- Take More Adventures
- Posts
- 10 Bay Area Day Hikes You’ll Want to Do Again and Again
10 Bay Area Day Hikes You’ll Want to Do Again and Again
Redwoods, ocean views, island escapes—these hikes have it all. Discover the best trails to explore around the San Francisco Bay Area.
Take More Adventures
March 27, 2025
Lace Up for the Bay: 10 Unforgettable Day Hikes Around San Francisco
Hey Adventurer! 🌲❄️
Looking to trade screen time for some green time? The Bay Area is packed with incredible trails that take you from redwood forests to coastal cliffs—no overnight gear required. Whether you’re hiking solo, with friends, or bringing the pup along, here are 10 of the best day hikes to explore the natural side of NorCal.
Where would you like to go next? |
We’d love to know! 🌟
10 Best Day Hike Spots in the San Francisco Bay Area
From forest canopies to rugged coastlines, the Bay Area offers some of the most scenic and diverse hikes in California. Whether you’ve got a few hours or the whole day, these trails promise fresh air, great views, and serious local adventure vibes.
🌄 1. Mount Tamalpais
Location: Marin County
A classic NorCal summit with 360° views. The 1.2-mile loop to the top is short, sweet, and stunning—especially at sunset. Stick around at the Mountain Home Inn afterward for post-hike bites and epic valley views.
Location: San Francisco Get your Golden Gate Bridge photo fix from this 1.7-mile round-trip trail along the Presidio coastline. Wooden steps and breezy ocean air make this a must-do, especially for out-of-towners. | 🌊 3. Abbotts LagoonLocation: Point Reyes National Seashore Start at a dairy ranch, end at the Pacific Ocean. This 3.3-mile round-trip hike blends rolling hills, sand dunes, and coastal serenity. Bonus: lots of birdwatching along the way. |
🏝️ 4. Angel Island
Location: Accessible by ferry from SF or Tiburon
History + hiking = a perfect day out. Explore trails with sweeping views of the city skyline and stop by old military sites and the former immigration station. Make a full day of it!
🦌 5. Tomales Point TrailLocation: Point Reyes Want solitude and wildlife? This 6.5-mile out-and-back hike delivers elk sightings, dramatic cliff views, and rolling fog. Go in the spring for wildflowers or fall for cooler weather and fewer crowds. | Location: Mill Valley Home to some of the tallest and oldest coastal redwoods. The peaceful trails are great for all skill levels, and the serenity here is unmatched. Go early or midweek to avoid the crowds. |
⛰️ 7. Mount Diablo State Park
Location: East Bay
Test your legs on the Summit Trail or choose an easier loop—either way, the views from the top are worth it. On a clear day, you might spot the Sierra Nevada or even Mount Lassen.
🌅 8. Lands End Loop TrailLocation: San Francisco Perfect for a breezy hike with postcard-worthy views of the ocean and the Golden Gate. Coastal cliffs, cypress trees, and the ruins of the Sutro Baths make this a fun, varied loop. | 🪵 9. Dipsea TrailLocation: Mill Valley to Stinson Beach This one’s not for the faint of heart—but if you’re up for a steep challenge (with 700 stairs to prove it), you’ll be rewarded with sweeping Marin Headlands views and lush forest tunnels. |
🌳 10. Redwood Regional Park
Location: Oakland Hills
A peaceful forest escape with towering redwoods and multiple loop options. It’s cooler here in summer, and ideal for picnics, trail runs, or a casual walk in the shade.
Ready to hit the trail?
Whether you’re chasing a summit, a sunset, or just a peaceful escape, these hikes prove you don’t have to leave the Bay to find adventure. 📍PS: Got a favorite local trail we missed? Hit reply and let us know—we’re always down to discover a hidden gem. Happy hiking! |
🌍 More Travel Inspiration!
If you’re dreaming of budget-friendly adventures, we’ve got plenty more guides to help you plan your next trip:
🔹 Love scenic road trips? Check out these Best Day Trips from the Bay Area 🚗 🔹 Looking for an unforgettable camping experience? Try a Tree Tent Campsite 🌲 🔹 Exploring Mexico? Don’t miss our guide to the Best Things to Do in Tijuana 🇲🇽 🔹 Chasing waterfalls? Plan a Hike to Ouzel Lake 🏔️ 🔹 Rainy camping trip? Be prepared with these Tips for Camping in the Rain 🌧️🏕️ 🔹 Camping in California? Check out the Best Campgrounds for Tents & RVs 🏕️ | 🔹 Hiking fan? Explore the Top Hiking Trails in America 🥾 🔹 Heading to Vietnam? Plan your trip with our Vietnam Travel Guide 🇻🇳 🔹 Want to camp in Utah? Here are the Best Places to Camp in Utah ⛺ 🔹 Exploring Texas? Don’t miss these RV Parks in Texas 🚍 |
Wherever you’re headed, we’re here to help you Take More Adventures! ✈️🌎 🚀
Did you enjoy this post? |