Golden Gate Promenade
Stroll through an urban park with many activities, and enjoy views of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 4.3 km
- Ascent
- 57 m
- Descent
- 5 m
San Francisco Hikes for the Whole Family
Enjoy hiking as well as bonus activities for all ages on these Bay Area trails.
Hiking Easy, Moderate, Difficult
Description
One of San Francisco’s best qualities is the dramatic landscape on which it is built. Sandy beaches, ocean bluffs, tall mountains, open meadows, and dense forest surround the city. This wealth of scenery is fortunately accompanied by a bounty of hiking trails. A number of paths exist within city limits, and the greater Bay Area holds so many more.
Here is a sample of family-friendly trails spread throughout the region. These are easy to moderate hikes in spectacular destinations, and most have a diversity of other activities nearby to keep everyone entertained. Some are dog friendly, and a few are good for strollers or wheelchairs. Families of all kinds can plan their next adventure from these Bay Area hikes.
Routes included
Plank Walk Trail
Short hike to the panoramic summit of Mount Tamalpais.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 866 m
- Ascent
- 61 m
- Descent
- 61 m
Tennessee Valley Trail
Popular hike through a verdant valley to a beach in a cliff-lined beach.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 5.9 km
- Ascent
- 73 m
- Descent
- 73 m
Cataract Falls from Alpine Lake
A bounty of waterfalls and a peaceful picnic area on Cataract Creek.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 4.5 km
- Ascent
- 340 m
- Descent
- 341 m
Angel Island Summit Loop
Views over the San Francisco Bay and rich history on the hike to the top of Mount Livermore.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 8.2 km
- Ascent
- 270 m
- Descent
- 270 m
Old Cove Landing Loop
Sea cliffs, beaches, wildlife, and farm animals—all in one place on the dramatic Santa Cruz coastline.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 3.7 km
- Ascent
- 39 m
- Descent
- 39 m
Henry Cowell Redwood Grove Loop
Nature walk in a grove of huge, ancient trees.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 1.5 km
- Ascent
- 13 m
- Descent
- 13 m
Point Bonita Lighthouse and Battery Wallace
Exciting walk through a tunnel and over a suspension bridge to a lighthouse on the tip of Marin Headlands.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 1.7 km
- Ascent
- 61 m
- Descent
- 61 m
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