4 km away
Batteries to Bluffs Loop
Explore history and scenery along the dramatic coastline near the Golden Gate Bridge.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 2.1 km
- Ascent
- 81 m
- Descent
- 81 m
Stroll through an urban park with many activities, and enjoy views of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Hiking Easy
The promenade provides a walking tour of San Francisco’s urban park next to the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge, with a wealth of activities to explore. One highlight is, of course, the view, but there are many more attractions along this waterfront. There is a wide, sandy beach with gentle waves, grassy picnic areas, and a tidal marsh that attracts a bounty of bird life. The whole area was once a military base, but the airfield is now a green lawn, and the buildings have been repurposed as museums and businesses. Memorials, sculptures, and other artwork dot the park as well.
The easiest access is at the east end of the promenade, near Fort Mason, or along Marina Boulevard where there is plenty of parking. Alternatively, you can easily get here via public transportation. Walk west along the waterfront or the grass of Marina Green. You can make a side trip along the wharf past the yacht club to visit the Wave Organ, a sculpture with pipes that make music with the swell of waves. Next comes the beach, marsh, and lawn of Crissy Field. You can spend an entire day lounging on the sand or in the grass, gazing out over the bridge and the bay.
If you want more to do, check out the historic military buildings nearby on Mason Street. Many of these now house sports and fitness centers like a climbing gym, indoor trampoline park, bike shop, and retail store. You can also find exhibits that explain the history of the area.
Farther west and closer to the bridge there is still more to explore. For better views of the Golden Gate Bridge, walk out on the fishing wharf into the bay, then go up the many stairs that climb the wooded bluff above Marine Drive. The trail leads to incredible, elevated viewpoints among proud cypress trees. To walk on the bridge itself, continue uphill past the Golden Gate welcome center and proceed to the bridge’s east sidewalk. Enjoy your stroll along one of America’s most iconic structures.
Sources: https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/The-Golden-Gate-Promenade-s-a-beautiful-walk-2656503.php https://www.presidio.gov/trails/golden-gate-promenade-bay-trail https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/maps.htm
Easy
Walking along a well-kept trail that’s mostly flat. No obstacles are present.
4 km away
Explore history and scenery along the dramatic coastline near the Golden Gate Bridge.
Difficult Hiking
4.6 km away
A path that links cliff-top views, sandy beaches, cypress groves, historic war defenses, and the entrance to the Golden Gate Bridge.
Easy Hiking
6.8 km away
Views over the San Francisco Bay and rich history on the hike to the top of Mount Livermore.
Moderate Hiking
7.3 km away
On the Lands End Trail you'll stroll through historic Lands End, in a beautiful forest, atop high sea cliffs, with lofty views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Moderate Hiking
8.4 km away
Exciting walk through a tunnel and over a suspension bridge to a lighthouse on the tip of Marin Headlands.
Easy Hiking
9.1 km away
Amazing views of San Francisco and some interesting war relics near the Golden Gate Bridge.
Moderate Hiking
9.5 km away
Hike from Rodeo Beach to a more secluded viewpoint along coastal cliffs.
Easy Hiking
9.5 km away
Travel up and down panoramic hills above the sea, in between two of Marin County's best beaches
Difficult Hiking
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