Visit significant immigration-era sites
- Urban and Bay Views: Enjoy views of the city skyline and San Francisco Bay
7. Presidio Park
Hike through historic Presidio Park, with trails that offer stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Pacific Ocean, and San Francisco's skyline.
- Historic Site: Explore the rich history of the former military base
- Scenic Viewpoints: Capture breathtaking photographs
- Urban Hike: Experience nature in a city setting
8. Morning Glory Stairs
Hike the steps of the Morning Glory Alley for panoramic views of San Francisco and the Bay Area. It's a challenge, but the view is worth it!
- Steep Challenge: Provides a physically demanding hike
- Urban Hike: Experience nature in a city setting
- Scenic Viewpoints: Capture breathtaking photographs
9. Tennessee Valley Trail
Follow the Tennessee Valley Trail through a picturesque valley, leading to the stunningly beautiful Tennessee Beach.
- Scenic Beauty: Explore rolling hills, forests, and wildflowers
- Beach Access: Accessible beach with stunning views
- Variety of Trails: Offers trails for hikers of all levels
10. Stinson Beach
Hike the coastal bluffs above Stinson Beach and take in views of the Pacific Ocean, or descend to the sandy shore for a beach stroll.
- Coastal Views: Enjoy stunning vistas of the Pacific Ocean
- Beach Access: Accessible beach with unique rock formations
- Picnic Opportunities: Perfect spot for a picnic and relaxation
11. Marin Headlands
Explore the rugged coastline of the Marin Headlands, with hiking trails that offer stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay.
- Scenic Viewpoints: Capture breathtaking photographs
- Coastal Hike: Explore the rocky coastline
- Historic Sites: Visit historical landmarks along the trail
12. Mount Diablo State Park
Hike through Mount Diablo State Park and reach the summit for panoramic views of San Francisco, the East Bay, and the Central Valley.
- Scenic Summit: Experience stunning 360-degree views
- Variety of Trails: Offers trails for hikers of all levels
- Natural Beauty: Explore rolling hills, forests, and wildflowers
13. Alcatraz Island
Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island for hiking trails that offer unique views of San Francisco and the Bay Area. Visit the infamous prison while you're there!
- Ferry Accessible: Easily accessible by ferry from San Francisco
- Historical Landmarks: Visit the infamous prison and other historical sites
- Urban and Bay Views: Enjoy views of the city skyline and San Francisco Bay
14. Point Reyes National Seashore
Visit Point Reyes National Seashore for a variety of hiking trails that take you through coastal landscapes, forests, and wildlife preserves.
- Coastal Hike: Explore the rocky coastline
- Rich Biodiversity: Home to numerous species of plants and wildlife
- Scenic Viewpoints: Capture breathtaking photographs
15. Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail
Follow in the footsteps of Juan Bautista de Anza and hike a portion of this historic trail, connecting San Francisco to other California destinations.
- Historic Site: Walk in the footsteps of early explorers
- Variety of Trails: Offers trails for hikers of all levels
- Scenic Beauty: Explore diverse landscapes and ecosystems