(This article contains affiliate links. Along the trail, make sure to stop in atLands End Labyrinth, Mile Rock Beach, USS San Francisco Memorial, and Point Lobos. It feels a bit like the Sierra Nevada mountains right in the city. The 4.25-mile, 2,000-stair walk takes place the morning of May 6, starting and ending at Joe DiMaggio Playground, 651 Lombard St., S.F. If youre looking for a quintessential hiking experience in San Francisco, it doesnt get more iconic than the Batteries to Bluffs Trail. Plus, bragging rights that you tackled one of the hardest hiking trails near San Francisco. Most Hondurans reaching the cities in the Bay Area or elsewhere in the U.S. find legal work. San Franciscos Crosstown Trail is an epic 17 mile walk that explores the whole city, from the southeast to the northwest corners. Wear warm layers and waterproof shoes if possible since the trail is usually muddy. Mount Sutro is located near the UCSF campus and, similar to Twin Peaks, you can start the trail from various locations. If the walk under the Bay Bridge, past the Ferry Building, and Pier 39 makes you hungry, stop in at one of the small restaurants along the way; it's hard to go wrong. So easy and free, of course! What started as a Spanish fort built by Ohlone conscripts in 1776 is now a treasure hunt of surprises. The free Heritage Gallery shows the history of the Presidio, from Native American days to the present, along with temporary exhibitions. The most walkable neighborhood in San Francisco is Chinatown with a perfect Walk Score rating of 100, followed closely by Downtown-Union Square and Lower Nobb Hill, both with Walk Score ratings of 99. It tops out at both Sutro Tower and Twin Peaks, for a total elevation gain of 856 feet. Today the square is graced by the Goddess of Democracy, a bronze replica of the statue that Tiananmen Sq protesters made in 1989. There are also various historic sights and famous viewpoints to be found around the Marin Headlands, including the postcard view of the Golden Gate Bridge from Battery Spencer. You can access it from all directions, not just the starting point shown here. The 5 best walks in San Francisco - Lonely Planet There are twelve miles of hiking trails on Angel Island and all of them will give you a great mix of quiet forest, killer views and/or history. Wear those hiking boots and carry water. 2.3 miles loop from Baker Beach to the Golden Gate Bridge (or the reverse). These are the best hiking spots around the city for good views and getting the good kind of lost in nature. Tickets are available at www.walksf.org. Not to worry: They offer many ways to take in one of the most beautiful -- and eminently walkable -- cities in the world. This is also a popular place for hang gliders so youll usually see one or two flying above you as you walk the trail, especially from March to October. What is the longest city walk trail in San Francisco? Parking at the bridge's south vista point is limited and expensive, which may tempt you to rush instead of exploring. Rest your weary legs in a taxi. Muir Woods is a popular place to go for a hike near San Francisco for good reason its the best place to find old-growth California redwoods near the city. Telegraph Hill is easily recognized from almost anywhere in the city by Coit Tower, which is located at the top. Return the way you came, or walk down Lombard all the way to North Beach, where you could pick up the Telegraph Hill walk if you still have energy. Pedestrians take the eastern sidewalk. Glen Canyon Park is a quiet hideaway tucked into a residential part of the city. Never fear, this guide will ensure you hit all the hottest spots!" Featuring: Alcatraz Island, Ferry Building Marketplace, Union Square, & 9 more places Good for History Buff Thrill Seeker Nightlife Seeker Foodie The terrain includes a mix of sidewalk, dirt path and eucalyptus forest. 10 Beaches In And Around San Francisco To Soak In The Warm Weather, 11 Picturesque Lakes To Visit On A Sunny Day In The Bay, Giant Water Lilies Are In Bloom Through The Summer At The Conservatory Of Flowers. Both start and end at the harbor. Alternatively, you can extend the walk an additional three miles and continue along the waterfront to Crissy Field. Lombard Street. Just make sure to pack a jacket since its almost always windy at the summit. Walking Around in San Francisco - the best way to visit it We recommend taking the detour down to Marshall Beach. Those highlights included: the botanical garden, Stowe Lake, Sprekles Lake, the bison paddock, the windmills, and (if you have energy) a detour to the Japanese Tea Garden. #10 - The Embarcadero to Fisherman's Wharf. May i know which is the hike where your cover photo of this blog was taken ( overlooking SF along with tree trunks ) ? Dont miss Waverly Place and its historic clinker-brick buildings and flag-festooned temple balconies. This trail is on the easier side, so its a good option if youre looking for a quick walk in nature that isnt too strenuous. In my opinion, this is possibly the world's best urban walk, running between the Marina and Fort Point beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Then walk west on Sacramento Street, turn right on Fillmore Street, right again on Union Street, and climb up curvy Octavia Street to get back to the park. There are quite a few Presidio hiking trails, but an ideal one to start with is the Presidio Promenade Trail. Andrea H/Yelp. The Best California Road Trip Itineraries: 13 Grand Adventures, Where to Go Wine Tasting in Pismo Beach: Complete Winery Guide. From riding cable cars to exploring the city's food scene, these are the essential things to do on a visit to San Francisco. Difficulty:Varies, with some trails fairly flat. If youre looking for a longer hike, near the end of the Presidio Promenade Trail you can hop on the Batteries to Bluffs Trail for an additional two miles. 1 | Glen Park Canyon Though I walk here as often is possible, I still can't believe that this 70-acres of wildness is in San Francisco proper. Archaeological digs have uncovered remains from some of the city's earliest structures here. Turn right onto Waller St and left uphill past 432 Delmar St, site of the Sid Vicious overdose that broke up the Sex Pistols in 1978. If you time it right, you can watch the sunset at Ocean Beach and then grab a takeout dinner at one of the many delicious restaurants in Outer Sunset on your way back. Start near Ghirardelli Square at the Hyde Street cable car turnaround. Marina Green to Fort Mason A 74-acre stretch of grass and walkway between Fort Mason and the Presidio, this northernmost walk in San Francisco is an ideal way to check out the bay and the. By Lyn Mettler | May 13, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. But we like the park loop trail because its a flat, but longer San Francisco walk, covering some of the parks key highlights. You'll have to pay to park there, but you can stay much longer than at the vista point. From historic strolls, to wild canyons, urban flaneuring, and epic ocean views; these 10 best walks in San Francisco will help you explore the whole city, with a variety of distances. Use our Barbary Coast guide for key stops and historical context. If youre looking for a challenging hike in the Bay Area, hiking to the top of Mount Diablo is a rite of passage for every local (and visitor too!). These San Francisco walks range from 1.8 miles up to 17 miles, and weve ordered them according to distance. Add 15% to the fare as a tip ($1 minimum). Besides a few months of the year (September to November), San Francisco stays on the cooler side year-round. Marked by bronze medallions in the sidewalk, the trail works its way through and past 20 notable sites, five local-history museums, and centuries-old sailing ships. Dress warmly! San Francisco Travel Guide on Tripadvisor Trailhead: Start from the Fort Funston Parking Lot, Highlights: wildflowers, paragliders, ocean views, historic military fortifications, Pet-Friendly: Yes. Glen Canyon Park is a city park with 60 acres of green space and a number of fun activities including a rock climbing wall. This hilly San Francisco hike will allow you to double dip two of the best views in the city. Pass community centers, churches, bodegas, panaderias (bakeries), and taquerias all swathed in murals. Here's why. Although most people drive to Twin Peaks to take in the popular viewpoint, if youre looking for a good workout, hiking can be a fun way to get to the top of the summit. And while doing the bridge is fun as an out and back, you can also walk one-way into Sausalito, and then take the ferry back to downtown SF. How to walk to some of the best San Francisco attractions Trailhead: Near Lincoln Boulevard and Baker Beach, Highlights: Golden Gate Bridge views, coastal views, and historic sites, Pet-friendly: No. 17 miles from Candlestick Point (in the SE) to Sutro Baths (in the NW), or the reverse. If youre looking for beautiful coastal views, look no further than the Marin Headlands. If youve already done all of the above hikes or youre just looking for more hiking options that arent too far from the city, these are some of the best places to hike in the Bay Area. The park is in the geographic center of the city, with Twin Peaks to the north and Glen Park to the east. The most popular and difficult city walk trail in San Francisco is San Francisco Crosstown Trail with a 4.7-star rating from 1,230 reviews. (Confirm the ferry schedule before you set out.) Of course, we cant ignore San Franciscos largest park for its plethora of walking spots and things to do! 1. It includes some great views and transits some some pretty wild parks, making it one of best walks in San Francisco for sheer variety. ABC7 Bay Area 24/7 live . Take a look at some of the beautiful homes on this side of town which often feature lovely gardens and more. When you hear the surf, youre close to the Pacific and magnificent four-mile-long Ocean Beach. This floating park is an absolute paradise amid San Franciscos skyscrapers, and its free and open to all! The distance from one vista point to another is 1.7 miles, but even a short hike (or to the middle and back) will give you a feel for the structure. The trail begins at Candlestick Point and ends at Lands End. Note the words of Chinese poet Li Po embedded in the alley: "In the company of friends, there is never enough wine." These are the best hiking spots around the city for good views and getting the good kind of lost in nature. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. The latter, one of the city's oldest routes, is a mile-long jaunt that led on-post soldiers toward their city sweethearts. Admire pristine landscaping and views of multi-million dollar homes on the way up, as well as a great view of the city when you reach the top. Although Mount Davidson is just south of Twin Peaks, its much less crowded. Glen Canyon Park Loop 1.8 mile loop starting and ending at the George Christopher or Glen Park playgrounds. Theres a tangle of trees, cool rock formations, a creek and resident coyotes. And if youve never experienced what its like to walk amongst huge California redwoods its magical. Despite recent explosions, experts say San Francisco's underground Tip: Wear comfy shoes! As a protected area and former military base in the northwest corner of the city, the Presidio is one of the best places to go hiking in San Francisco. What is the most popular and difficult city walk trail in San Francisco? Salesforce Park is a lush, green island elevated 70 feet above Salesforce Plaza. This is hands down one of my favorite places to hike in the Bay Area for its open trails and expansive ocean views. Office vacancy rates in San Francisco were 24.8% in the first quarter, more than five times higher than pre-pandemic levels and well above the average rate of 18.5% for the nation's top 10 . We are a program of the San Francisco Public Library. Going west, you get bridge views all the way. If you are just keen to hike and arent as interested in the historic sites, the ranger suggests going up using the North Ridge Trail and coming down using the Sunset trail. Keep in mind that its almost always windy on this side of San Francisco, so dress warmly and layer up. Strawberry Hill 4.8 (111 reviews) Hiking Closed until 9:00 AM tomorrow "Saturday) and it requires a very short but kind of steep walk up to see the sunset. Looking for more Northern California travel and hiking inspiration? Get yours "dorado style," so theyll crisp the outside. Along the way, youll discover opportunities for good food and drink, as well shops like none youll find elsewhere. You'll walk through an area of houses and well-manicured gardens, where sidewalks and steps replace streets. If you do all of the stops that we recommend, youll cover ~4.5 miles over 2.5-3 hours. Web Visit website. The 20 Best Things to Do in San Francisco, 48 Hours in San Francisco: The Ultimate Itinerary, Don't Miss These Great San Francisco Attractions, 18 Best Things to Do in San Francisco at Night, Places to Find the Best Golden Gate Bridge View, Golden Gate Bridge: Vista Points and What to Expect, Your Trip to San Francisco: The Complete Guide, Things You Didn't Know You Wanted to Do in San Francisco, Top 9 Things to Do in San Francisco's Marina District, How to Visit Lombard Street the Right Way. These include the Mary Bowerman Interpretive Trail, Curry Point and Balancing Rock Trail, and the Donner Canyon and Falls Hike, among others. Continuing west, theres the walk to the summit at Strawberry Hill and the namesake large, furry critters grazing at the Buffalo Paddock. Stop into the Chinese Historical Society of America, which shows what it was like to be Chinese in America during the gold rush, transcontinental railroad construction and the decades that followed, all while contending with virulent racism. TheGolden Gate bridgeis SFs most iconic landmarkand also one of its most popular walking spots. Whe, 46 Things to do at Night in San Francisco, Lands End Hike Eagles Point to Sutro Baths Hike, Best Parks in San Francisco with Short Hikes, Best Hiking Near San Francisco Top 3 Bay Area Hikes, Palm Springs to Joshua Tree: How to Make the Most Out of Your Trip, 10 Best Compact Binoculars for Outdoor Activities (2023 Buying Guide), 17 Best Camping Tables for Cooking & Eating in the Wilderness. Unlike Twin Peaks, this is a much more local hike and therefore wont be quite as busy. The parks main feature is its large freshwater lake that is a beautiful spot for picnics. This trail is estimated to be 25.6 km long. At the top of the hill, youll also find the well-known radio tower that was built in 1934 by the William Randolph Hearst Company. If youre looking for more of a workout and steep inclines, as well as more good views, take the North and South Ridge Trails. Its also a great hike for anyone who wants to learn more about the history of the Presidio. At the north end, follow the curving walkway and road all the way down to Fort Baker and Horseshoe Bay. Just keep the water to your right and youre good to go.). 2. However, if youd rather have views of the Golden Gate Bridge in front of you (instead of behind you) for most of the hike, its better to start from the Sutro Baths. San Francisco's Crosstown Trail is a mixture of hiking trails, various parks, hidden paths, and more! This spring break, enjoy the very best of nature. You will find a gravel lot not far down on your left. This is a must-visit for all visitors to and citizens of San Francisco. Save Ryan Ver Berkmoes Jan 30, 2022 9 min read From crossing the Golden Gate Bridge to wandering through some of the city's best parks, here are five great walking routes in San Francisco Maridav / Getty Images The best way to see San Francisco is on foot. Head inland to Fort Winfield Scott, with its flat parade ground and vintage buildings. Welcome to San Francisco - a city that has much more to offer other for visitors than just the Golden Gate bridge. Crissy Fields Hike. Its the best trail to learn more about the layered history of Angel Island, taking you by sights like Camp Reynolds, Point Blunt, and Immigration Station. Our guide to San Franciscos Crosstown Trail will introduce you to the 17 mile walk, and give you three ways to tackle it. Before starting your hike in the Presidio, its worth it to stop in at the visitor center (once it opens again), to learn more about the history of the area, pick up maps, and get inspiration for other hiking spots in the neighborhood. Looking for other California hikes? Note: this post contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free travel adviceand tips. On Valencia St, pause to pay your respects to bygone celebrities at Dog Eared Books the front window features hand-drawn obituary cartoons of luminaries. DIFFICULTY: Steep Begin at Pacific and Polk (via bus #12 or 19). Golden Gate Park: West End. In total, its only about a two-mile hike but be prepared for a steady climb to get to the top. The Best Walks In San Francisco, California - Culture Trip www.nps.gov/prsf/, 5. San Francisco's 49 square miles are among America's most densely populated urban spaces. This old footpath in the Presidio was once a shortcut used by Spanish soldiers. The steep climb leads past hidden cottages along Napier Lane, more sweeping views and more colorful wild-parrot flocks. Because of this, layers are important when youre tackling San Francisco hiking trails. This tour is perfect for all foodies, you will get to experience different cuisines making it one of the best San Francisco walking tours for dining. Its all about the views and on a clear day, you can see Angel Island, Alcatraz Island, SFs Marina district and even the Bay Bridge. This is the hometown of San Francisco's drug dealers Begin at the citys first building and neighborhood namesake: adobe Mission Dolores, built by some 5000 conscripted Ohlone and Miwok laborers. Trailhead: Start at the Historic Trail on 17th and Stanyan St, Highlights: Not too crowded, peaceful walk, thick forests, scenic views. Walks San Francisco - City Experiences 3. Trailhead: Start from the Bernal Heights Park Parking Lot, Highlights: Panoramic views, not too crowded, wildlife (birds), wildflowers, Pet-Friendly: Yes, dog are allowed on leash on the trail and theres an off-leash area for dogs to play. The canyon borders various local neighborhoods and spans 70 acres, making it the perfect hiking oasis in San Francisco. Crowds descend on weekends, especially on fog-free days, so arrive early. Follow the cable car line up the hill on Hyde Street. Directions Activity Difficulty Length Suitability More filters 1 Top trails ( 34) Hard 4.7 (1230) Plus, hiking in San Francisco means youll get a good calf workout AND great views pretty much anywhere you go because of the citys famous hills. Angel Island Company offers a number of activities including bicycle and kayak rentals. This hill is in the middle of the city, offering incredible views of the whole city. Its a great spot for walking and biking because its almost entirely car-free! Frommer's, and carefully selected third parties, use cookies on this site to improve performance, for analytics and for advertising. Walkupany street you like toward the tower. Whether you have two hours or most of a day, one of these walks will suit. The Easiest, Best Hikes In San Francisco For All Skill Levels Tip: Wear something to protect you from wind. Due to where the city is situated and its location near the water, San Francisco is also known to have microclimates. "A culinary hub, socially diverse and culturally progressive, Berkeley offers a vibrant mix of neighborhoods, Read More Best Spots to Play Ultimate Frisbee in the San Francisco Bay Area January 24, 2023 After your walk, consider celebrating at a brewery such as Anchor Brewing Company or Harmonic Brewing! Park at Fort Point to make the round trip and follow the edge of the water until you reach the walking path. At 740 acres, lets just say theres a lot of land to explore on Angel Island. 1. People are usually surprised when they visit San Francisco for the first time because they think of California and think hot weather. Stay safe and enjoy the natural beauty of San Francisco with these hikes! Lovers' Lane at the Presidio 4.6 (73 reviews) Hiking Presidio Heights Closed until 9:00 AM tomorrow Now check your email to confirm your subscription. Its about 3.5 miles long and pretty flat, and closed to cars on weekends (from Fridays starting at noon until Mondays starting at 6am). 8. If you're a film fan, you may recognize the apartment house at 1360 Montgomery, where Lauren Bacall gave refuge to Humphrey Bogart in the movie. Plus, theres a long beach just below that is perfect for laying out and picnicking on a nice day in the city. Both of the ridge hikes are approximately 4.5 miles. The official version follows the blufftop from Baker Beach to the old gun batteries near the Langdon lot. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. We also recommend adding onto the hike by continuing past the Langdon lot to the southern base of the bridge. The crosstown trail literally takes you across San Francisco allowing hikers or bikers to see what SF has to offer! Despite two underground explosions in San Francisco in less than three months, experts say that underground power distribution is safer than above ground wires. Book a vacation rental on Airbnb(and get $40 off your first booking). Otherwise, there are also plenty of Muir Woods tours that go up to the park from the city, but these only give you about an hour to an hour and a half in the park. Consider these lovely places around the city for your next outing. A beautiful walk for a nice day. This old footpath in the Presidio was once a shortcut used by Spanish soldiers. Although your calves might be burning after this short hike, the views are breathtaking from the top. The loop connects the Sutro Tower trail and the Twin Peaks Connector trail. The park is also known for its large concrete cross, which is now owned by The Council of Armenian American Organizations of Northern California. More than 5 million people visit the Presidio every year to hike or bike within the park's 1,491 acres.