5 great urban hikes in San Francisco

Start at the visitor center and venture on this 5,5-km trail with the most picturesque views of the coast. Wind your way through the cliffs and cypress trees while stopping at points like the old Sutro Bath ruins, Point Lobos, the Labyrinth and Mile Rock Beach.

This is a very large wilderness park, so a good starting point is to begin at the recreation center and start the trails from there. They range from easy to challenging and along the way you’ll encounter wildflowers, huge rock formations and beautiful views. It’s quiet, desolate and a nice respite from the busy city.

Explore the sandy bluffs along with the batteries and forts formerly built to protect the city from invasion during WWII. Efforts were abandoned and today there are many trails you can take to explore this area above the ocean. Watch hang-gliders soar off the cliffs or take the steep climb down to the beach.

Discover the city’s legendary Gold Rush history by following the bronze medallions on this 6 km trail through the city. You’ll visit twenty historic sites, including where sailors were ‘shanghai-ed’ and where Jack Kerouac liked to unwind and write. Start at The San Francisco Mint and wind your way to the waterfront.

Meander through the wild western shoreline of the Presidio and explore the old historic gun batteries, coastal plants and wildlife. The trail offers stunning ocean views from here. Expect steps and some moderate climbs plus a side trip down to the beach. The loop is about 3,7 km and a great one to do around sunset.