Travel Guide: Hiking near San Francisco

{About}

One of the highlights of living in San Francisco, and this part of California more broadly is the incredible access to nature and the ease of hitting the hiking trail. Here are some of our favorite hikes and open areas within easy driving distance of San Francisco.

{Favorite Areas and Hikes}

  • Golden Gate Recreation Area

    • The Golden Gate Recreation Area (GGRA) is managed by the National Park Service and encompasses a large area of land in and around San Francisco. Several parks within the city are part of the GGRA, however, the most famous hikes are found just across the Golden Gate bridge in Marin County.

  • Marin Headlands is part of GGRA and encompasses land right at the tip of Marin County on the Pacific. It is a relatively small area but offers dramatic views over the Pacific.

  • Muir Woods is a very well-known part of GGRA. It is a bit farther from the city and is nestled behind the picture-perfect Mill Valley area.

    • If you are planning to visit Muir Woods you must book parking in advance online.

    • The main trail around the redwoods is spectacular. It is very easy to navigate and good for all abilities. It is mostly paved (you’ll see some strollers) and there are good amenities. You can also branch off of the main path for more adventurous hikes such as the Dipsea Trail and Mt Tamalpais.

  • Favorite hikes:

    • Tennessee Valley

    • Gerbode Valley

    • SCA Trail

    • Costal Trail

    • Julian Trail

    • Rodeo Valley

    • Bobcat Trail

    • Hawk Hill (advanced biking)

{etc.}

  • Facilities throughout the area are basic but fairly available. I’d recommend bringing tissues/wipes/hand sanitizer and some bags for trash just in case.

  • Arrive early (before 9:30/10 am) on weekends as parking lots do fill up and traffic in and out gets quite heavy.

  • Bring snacks, there are very few concessions inside the recreation areas. Mill Valley and Sausalito have cute places for a pre or post-hike bite.

  • Download the All Trails app and bookmark/download your intended hike before you turn into the nature preserves. The cell service is quite spotty. Note that some of the trails have different names between the app, Google maps, and what is posted on the physical signs.

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