San Francisco is full of many surprises, especially for hikes. There are some hikes in the middle of the city that are overlooked and simply waiting to be discovered. Discover these awesome city hikes not far from the hustle and bustle of town – without all the commotion. If you’re on the lookout for the best hiking trails near me, here are some scenic hikes in San Francisco that you might just call the best hikes in San Francisco, period.

1. Bernal Heights Park
10 Bernal Heights Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
Elaine Y/Yelp
Bernal Hill has wonderful views. This hike is easy to get to from the Mission, and best yet the hike up the hill is not even a mile. If you drive, park along Bernal Heights Boulevard and Ellsworth Street for access.
2. Lands End Trail
680 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
Tim B/Yelp
Lands End is the northwestern point of San Francisco. This hike takes you along the water with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean stretching out. If you want to see more cool stuff then seek out the Lands End Labyrinth.
3. Sutro/Historic Trail
Medical Center Way, San Francisco, CA, USA
Jing D/Yelp
A hidden urban trail that is in the middle of the city. The historic trail goes through a wilderness area and ends up near Sutro Tower. The trailhead starts at Stanyan and 17th.
4. Strawberry Hill
50 Stow Lake Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA
Orin D/Yelp
Visit Golden Gate Park for this great trail. Also, this time of year in the city is the perfect time for an urban hike. Strawberry Hill is a little hidden gem inside Golden Gate Park, and better yet it is wonderful for all levels and ages. Seek out the waterfall as well if you visit!

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5. Corona Heights Park
32 Museum Way, San Francisco, CA 94114, USA
Lincy H/Yelp
A beautiful and worthwhile trek to the top. This is a very short hike, which would take no more than 20-25 minutes to complete. Don't worry, you do get great views of the city from the top and it's a nice hike you can jog up as well.
6. Crissy Fields Hike
Mason Street, Mason St, San Francisco, CA, USA
Carissa K/Yelp
This is a classic city hike that is easy to do. A flat walk guaranteed to thrill with all of the best city icons. This hike from Crissy Field to Fort Point is one of the country's prettiest urban walks, with panoramic views galore.
7. Presidio Promenade Trail
Lombard Gate, San Francisco, CA 94123, USA
Presidio Park Site
The Presidio offers the ideal urban hike. The 2.1-mile Presidio Promenade Trail is a major east-west trail bringing visitors from the park’s urban edge at the Lombard Gate to the Golden Gate Bridge. Presidio Promenade trail takes people through centuries of history.
8. John Mclaren Park
100 John F Shelley Dr, San Francisco, CA 94134, USA
Bryan E/Yelp
Not a well known city hike, but worthwhile. There are several different hikes and trails you can explore at John Mclaren Park. On one of the hikes, you'll pass the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater across Shelley Drive. Take the time to explore, and parking if you drive is plentiful.

Have you been on any of these hikes? If you’re curious about other hiking spots near the city then check out The Hike That Takes You To Not One, But TWO Beautiful Waterfalls near San Francisco!

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More to Explore

Best Hikes in San Fransisco

Tori Jane | April 28, 2022

What are some of the greatest kid-friendly hikes around San Francisco? 

San Francisco is an amazing city for anyone who loves the great outdoors, especially hikers; there are so many lovely trails around San Francisco that it might be kind of hard to know where to begin, especially if you have little ones coming along. A couple of our favorite kid-friendly hikes around San Francisco include gems like the amazing Glen Canyon Park Trail, at Glen Canyon Park. That one is 1.8 miles long, easy, and delightful, featuring some truly lovely wildflowers and super-interesting geological formations along the way. While you’re there be sure to check out Islais Creek, which is one of the very few remaining free-flowing creeks in the Bay Area. Alternatively, check out the Mt. Davidson Trail at Mt. Davidson Park, which is easier than it sounds like it should be. It’s a one-mile boardwalk trail in San Francisco that leads up to the city’s highest point; it’s a treat!  

What are the most wonderful scenic hikes in San Francisco?  

Honestly, we’re pretty sure that every single hiking trail around San Francisco – and in San Francisco – is wonderful. The area is just so breathtaking, making it super easy to create scenic hiking trails to adventure on. A couple of our absolute favorite scenic hikes in San Francisco include ones like the Land’s End at El Camino Del Mar, which features miles of awe-inspiring trails and is easily one of the most amazing hikes in San Francisco. Be sure to also check out the world-famous Batteries to Bluffs Trail, in Presidio, and admire Baker Beach before meandering up the coast. These are, obviously, nowhere near all of your options – but they are some of the best options!  

What are the most popular easy hikes in San Francisco?  

The Bay Area Ridge Trail is an incredible hike, extending in part from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Marin Headlands. It’s 1.7 miles in length and might be the most famous hiking trail in San Francisco thanks to the fact that it’s all about the Golden Gate Bridge. While you’re in the area, be sure to also hike the Golden Gate Park Loop, which is longer, at 6.3 miles in length, but it’s also a wonderful trail in the third-most visited park in the United States. It makes for a rewarding, scenic hike, and we think you’ll enjoy it enough to want to come back over and over again! Best of all, bring the kids!  

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