The area has a rare combination of beautiful large homes, highly ranked schools, a low crime rating and easy walkability to the downtown area, said, . Ultimately, youll get to enjoy some gorgeous scenery and, even though you thought you were just having a lazy hike, youll definitely also get your heart rate up. says, Downtown Concord is in the midst of change, but still retains a lot of history. Walk Score also measures pedestrian friendliness by analyzing population density and road metrics such as block length and intersection density. It summits four peaksincluding Mount Diablo, Mount Olympia, North Peak, and Eagle Peakand offers stunning scenery. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Our guide serves up 15 awesome trails for hikers of all fitness and experience levels. Tucked away in the charming town of Sausalito, the Point Bonita Lighthouse offers a short but sophisticated trail that passes through a tunnelwhich was carved out of the mountain in 1876and crosses over a suspension bridge. Its slopes appear gradual from a distance, but a full 6.8-mile ascent to the top via the Summit Trail is best attempted by serious hikers. 5 Easy Must-Do San Francisco Walks and Urban Strolls - TripSavvy As the most famous bridge in America, its a cant miss while in San Francisco. Follow Laurel Loopleaving behind the eucalyptus trees in the picnic areauntil you reach Lower Seafoam Trail. be the first to know And the cherry on top? Parking: Theres limited parking available on Regency Drive, right by Mount Diablo State Park. With so much to see and do, plan ahead on the Golden Gate Park, bridge, and Presidio. It also has a vibrant logging history. Street parking is available on Stonewall Road (no special lot). Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat. The former leads straight to the Pacific, while the longer makes its way up to the coastal bluffs, from which you might spot whales during their winter migration, hillsides of wildflowers in the spring, and all manner of bird life. ), and probably a desire to relocate if you havent made that move already. Parking: There are plenty of parking spaces in the lot if you manage to arrive early in the morning. There have been many changes over time and I suspect that well continue to see this neighborhood evolve.. Maybe not in the summer and fall when its hot and dry, but possibly in the winter and spring when theyve been activated by Mother Nature. Lake Union's trail is named for a carver who lived on the lakeshore. (From November to February, be on the lookout for wintering ladybugs who take up camp in clusters by the millions right near this trail intersection.) A leisurely hour stroll takes you through the famed Cathedral Grove and Bohemian Grove, with centuries-old towering giants inviting silence and contemplation. Its a challenging and fairly steep climb, with some loose gravel and scree, so trekking poles are recommended. The park now has a selection of play structures, swings and picnic tables that locals can reserve for parties or events. The summit can be reached by car, but arriving on foot is much more rewarding. Or with friends and family discovering new campsites. Points of interest include mine entrances and mining equipment, remnants from old furnaces and miners homes, and a powder house (where explosives were stored ). Difficulty:Moderate, with steep sections, Trailhead:Skyline Gate Staging Area, 8490 Skyline Blvd, Oakland. There are classic old shops that have been here for more than 30 years mixed in with many brand-new places, making it a great place for diverse and unique shopping options. RichmondDistance: Six milesTrailhead: Alvarado Area, Wildcat Canyon Regional ParkBesides having arguably the coolest name of the parks, Wildcat Canyon is the perfect place for hikers who live in El Sobrante and El Cerrito. Mount Diablo Grand Loop, Mount Diablo State Park, 11. One of the recent changes was to the park, Jarden De Ninos. San Carlos is walkable, but the caveat is that it probably only takes 5 minutes to walk the whole thing. Today, most of those creeks have been culverted, but Sausal Creek remains free-flowing, and a trail that winds along it provides a nice hike. Or hiking most weekends on local trails. According to our calculations based on Walk Score data, Berkeley is the winner among Bay Area mid-size cities, when it comes to having the most walkable neighborhoods. The Carson Falls Trail is open year-round with a slew of activities, including running, bird watching, hiking, and mountain biking. As far as 360-degree views go, the summit of Mount Livermore might be the ultimate one. A short hop across the Golden Gate Bridge will take you to the Marin Headlands, a veritable nature-lovers playground. Southsides many parks, like Willard Park, make it very enjoyable to walk in on a sunny day. landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and Alcatraz Island. In the same general area, downtown San Mateo and downtown Redwood City are similarly walkable but a lot larger. Youll also see a very steep canyon surrounded by redwood trees and an amazing array of local fauna. 3. Quicksilver History Loop, Almaden Quicksilver County Park. is chock-full of charming neighborhoods, trendy restaurants and loads of amenities, but, with a median sale price of $1.25 million, it also happens to be the most expensive place to live in the nation. And unlike Muir Woods, these redwoods dont require a reservation in advance (although, unlike Muir Woods old growth redwoods, these are second-growth since the original ones were logged). Few cities can rival San Francisco for a sense of expansive nature within the city limits. The neighborhood also has some nearby schools including a high school and a Marin Day school. OaklandDistance: Two milesTrailhead: Main parking area off Skyline Boulevard, Huckleberry Botanic Regional PreserveDue to unique soil and climatic conditions, the native huckleberry plants found on Huckleberry Path cant be found anywhere else in the East Bay. This area is especially unique because of the culture, the access to everything within walking distance and the combination of housing offered; from student housing through the university, to apartments, to traditional single family homes, said, San Rafael is known for being the oldest, largest and most culturally diverse city in Marin County. Bay Area Outdoors: 5 shady cool hikes to try this summer - The Mercury News No such fear here; the best hikes in the Bay Area offer something for every skill level, with views to boot. The park is best known for Duxbury Reef, which, at low tide, has huge tide pools filled with fish and other marine life. 1. Parking: Street parking is available on Stonewall Road (no special lot). Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. You can combine Islais Creek, Coyote Crags, and Gum Tree Girls trails to create an easy, 1.8-mile loop. Looking to make a full day in this part of the city? 2023 Safe Places to Live in San Francisco Bay Area - Niche Even if the elk arent out, youre likely to catch sight of coyotes, foxes, and hawks, too. Starting from the Pantoll Ranger Station youll encounter shady oak forests, iconically Californian rolling hills with ocean views, seasonal waterfalls, and venerable redwoods, ultimately descending to coastal Highway 1 near the sandy shores of Stinson Beach. SFGate.com. Even better? Get to Know Floridas Capital, Is Greenville, SC, a Good Place to Live? We advise you to contact them directly for updated safety guidelines and hours of operation before visiting. Head down Matt Davis Trail and connect to Dipsea for a short stretch. Try another? Diablo State Park after a recent rainfall to see for yourself. Crew, Pottery Barn and Lululemon. To enjoy one of the most renowned waterfall hikes the Bay Area has to offer, head to Pine Mountain and view this series of small falls. California Academy of Sciences A great way to escape the winter weather and spend the day indoors is by marveling at the wide range of cool exhibits at the California Academy of Sciences. Leave time to explore China Camp Village itself, the remains of a late 19th-century shrimp fishing camp that remained remarkably intact. Dipsea Trail, Muir Woods National Monument, and Mount Tamalpais State Park, 8. While hardly a Bay Area secretin fact, its the world's most-visited redwood destinationMuir Woods remains transportive: a mist-cloaked national monument with more than a century of history, starring hundreds of coastal redwoods or Sequoia sempervirens, the tallest known tree species. Youll start on the Palos Colorados Trail, a gorge filled with redwoods and tree limbs dripping with ivy, until you hit the Sunset Trail. Elevation gain: 3,732 feet. and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from California.com about news, events, offers, and partner promotions. San Francisco; Climb the stairways of Potrero Hill on a San Francisco photo walk. 20 small Bay Area towns you need to visit right now - Curbed SF , Four Peaks Loop is one of the most renowned, . Liz Dengler | May 4, 2022 Whether you're looking for an excursion along coastal bluffs or hoping to head to the hills, the Bay Area has a trail for you. At the junction for Steep Ravine Trail, start the slog back up to complete your loop. San Rafael is known for being the oldest, largest and most culturally diverse city in Marin County. Best Hiking Trails in the Bay Area: See You in San Francisco. Tennessee Valley is an awesome choice that offers an easy walk along a lush valley to a dark-sand beach. The trails are marked well throughout. Start at the parking lot by the Lands End Lookout (with a visitor center and caf open Friday through Monday) near the ruins of the Sutro Bathswhich are worth hiking down to for a quick rambleand take the Coastal Trail heading east. This part of the hike is extremely easy and can also be done on a bike. The Centennial neighborhood itself has a good mix of housing options, from bungalow-style homes to contemporary condo developments. Other points of interest include remnants of shipwrecks, a memorial to USS San Francisco, a WWII cruiser, and Battery Chester at Fort Miley. Highlights include a grove of some of the oldest coast live oak trees in the city and a herd of American buffalo. 25 great nature walks and hikes in the Bay Area - SFGATE Agate Beach Park is a public fishing access near the town of Bolinas in Marine County, with 2 miles of fantastic diverse beach area. There is free parking at Pierce Point Ranch, at the end of Pierce Point Road. Renting vs Buying in Birmingham, AL: Which is Right for You? RECOMMENDED: The best wildflower hikes in the Bay Area. On those days, head to the Stonewall Panoramic Trail inside Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve, a 208-acre preserve in the Oakland Hills right behind the Claremont Hotel. On those days, head to the. Bernal Heights Summit rivals Twin Peaks as the best vantage point for a 360-degree view of the city. Written by: Sara Hall | Reviewed by: Kieran James Cunningham Last Update: May 19, 2023 North Ridge and Sunset Trail Loop, Angel Island State Park, 9. 32 Best Places to Visit in Bay Area 1. This formidable fortress in the middle of San Francisco Bay was the site of the first lighthouse in the Western United States. All rights reserved. Last update on 2023-07-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. Start at Dimond Park and locate the creek trail near the parks recreation center. There are multiple parking areas, but they fill up fast, so arrive early to get a spot. Not only did downtown Berkeley nail first place, with the high Walk Score of 96, but it also had two additional neighborhoods land in the top 10. Camping in the Bay Area, California: Best Bay Area Campgrounds 2023 Apalachicola is a small Coastal Community on the Gulf of Mexico in Florida's Panhandle. Photo: David Baron via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0 Level of difficulty: Suitable for all skill levels. The park now has a selection of play structures, swings and picnic tables that locals can reserve for parties or events. Theres limited parking available on Regency Drive, right by Mount Diablo State Park. Print this self-guided volcanoes tour before you go (or hope you have cell service the entire time) to get all of the real geological dirt. In addition to a plethora of sunny days, locals can access all the downtown amenities within a five minute walk. Check your inbox soon for the latest from California.com. Be wary of coyotes as night falls. Visit the San Francisco city website for details. Start from the Dipsea trailhead, then climb 7.4 miles through redwoods and grasslands to the summit. Briones is full of accessible hiking trails with a variety of options for shorter loops, so choose your own adventure if youre just after a quickie. Also a historic site, Angel Island served as an immigration and deportation center for mostly Chinese immigrants in the 1800s. Mori Point is ideal for experiencing the beauty of Californias diverse landscapes and wildlife. Located in Point Reyes National Seashore, a few hours north of the San Francisco Bay area, Tomales Point (aka Pierce Point) is out on the northern tip of the peninsula. The path turns to sand at the end. Spring also yields tons of wildflowers. Jan. 3, 2019 Check out some of the best hikes and nature walks in the Bay Area. The Staumbaugh-Heller neighborhood has recently invested in revitalizing the area and improving the infrastructure. Coastal scrub, colorful lupine, and grassy hills make this San Francisco park a lush escape from the surrounding city. 1. Walk Score also measures pedestrian friendliness by analyzing population density and road metrics such as block length and intersection density. 15 Best Places to Visit in the San Francisco Bay Area We already have this email. TripSavvy / Melissa Zink. A tree-covered route on either side of Park Presidio Boulevard will take you directly to Golden Gate Park in less than a mile. The islands history is long and complicated, having served as an early 20th-century immigration station, quarantine facility, and a US Army base. Most people arent surprised when they hear that San Francisco is one of the most walkable cities in the U.S. With a walk score of 86, the city of S.F. GOLDEN GATE PARK. Located on the Peninsula, Pulgas Ridge is a 366-acre park that allows dogs on all trails and even has a 17.5-acre space within the center of the park where dogs can be off-leash and run a muck. Huckleberry has blossoming plants year-round (many of which are labeled with names and facts), so you dont have to wait until spring to cash in on the goods. Take Mitchell Rock and Eagle Peak trails to reach the top. Where better to experience the Bay Area than amidst its natural splendors? These steps, which connect Cow Hollow to Pacific Heights, require hoofing up eight flights of 15 steps to reach the top. SF's most visited museum contains a planetarium, an aquarium, a four-story living rainforest, and a natural history museum, all in one. This portion is steep at times, but your hard work is rewarded as views of Mount Tam, San Francisco, and the entire East Bay open up. Most people arent surprised when they hear that San Francisco is one of the most walkable cities in the U.S. With a walk score of 86, the city of S.F. But to really know the Bay Area, a hike is in order. REDFIN IS COMMITTED TO AND ABIDES BY THE FAIR HOUSING ACT AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ACT. Today, you can hike up to the summit of Mount Caroline Livermore, the highest point on the island at 788 feet, reachable via a six-mile loop trail with incredible vistas and picnic tables. The trail is also an ideal option for, , but no matter how you explore it, make sure to. At the peak, you can enjoy the magnificent skyline, which is most beautiful during sunset. Its perched above Ocean Beach and overlooks Seal Rocks, offering stunning views of the surrounding area. All the nearby amenities make this a popular place for families, said Redfin Agent Kalena Masching. Round-trip length: 9.7 miles Type: Out and back Level of difficulty: Moderate Among the terrific Bay Area hikes is Tomales Point Trail, which offers a stunning view of the Point Reyes coastline and Tomales Bay. From there, head over to the Sutro Baths ruins, a formerly massive recreational enclosure built in 1894. Near downtown Oakland you can find a hidden redwood forest and a large network of tracks to explore at the 1,833-acre Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park. Start at Crissy Field Center (at the eastern end of the beach) and head west along the Golden Gate Promenade. The park is also home to more than 200 species of native plants. A magical and largely unfrequented forest just minutes from downtown Oakland. The heavily trafficked loop is dotted with wildflowers and historical sites; it also offers views of the famed Sutro Baths and a stupendous panorama of the Pacific Ocean. Head out on Chamise Trail, then merge left onto Las Trampas Ridge Trail, hook right on Corduroy Hills Trail, right on Madrone Trail, to Sulphur Springs Trail, to Trapline Trail. Burlingames main street, Burlingame Ave., offers many options to people looking for shopping, such as J. Seaborg Trail will bring you back from whence you came. The convenience of being able to live in a small city, and walk to a lot of commercial places makes Burlingame a destination for people to live., Northside Berkeley has easy access to The Gourmet Ghetto, which is just along Shattuck Ave. and Vine Street. You can also bike or take a scooter down the riverwalk. . The Best Hikes in San Francisco and Beyond Best Bay Area Views - San Francisco Chronicle These are the tallest of all living things, and Muir Woodss most epic tree is a crane-your-head-back-to-see-it 258 feet. This charming bayside seafood shack offers fresh, grilled and smoked oysters along with clam chowder, fish stew and fish tacos. Start at the Canyon Meadow Staging area, where youll find the Canyon Trail. The pathway starts in a forest and takes you deep into the rolling grassy hills, coming to an end when you connect with the East Bay Skyline National Recreation Trail. As with all Bay Area coastal hikes, you should pack an extra layer, no matter how warm it is inland. With the wild Pacific coastline and tranquil redwood groves so accessible, the areas bayside hikes might be less appreciated. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice from a medical provider, licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. The Staumbaugh-Heller neighborhood has recently invested in revitalizing the area and improving the infrastructure. This hike is a classic for a reason: tucked among 6,300 acres of undeveloped land, Mt. After ordering the list of neighborhoods based on their Walk Score ratings, we had our local Redfin agents chime in with insights on what makes these neighborhoods unique. BerkeleyDistance: Four milesTrailhead: Inspiration Point in Tilden Regional Park off Wildcat Canyon Rd.If youre new to the majesty of the East Bay Regional Park District, consider this trail your gateway drug. Be careful of strong winds and steep cliffs, which can be unstable after rain. Feel free to share this article with any other San Francisco-bound adventurers! Tampa Riverwalk - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor Downtown San Rafael is centrally located, making it easy for locals to walk to the grocery store, the transit system or anything else they might need, says, A major perk of this area is that its an affordable neighborhood, with great access to the Caltrain station. These nine trails within a short drive of San Francisco will get you to the heart of the regions natural beauty. Cond Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. West Washington is a very family oriented neighborhood and has great nearby schools, which is a huge draw for this area. Youll also see a very steep canyon surrounded by redwood trees and an amazing array of local fauna. Nearing the two-mile mark, take Wildcat Peak trail to reach the Rotary Peace Grove, a grove of giant sequoias planted to honor people and organizations that cultivate world peace. Abutting Tildens northern-ish edge, Nimitz Way continues into this park. (You might even catch a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge.) The temperatures dip coming off the ridge, and youll notice the immediate change in vegetation. Golden Gate Park San Francisco's largest park stretches over 1,000 acres and includes several museums, a Japanese garden, and a golf course! Among all of those, Cataract Falls is a favorite. Here are the best hikes in the San Francisco Bay Area, according to Cond Nast Traveler. The citys website has more information to read before heading out. The cottages in Nick's Cove will no doubt provide respite for . Editor's note: Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hours and accessibility of parks are fluid and subject to change. Youll quickly climb out of the woods as you gain elevation. The best places to hike in the Bay Area run the range, from the hushed quiet of redwood forests to exhilarating jaunts across the incredibly windy Golden Gate Bridge and more.Lovers of wildflowers will find plenty to admire, while amateur hikers will be able to get the heart pumping without the occasional futility that difficult hikes can inspire. Who wouldn't want to work here? Dust off those boots; it is time to go walking. The neighborhood also has some nearby schools including a high school and a Marin Day school. Here are our guides to: Leave your heart on the best hiking trails in the Bay Area of San Francisco as you explore the Golden City. The Point Reyes area boasts one must-visit after another: the historic Point Reyes Lighthouse, the wild Pacific crashing onto the shoreline, and the charming shops and eateries at Point Reyes Station, to name a few. The San Francisco Bay Area is known for its fantastic hiking, and there are few better places to go for a long amble than this breathtakingcorner of the world. Lance Iversen/The Chronicle Spanning close to 1000 acres in . Shattuck Ave. is the main street and houses many loved restaurants and shops such as the top rated New Orleans inspired Cajun Kitchen and Pegasus Bookstore Downtown. It consists of several smaller falls along Cataract Creek. There have been many changes over time and I suspect that well continue to see this neighborhood evolve., This area has a nice price point, potential for great views of the city and highly ranked schools. Cruise the east side, where the unsheltered ridge provides sweeping views. Redfin is a full-service. Other tree species can also be found scattered across the area. At the edge of the continent, where the land ends in the northwest corner of San Francisco, you can take a journey through the bay areas history while enjoying spectacular views of the rocky shores of the Pacific coast and the Golden Gate Bridge. Since the trail boasts a 30-mile view of the coast, its a well-known waterfront hike in the Bay Area. OaklandDistance: 10 miles (word on the pedometer is that the map isnt right when it says 8.2 miles)Trailhead: Canyon Meadow Staging Area, Reinhardt Redwood Regional ParkRedwood Regional Park is home to most of the East Bays redwoods (all second-growth since the original ones were logged). Check out this trail at sunset for incredible vistas, and enjoy the seasonal native dune plants and wildflowers. Here you can find a collection of unique shops, sidewalk cafes, bakeries and popular restaurants like Cheese Board Pizza. Located in the 500-acre Joaquin Miller Park in Oakland, this easy trail is good for hikers of any experience level. Walk along six miles of trails: a half-hour loop, a one-hour loop, and a 1.5-hour loop, as well as longer hikes extending into Mount Tamalpais State Park. San Jose Municipal Rose Garden, San Jose. Golden Gate Bridge & Park, and the Presidio, 5. By submitting your email address you agree to our Terms of Use 10 Pros and Cons to Consider. Good walk-able cities in bay area? : r/bayarea - Reddit But the Lands End Trail is one of the most popular hikes in San Franciscoand for good reason. Redwood City is known for its great weather, because of its high number of sunny days and for not having the San Francisco fog. For a unique and tough hike that can feel hidden away from some of the busier Bay Area routes, try Eagle Peak Loop. Take these incredible weekend road trips to explore the Golden State. Lands End and Coastal Trail, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, 4. bridge, most of the time while we walked around the city the Golden Gate couldn't be seen. When Upper Seafoam hits Kennedy Creek Trail, hook left and bring it home. California has you covered. Update #4: The Bay Area is an infuriatingly expensive place to live. Diablo. No driving necessary. Amenities within a 5 minute walk (.25 miles) are given maximum points. The My Open Country name is registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, 1. The 10 Best Bay Area Hikes - California.com San Francisco Destinations 9 Best Hikes in the San Francisco Bay Area Where better to experience the Bay Area than amidst its natural splendors? If the citys famous fog isnt too heavy, you can see the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island from the 64-acre Twin Peaks Nature Area. If youre bringing a picnic, this is the spot to enjoy it. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The path involves steep staircases and brings you along the coastline to the Eagles Point Overlook, where youll catch incredible vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge. Length:Theres a 1-mile loop in the park, Trailhead:Start at Bernal Heights Park, 3400-3416 Folsom St, or follow ad-hoc trails from various spots around the base of the hill. Should You Leave an Underground Oil Tank Buried? Places in Wisconsin to see the Northern Lights - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel The magic of Muir Woods is that its the only remaining old-growth coastal redwood forest in the Bay Areaand one of the last on Earth. The stroll-friendly Angel Island Perimeter Loop boasts jaw-dropping panoramas of the water and S.F. Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when youre feeling flush). Explore Best Hikes in SF Bay Area - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. The transit station is centrally located and is just a short walk from most houses here. The canyon has naturally forested slopes, rock outcroppings, and seasonal wildflowers. Nesting birds, rabbits, and coyotes are also often spotted. Wild tule elk are often spotted in the area. . Fisherman's Wharf 13. With the Stanford Medical Campus being in Redwood City and an abundance of government jobs being added to this area, more people are starting to consider Centennial as a possible place to live, says. San Francisco walks: Perfect strolls for summer - Curbed SF Just keep your eyes open for trail markers because they arent always obvious. For Sara, one of the best moments of every journey is turning a corner or climbing above a ridge and an epic view reveals itself. The cool hush of this ancient forest, where the average age of a tree is 600-80 years old (the eldest being 1,200 years old), is life-affirming, while the parks Redwood Creek is one of the last California streams with a native stock of salmon.