A Local’s Top Picks for the Best Bay Area Hikes near San Francisco

best hikes in the bay area near san francisco

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 

mori point loop trail
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

Trail Guide

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.

Related Reads: Best Bay Area Day Trips

Lafayette Ridge Trail in Briones Regional Park

Lafayette Ridge Trail in Briones Regional Park
Photo credit: @lrunmtns on reddit 

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 

Trail Guide

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

best bay area hikes
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

Trail Guide  

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

Cataract Falls
Swimming Hole

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

Trail Guide

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

Lands End Trail
bay area hikes near san francisco
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

Trail Guide

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.

Related Reads: A Day in Angel Island State Park 

Sweeney Ridge

Sweeney Ridge Trail

Features: mountain views, bay views, ocean views

Location: San Bruno I Distance: 7.8 miles I Route type: out & back 

Parking: Free, Small lot

Trail Guide 

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!

Related Reads: 7 Of the Most Beautiful Fall Destinations In California

Golden Eagle Trail to View Point

san francisco hikes
Golden Eagle Trail

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 

Trail Guide

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!  

Related Reads: 7 Perfect California Road Trips to Take for Ultimate Fall Vibes

Saratoga Gap and Ridge Loop

Saratoga Gap and Ridge Loop
best hikes in the bay area
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 

Trail Guide

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

Coyote Peak Trail in San jose

Features: incline, decline everything in between

Location: San Jose I Distance: 3.8 miles | Route Type: Loop

Parking: $6 per vehicle

Trail Guide

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

Mt.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

Trail Guide

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

best bay area hikes
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 

Trail Guide

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. 

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