I have made it a goal of mine to do at least one hike per week. And it has been going strong. As a full time nurse, it can be hard to find the time, let alone energy and motivation to take a hike. But, there are so many beautiful hikes around the Bay Area we need to take advantage of! I have made a pretty nice list of the best bay area hikes for when you need fresh air and a dopamine hit. These are my favorite places to hike near San Francisco, whether you’re looking for an easy trail or something more challenging.
Best Hikes in the Bay Area near San Francisco
Mori Point Loop Trail
Features: Dose of coastal breeze and a post hike beach picnic
Location: Pacifica I Distance 2.5 miles | Route Type: Loop I Difficulty: Moderate
Parking: Free, Large lot
Mori Point is a very popular coastal trail in Pacifica and definitely one of my favorites. There is nothing like a coastal hike to revive your spirit and cells after a long work week. This hike is one of my favorite bay area hikes.
The rugged cliffs, secluded beaches, stunning coastal views, and wildflowers are super pretty and so easy to get to from the Bay Area. Oh and the trail is dog-friendly, but dogs must be leashed.
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Lafayette Ridge Trail in Briones Regional Park
Features: views of Mt.Diablo, rich green rolling hills
Location: Lafayette I Distance: 6.6 miles I Route Type: Out and Back
Parking: $3 per vehicle or street parking
For a bay area hike near San Francisco with a more laid-back hike with beautiful views of the East Bay, check out the Lafayette Ridge Trail in Briones Regional Park. This moderate hike offers rolling hills, oak woodlands, and plenty of wildlife sightings. Go in the spring time when the hills are a rich green and you will want to just soak in the views for a while.
Kirby Cove
Features: tree swing, golden gate bridge views
Location: Golden Gate Recreational Area | Distance: 3 miles | Route Type: Out and back
Parking: Free, Small lot
Kirby Cove is a fantastic bay area hiking trail in the Golden Gate Recreational Area. It offers a peaceful forest walk leading to a stunning beach with breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge. There’s even a swing you can enjoy while taking in the scenery. It’s a pretty easy hike and a great way to escape the city and experience nature.
Cataract Falls
Features: swimming hole, waterfalls, forest vibes, family-friendly
Location: Mt. Tamalpais Watershed Area I Distance: 4.8 miles | Route Type: Out-and-back
Parking: $8 per vehicle
If you’re looking for waterfall hikes in the Bay Area, the Cataract Falls Trail is one of the best. It is dog friendly, and family friendly. This hidden gem in Mt.Tamalpais Watershed area is a moderate hike that leads to a beautiful waterfall. It’s a great option for families and those looking for a relaxing day in nature
Lands End Trail
Features: Pacific Ocean views, golden gate bridge views
Location: Golden Gate Recreational Area | Distance: 3.4 miles | Route Type: Loop
Parking: Free, Large lot
A classic hike is Lands End Trail. This iconic hike offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Pacific Ocean, and the Marin Headlands. It’s a moderate hike that’s perfect for all levels. This bay area hikes near San Francisco should definetly be on your bay area hiking list.
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Sweeney Ridge
Features: mountain views, bay views, ocean views
Location: San Bruno I Distance: 7.8 miles I Route type: out & back
Parking: Free, Small lot
Sweeney Ridge is a must-visit for anyone who loves panoramic views. This popular hike offers stunning vistas of the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands and on a very clear day the Farallon Islands!
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Golden Eagle Trail to View Point
Features: seeing farm animals, rolling hills, and bay views, awesome 360 views, sunset date
Location: Fremont I Distance: 2.3 milesI Route Type: out and back
Parking: parking spot is small and there is no street parking
For a hike with stunning views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, try the Golden Eagle Trail to View Point. An easy hike, with amazing views. This hike offers panoramic vistas of the Bay Area and its such a beautiful view for the sunset!
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Saratoga Gap and Ridge Loop
Features rolling hills, shade most of the way, turkey and blue jay sightings
Location: Saratoga I Distance: 4.9 miles I Route Type: Out and Back
Parking: $10 per vehicle
We did this trail for the first time last week and it was amazing! The views were breathtaking, and I loved scrambling through the rocky sections. It was fun exploring the little caves along the way. Even though it was a Sunday, the park wasn’t too crowded. I accidentally hiked counterclockwise, which meant a lot of uphill, so make sure to wear sturdy shoes with good grip. There aren’t many benches or picnic spots, but you can easily find places to rest.
Coyote Peak Trail
Features: incline, decline everything in between
Location: San Jose I Distance: 3.8 miles | Route Type: Loop
Parking: $6 per vehicle
Coyote Peak Trail is a challenging hike in Santa Teresa County Park with incredible views of Santa Clara County. The climb up to the summit is steep but definitely worth the effort.
Start by taking the Mine Trail downhill, then connect to the Rocky Ridge Trail, and finally climb up Coyote Peak Trail to the top. Enjoy the amazing views before heading back down on the Hidden Springs Trail.
Remember, dogs are welcome on this trail as long as they’re on a leash
Mount Diablo Waterfalls Hike
Features: waterfalls, canyons and valleys
Location: Mount Diablo State Park I Distance: 7.8 miles Route Type: Loop
Parking: $6 entry fee
If you’re up for a challenge, Mount Diablo Falls is a rewarding hike that leads to a stunning waterfall. It is probably best to do this hike in the spring, when the waterfalls are active. This hike is an extremely popular choice throughout the entire Bay Area because it’s absolutely worth the reward of chasing these waterfalls.
Dipsea Trail to Steep Ravine Trail to Matt Davis Loop Trail
Features: redwoods, vast pacific ocean, beaches, post hike beach picnic
Location: Mill Valley I Distance: 6.7 miles I Route Type: Out and Back
Parking : Free , large lot
For a classic Bay Area hike, try the Dipsea Trail to Steep Ravine Trail to Matt Davis Loop Trail. This is still one of my favorite hikes to do in the region. You start and end at Stinson beach. It’s got ancient redwood forest, creeks, waterfalls, canyons, grasslands, wooden bridges, and views, views, views. We always end our hike at the beach, and have the most rewarding beach picnic post hike.
