Top 10 Urban Walks & Hikes in San Francisco
Even within a busy, internationally known city, you will find a stunning variety of coastal trails, hidden stairways, and towering urban peaks.
When you don’t have time to drive over the bridge to Mount Tamalpais or across the bay to Mount Diablo, San Francisco has you covered. Built on 43 hills and surrounded by water on three sides, the city itself is a hiker's paradise. Whether you are looking for a flat, breezy stroll along the bay or a strenuous cardio stair-climb to panoramic vistas, check out our guide to the top 10 walking and hiking destinations right here in the city.
Crissy Field to Fort Point
This is a fantastic flat-level walk or run along the waterfront. Formerly a military airfield, it has been restored into a beautiful coastal promenade with wonderful views of the bay and Alcatraz.
Pro Tip: Start at the Marina Green and walk west all the way to Fort Point—a Civil War-era brick fortress situated directly beneath the southern arch of the Golden Gate Bridge. Heading back east offers an unbeatable view of the San Francisco skyline.
Telegraph Hill & The Filbert Steps
An exciting hike up a steep hill navigated via a multitude of historic wooden stairs. Begin your venture near Washington Square in North Beach and head east toward Coit Tower.
Pro Tip: Take the Filbert Street Steps down the eastern side of the hill. It feels like a secret garden oasis. The tranquility is often interrupted by the famous flock of wild cherry-headed parrots socializing loudly overhead! Don't miss the 1934 depression-era murals inside Coit Tower at the summit.
Walking the Golden Gate Bridge
Most major suspension bridges do not allow pedestrians, making this a true lifetime experience. Walking the span gets you up close and personal with the massive art-deco towers and sweeping cables.
Pro Tip: Pedestrians use the East Sidewalk (facing the city). Walk all the way to Vista Point in Marin County to gaze back at your accomplishment. Always layer your clothing—the wind coming through the Golden Gate Strait is notoriously freezing, even in summer.
Hyde Street & Russian Hill
An invigorating hike in an iconic urban setting. Start near Ghirardelli Square and follow the Hyde Street cable car tracks up the massive hill. You'll definitely feel the burn!
Pro Tip: At the crest, you will find the top of Lombard Street (the "crookedest street in the world"). Look back down Hyde Street for a superb, classic view of Alcatraz. Continue south to visit the Cable Car Museum on Washington Street.
Angel Island State Park
Often called the "Ellis Island of the West," Angel Island offers miles of flat and hilly trails with 360-degree views of the entire Bay Area.
Pro Tip: The paved Perimeter Road is a gentle 5.5-mile loop. For history buffs, stop to tour the U.S. Immigration Station where hundreds of thousands of immigrants were processed from 1910 to 1940. Note: No dogs are allowed on the island.
Presidio: Batteries to Bluffs Trail
The western edge of the Presidio offers wild, rugged coastal hiking that feels completely removed from the city. The trail winds past historic artillery batteries and down to Baker Beach.
Pro Tip: This short but heavily-stepped trail offers arguably the best sunset views of the Golden Gate Bridge in the city, framed by restored native wildflowers. *A quick heads-up: the northernmost end of Baker Beach is clothing-optional!*
Mt. Sutro & Twin Peaks
Hike through a dense, mystical eucalyptus forest on Mt. Sutro where the fog frequently drips from the canopy. Continue upward to the barren summits of Twin Peaks.
Pro Tip: An approximate 4.5-mile loop from Golden Gate Park connects these two peaks. If the fog permits, the top of Twin Peaks offers an unobstructed 360-degree view of the entire Bay Area.
Bernal Heights Park
Wander through the narrow, semi-bohemian streets to reach this park. The hill’s solid bedrock foundation famously survived the 1906 earthquake and fire, providing a safe haven.
Pro Tip: It’s an easy, short hike up a paved trail to the summit. It is a wildly popular off-leash dog area. Be sure to take a photo on the famous tree swing overlooking the downtown skyline!
Golden Gate Park
Larger than Central Park in NY, this is a walker’s absolute paradise. Stroll along the completely car-free John F. Kennedy (JFK) Promenade spanning the length of the park.
Pro Tip: Walk from east to west. Start at the historic Conservatory of Flowers, pass the Bison Paddock, watch model yachts at Spreckels Lake, and end at the majestic Dutch Windmills near Ocean Beach.
Fort Funston
If you enjoy the wild wind, head over to the southwestern corner of the city off Skyline Blvd. This features 200-foot sandy bluffs where you will find colorful hang gliders soaring in the updrafts.
Pro Tip: The network of sandy trails down to the beach will definitely give you a cardio workout. It is arguably the most dog-friendly park in the city. Please be leery of the surf—it is highly dangerous with extreme undertows.
Hit the Trails
Have a fabulous time whether strolling, hiking, or running. San Francisco is a wonderfully diverse city that embraces nature at every turn. Grab your comfortable shoes, pack some layers, and discover the natural beauty hidden within the urban grid!
Or take it easy with one of our tours
Tour Hop-On Hop-Off di 2 giorni e Tour Notturno
Goditi le migliori viste di San Francisco da un autobus scoperto con il tour della città Hop-On Hop-Off durante il giorno e il tour notturno di San Francisco nelle ore serali.
Tour di Muir Woods e Sausalito
Esplora il Monumento Nazionale Muir Woods e la città costiera di Sausalito. Attraversa l'iconico Golden Gate Bridge. Visita due dei luoghi più belli della California del Nord per un'esperienza unica e amante della natura.
