One of the best things about living in San Francisco? You don’t have to leave city limits to get outdoors. With steep hills, coastal bluffs, and parks scattered across its neighborhoods, San Francisco offers hikes that deliver dazzling Bay views, without requiring a long drive or day trip. Whether you’re a weekend explorer or just looking to squeeze in a trail before brunch, these local hikes are worth lacing up for.
1. Lands End Trail: Rugged Coastline Meets Iconic Views
At the edge of the Richmond District, Lands End Trail feels like a wild escape, despite being just minutes from city streets. The path winds through windswept cypress groves and past the ruins of the Sutro Baths, eventually opening to postcard-worthy views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
What makes it special isn’t just the scenery. It’s the feeling of discovering something new around every bend, whether it’s a hidden beach, a dramatic overlook, or a surprise art installation tucked into the trees. It’s a favorite for locals who want a classic hiking experience in San Francisco, with coastal drama and easy access.
What makes it special isn’t just the scenery. It’s the feeling of discovering something new around every bend, whether it’s a hidden beach, a dramatic overlook, or a surprise art installation tucked into the trees. It’s a favorite for locals who want a classic hiking experience in San Francisco, with coastal drama and easy access.
2. Grandview Park and the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps
Tucked into the Sunset District, Grandview Park may be small, but it punches above its weight when it comes to views. Reaching the summit means climbing the beautifully tiled 16th Avenue Steps, a neighborhood art project turned Instagram favorite. From the top, you'll see Golden Gate Park stretching toward the Pacific, Sutro Tower rising in the distance, and the downtown skyline peeking through the fog.
It’s a short but steep climb that pays off in every direction. For homeowners nearby, this little hill offers one of the best high-reward morning walks around.
It’s a short but steep climb that pays off in every direction. For homeowners nearby, this little hill offers one of the best high-reward morning walks around.
3. Twin Peaks: The Classic SF Panorama
Twin Peaks is probably the most iconic spot for a panoramic city view, and it’s easy to see why. Standing nearly 1,000 feet above sea level, it offers unobstructed, 360-degree views of the entire Bay Area.
You can drive most of the way up, but locals know the best way to reach the top is by foot. Starting from the base near Midtown Terrace or Glen Canyon, the trails are steep but short, and the reward is unbeatable. On clear days, you’ll spot the Bay Bridge, downtown towers, and the blue sweep of the Pacific in one glance.
You can drive most of the way up, but locals know the best way to reach the top is by foot. Starting from the base near Midtown Terrace or Glen Canyon, the trails are steep but short, and the reward is unbeatable. On clear days, you’ll spot the Bay Bridge, downtown towers, and the blue sweep of the Pacific in one glance.
4. The Lyon Street Steps into the Presidio
This one’s a favorite for locals looking to blend architecture, greenery, and exercise. The Lyon Street Steps begin in Pacific Heights, one of the city’s most beautiful neighborhoods. As you climb past historic mansions and lush landscaping, the views open up over the Marina and Bay.
But don’t stop at the top, keep going into the Presidio, where trails like Lovers’ Lane and the Ecology Trail wind through eucalyptus groves and lead to overlooks that feel miles away from city noise. For a half-day city hike, it’s hard to beat.
But don’t stop at the top, keep going into the Presidio, where trails like Lovers’ Lane and the Ecology Trail wind through eucalyptus groves and lead to overlooks that feel miles away from city noise. For a half-day city hike, it’s hard to beat.
5. Bernal Heights: A Community Gem with a Stellar View
South of the Mission, Bernal Heights Park is a quiet hilltop retreat with wide-open skies and winding dirt paths. It’s a favorite with locals, especially dog owners, thanks to its off-leash areas and peaceful atmosphere.
From the summit, the views stretch across downtown to the East Bay and beyond. Unlike some of the better-known hills, Bernal feels like a neighborhood secret, ideal for a reflective walk or an after-dinner loop with your pup.
From the summit, the views stretch across downtown to the East Bay and beyond. Unlike some of the better-known hills, Bernal feels like a neighborhood secret, ideal for a reflective walk or an after-dinner loop with your pup.
6. Corona Heights Park: Rocky Outcrops & Bold Views
Just above the Castro, Corona Heights Park delivers a more rugged terrain (think boulders and raw dirt paths) with some of the best front-row seats to the city skyline. The hike to the top is quick, but it gets your heart rate up.
Once there, you’re rewarded with a sweeping view that stretches from downtown to the Bay and the East Bay hills. It’s a local favorite for catching the sunset without battling the Twin Peaks crowds.
Once there, you’re rewarded with a sweeping view that stretches from downtown to the Bay and the East Bay hills. It’s a local favorite for catching the sunset without battling the Twin Peaks crowds.
7. Mount Davidson: San Francisco’s Highest Point
If you’re looking for a peaceful walk under the trees that still ends with a dramatic vista, Mount Davidson is for you. At 928 feet, it’s the tallest natural peak in San Francisco, but also one of the quietest.
The trail winds through forested slopes, eventually opening to a massive stone cross at the summit. The view eastward over the city is serene, especially in the early morning. It’s a lesser-known gem that rewards those who seek a little solitude.
The trail winds through forested slopes, eventually opening to a massive stone cross at the summit. The view eastward over the city is serene, especially in the early morning. It’s a lesser-known gem that rewards those who seek a little solitude.
Hiking Tips for San Francisco Locals
- Layers are your best friend. The city’s microclimates can shift quickly, especially on higher ground. Always bring a jacket, even on sunny days.
- Wear good shoes. These might be city hikes, but many trails involve dirt, gravel, or steep steps.
- Plan your route. Apps like AllTrails or even Google Maps can help you connect different parks and hills for a longer adventure.
- Go early. For the best light (and fewest people), sunrise hikes are worth the alarm clock.
Ready to Live Near the Best Hikes in the City?
These trails are part of what makes living in the city so rewarding. They offer a mental reset, a reminder of just how close nature is, and a new way to appreciate the place you call home. For many, proximity to these kinds of outdoor escapes is a top priority when house hunting in San Francisco, and it’s easy to see why.
If you’re looking to buy or sell a home in a neighborhood with easy access to scenic walking trails, Novo Real Estate can help. Their team knows the city’s hidden gems, both on the map and on the market, and will guide you toward properties that fit your lifestyle. Reach out now to get started.
If you’re looking to buy or sell a home in a neighborhood with easy access to scenic walking trails, Novo Real Estate can help. Their team knows the city’s hidden gems, both on the map and on the market, and will guide you toward properties that fit your lifestyle. Reach out now to get started.
