In San Francisco, it is always prime weather for hiking, especially now during the later than other places in the Bay Area summer – typically September and October. Explore our beautiful city, and add these easy best hikes in San Francisco to your outdoor bucket list. There are many gorgeous places at your fingertips here, so narrowing it to eight was difficult. Read on and fall in love with these great bucket list hiking spots. Happy trails!

1. Lobos Creek Valley Trail: 1750 Lincoln Blvd, San Francisco
Lobos Creek, San Francisco, CA, USA
Presidio.gov Website
The Lobos Creek Valley Trail is an easy 1 mile hike through restored dunes and forest in San Francisco's Presidio, especially in the winter. Before becoming the bustling city we know today, a large part of San Francisco was made up of coastal sand dunes. This could be the easiest hike in the city, and perhaps one of the least crowded ones too. It is also one of the most kid-friendly hikes around San Francisco.
2. Sunset Trail: Angel Island, Belvedere Tiburon
Angel Island, Tiburon, CA 94920, USA
Dave Fayram/Flickr
To get to the Sunset Trail, take the ferry to Angel Island from San Francisco and get ready to enjoy the beautiful scenery. As San Francisco Bay's largest island, Angel Island sits right between Marin and San Francisco Counties. The hike for Sunset Trail is easy, following a flat, paved (wheelchair accessible) trail. It is one of the few hiking trails found on an island too.
3. Land's End: 680 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco
Land's End viewing spot, Lands End Trail, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
Teresita Mejia/AllTrails
At 3.5 miles round-trip, it’s a steady but consistent workout, but easy here at Land's End. Whenever you feel winded or tired just pretend you’re stopping to take a picture or admiring the Golden Gate Bridge. Also, remember to stop along the Coastal Trail and check out the labyrinth at Eagle's Point.
4. Bernal Hill: 10 Bernal Heights Blvd, San Francisco
Bernal Heights, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
Carlos A/AllTrails
Bernal Heights is one of the most popular places to live in San Francisco, and it is here that you will find the Bernal Hill. Start your walk at a moderate pace and enjoy the one-mile paved path surrounding the hill. Once you've reached the summit, then appreciate 360-degree views of the city, including Downtown, Twin Peaks, Mount Davidson, the East Bay, and the peninsula.

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5. Crissy Fields: Mason Street and Crissy Field Avenue, San Francisco
Crissy Field East Beach, San Francisco, CA 94129, USA
Teresa Schwanauer/AllTrails
This is a very picturesque flat walk guaranteed to thrill with all of the best city icons. The urban hike from Crissy Fields to Fort Point is one of the country's prettiest urban walks, with panoramic views galore.
6. Sutro Heights Park: 48th Ave and Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco
Sutro Heights, 846 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
Big and Small Travel
Sutro Heights Park is a hidden gem sitting high above the Cliff House on the edge of San Francisco. Hike up the steps at a leisurely speed and then appreciate the ocean views along with the gardens and random statues. Eventually you'll end up at Sutro Baths and the infamous cave by the Cliff House. This is definitely one of the most scenic hikes in California.
7. John Mclaren Park: 100 John F Shelley Dr, San Francisco
John McLaren Park, 100 John F Shelley Dr, San Francisco, CA 94134, USA
William Warby/Flickr
Try the 1.6-mile loop hike by taking the shaded trail in John Mclaren Park, which is definitely one of the best parks in the city.. Enter the park from Mansell Street onto John F. Shelley Drive. You'll pass the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, while hiking, across Shelley Drive. There are plenty more miles of hikes in this park too.
8. Presidio Promenade Trail: Lombard Gate, San Francisco
Presidio Promenade Trail, San Francisco, CA 94129, USA
Peter Tarrant/AllTrails
Presidio Promenade Trail takes people through centuries of history at this former military base.. The 2.1-mile Presidio Promenade is a major east-west trail bringing visitors from the park’s urban edge at the Lombard Gate to the Golden Gate Bridge.

Did we miss some hikes? Let us know. Also, check out Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone Around San Francisco Should Take.

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More to Explore

Best hikes in San Francisco

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | June 08, 2022

Where can I find hiking trails near me in the Bay Area that are appropriate for kids?

There are numerous kid-friendly hiking trails dotted all over the San Francisco Bay Area. For example, there’s the Tennessee Valley Trail. Located in the Marin Headlands, this trail offers outstanding ocean views along the way. Another, going south of the city, is the Thornton Beach Trail in Daly City. This relatively flat and easy trail also offers spectacular ocean views.

Are there any waterfall hikes in the San Francisco Bay Area?

Absolutely! In fact, you would no doubt enjoy a waterfall weekend itinerary that winds from the Marin area north of the Golden Gate Bridge, into the city, then onto the East Bay and South Bay. Each waterfall offers its own unique flavor and flair!

After a good hike, I’m always looking for the best burger restaurants in Northern California. Can you point me in the right direction?

Boy oh boy do I have some suggestions for you! One of the best burger restaurants in Northern California is The Habit Burger Grill in Novato. Here I would suggest trying the Cubano Char, made with a seasoned chargrilled patty topped with grilled honey ham, double cheese, and zesty mustard. For vegans (without the cheese) and vegetarians, the Impossible Cheeseburger at Gott's Roadside Grill in Palo Alto is amazing (especially the secret sauce!).

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