16 Best Hikes in San Francisco You Must Try

Many travelers know about the world-renowned Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and flock there as soon as they get to the city and they should, it’s an icon of San Francisco. As someone who has lived in the city for almost two decades, tourist attractions in San Francisco are nice, but I want to share one way to spice up the experience of visiting the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Bay area by combining it with lesser known but still great hiking spots and vista points. These are the best hikes in San Francisco to get you outdoors and offer amazing views.

Best Hikes in San Francisco, California

1. Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Most travelers tend to start their Golden Gate Bridge walk at the base of the bridge, turn around and walk back. They take some pictures along the way and go home. That isn’t bad, but to get more exercise, take in better views, and end up feeling more satisfied by having a day full of more varied experiences let’s take things a bit further.

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area boasts miles of hiking trails, and unobstructed views and is the perfect way to see a different side of San Francisco. It spans both the Marin and San Francisco sides of the Golden Gate Bridge and has hiking trails for every fitness level. For more information on hiking and parking visit the Golden Gate Bridge Website.

2. Lands End

The trail along Lands End Hike isn’t too long, but it is quite magical. The walk offers tremendous vistas unique to San Francisco. On a clear day, the hikers can see far into the depths of the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Marin Headlands to the north, and the Golden Gate Bridge to the east.

Start off in the Outer Richmond area at the edge of Lands End Golden Gate Area near the Cliff House and the historic Sutro Baths and Park at the Lands End Main Parking Lot. From there, a trail leads into Lands End within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and your adventure starts.

The area is called Lands End because it is located literally at the end of all land to the west as its cliffs end at the base of the Pacific Ocean. The narrow trail that parallels the cliffs doesn’t disappoint. It quickly leads the travelers right along the edge of the cliffs, below which the Pacific Ocean waves crash into the rocks.

Surprisingly, the park also has one of the best art museums in San Francisco. The Palace of the Legion of Honor is a great place to take a break for an hour or two and take in…