Ben Lomond, California

This is a great place for fishing or just taking a walk to watch the sunset.  It's a great place to walk or jog, or even bring a pup!  There are lot of people fishing throughout the pier.   A short walk away is Sharp Park Beach, where you can relax and bring a picnic to watch the sunset.

Garrapata State Park is located along California's Highway 1, roughly 5 miles south of Carmel, California. The park is entirely free with multiple pull-outs and serves as one of the first grand views travelers encounter while heading south from the Monterey Peninsula to southern California. Garra...

When we stumbled upon this beach we were thrilled to have such great views with no crowds. There is plenty of room to lay out in the sun, you can swim in the ocean to cool off, and the beach is surrounded by beautiful landscape. If you decide to swim be very careful as the waves and currents can ...

The San Francisco Crosstown Trail runs point-to-point from Candlestick Point to Land End. The SF Crosstown Trail officially opened in 2014.  It connects park trails to neighborhoods and communities.  In it's in entirety it's almost 17 miles long with 5 Sections available for those looking to bre...

Mussel rock, a three-story, 50 million year old rock that has been carried some 500 miles northwest from Southern California, is where the San Andreas fault meets the Pacific Ocean. It's also an excellent spot to drink some wine and catch a sunset. From San Francisco, take Highway 1 south towar...

San Bruno Mountain is a fun, mellow hike that climbs easily on a well-graded path to the ridge line, and then drops back to the trailhead. Along the way, the trail runs along a creek, ascends through chaparral, and provides excellent views of downtown San Francisco, the East Bay hills, and the Sa...

Bayview Hill Loop is a loop trail that starts with a paved uphill climb and views of the bay facing toward the East Bay located in the Bayview neighborhood of San Francisco, California.

Beyond McLaren's family friendly playgrounds and picnic areas, there are miles of trail to explore. The Philosopher's trail is a well-marked loop (notice the stone markings along the trail with arrows etched into them). There are several parking lots available where you can jump onto the loop. No...

Parking for Calla Lily Valley is available along the dirt pullout at Gate 19 for Garrapata State Park, near mile-marker 63. Signs are small and difficult to see. Follow the path between the guide wires and take the right fork, heading north to the bluff overlooking the beach. Continue north and f...

A wonderful roadside beach and state park. Easy parking on both sides of Hwy. 1 with short access trails. There are almost 2 miles of coastline trails heading north and south from the parking area. The north end of the beach is great for swimming and surfing when the sea is calm and the south ...

Lake Merced Loop is a loop trail in the southwestern part of San Francisco. This trail is used for running and walking. You'll see plenty of people getting exercise or taking their dog for a stroll. There are also benches and tables around the loop. The lake itself is fresh water and is used for...

Bernal Heights Park is an excellent week night adventure for those who need an escape from the city. Sit atop this small, grassy peak in peace and look out over the San Francisco skyline. Park on the street bordering the park and follow a pathway that leads up to the top. You will be instantly g...

Fort Funston is an SF gem I discovered when looking for a dog friendly hike near the city. Located west of Lake Merced, you'll find a gorgeous Northern California beach oasis where you and your dog can run wild and free :). Parking is located at the top of the park where you'll descend a steep se...

Billy Goat Hill Park is located in the Glen Park neighborhood of San Francisco. The park has street parking at the top of the park on Beacon Street or at the base of the park on Ladley Street. Getting to the swing is only a short walk up or down the stairs that run through the middle of the park....

Want to get out of the climbing gym, and do some bouldering in the city? Head to Glen Canyon park! After you park the car, take a short hike on a shade-covered path to the boulders. This climbing spot has history dating back to the 1930s when people first started scaling these boulders. This is a...

Glen Canyon Park Trail is a loop most commonly used for running or hiking in the southwestern side of San Francisco, California. Parking for the loop is street parking, so be sure to take any valuables out of the car with you.  Note: There are restrooms available at the Glen Canyon Recreation Ce...