As earth day approaches, there is no better way to celebrate the thriving nature our planet provides than by walking through all of San Francisco’s immensely scenic parks and trails. By bringing your children along, a family hike will be a perfect opportunity for them to learn about our wonderful surrounding flora and ecology.
Here are our favorite easy hikes around the bucolic city guaranteed to thrill and fascinate children of all ages, including the adults.
See also: The Essential San Francisco Gardens To Visit During Spring
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Start of Trail: 680 Point Lobos Ave / Website
We begin with possibly the most popular location for families, and for amazing reasons! Walking along Lands End north of Ocean Beach, your kids will love seeing all the craggly ruins of Sutro Baths, as well as an adventurous cave.
Even more north of that are easy and railed seaside trails that lead to memorials, Mile Rock Beach, the secret labyrinth, and even the Legion of Honor, all with a spectacularly close view of the vibrant Golden Gate Bridge. Make sure to stop by the cafe and visitor center to pick up a fun souvenir for your kids.
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Glen Park's Elk Street and O'Shaughessy Boulevards / Website
Now this is a more hidden and local selection. Glen Canyon is a stunning open valley that is filled with gorgeous rocks, bright sunshine, the serene flowing Islais Creek, and friendly wildlife like Great Horned Owls and Blue Jays. Its short length of less than a mile makes it perfect for an easy stroll, and with everything packed in here, its easy to finish and repeat without even noticing. Parking is easy in the Glen Park neighborhood, and there is even a fun playground and recreation center worth exploring.
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Start of Trail: 42 Moraga Ave / Website
The Ecology Trail up in the Presidio near the Arguello Gate is the hotspot for the most colorful flowers, butterflies, and of course, views. Parking in the Presidio golf course parking and then simply crossing the street will lead you to an immensely picturesque outlook of not only the towering redwoods, but also of the open bay, Angel Island, and Alcatraz, all within a mile and a half of distance.
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Dalewood Way & Myra Way / Website
As the highest elevation point in the city, Mount Davidson is hard to miss, especially with its massive giant cross. Surprisingly, the mountain is not that steep of a hike, and is quite short, making it easy for children to race up. Just past the cross are outlooks that lend grand views of the city's downtown skyline, perfect for that Instagram moment of an accomplished afternoon.
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1199 E Beach / Website
Crissy field is another great seaside promenade, on the northern part of the city. Offering the left side of the Golden Gate Bridge this time, the expansive green is perfect for children to run around and explore on.
Its sandy 2 mile path leads to East Beach on one side, and Crissy Field Marsh on the other, both known for having gentle and relaxing waves. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, try walking down to the Palace of Fine Arts or to Marina’s Chestnut Street for a rewarding meal after.
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Golden Gate Park / Website
Strawberry Hill is the island in the middle of Golden Gate Park's placid lake. This island instantly transports you into a sunny jungle that winds up to the summit to reveal a gorgeous flowing waterfall with multiple surrounding boulders to rest on. Pack lunch and some binoculars, because this outpost presents a perfect view all around the city worthy of a family picnic. Once you head back down, definitely try renting a Stow Lake boat, or walking to the many other park's offerings, like the Music Concourse, or community-filled Hippie Hill.
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Roosevelt Way & Museum Way / Website
Lastly, while we previously gave this place its own separate feature, Corona Heights Park is worth the mention again thanks to its easy ascent, amazing view, and the nearby kid-friendly Randall Museum. This is a short hike that lends perfect time to checking out the museum's creative art and interactive science exhibits.
Whether it be for Earth Day, or just for any pleasantly sunny weekend here, these sspots are sure to bring out your inner child as well!
Photography by: Greg Rosenke/Unsplash
As earth day approaches, there is no better way to celebrate the thriving nature our planet provides than by walking through all of San Francisco’s immensely scenic parks and trails. By bringing your children along, a family hike will be a perfect opportunity for them to learn about our wonderful surrounding flora and ecology.
Here are our favorite easy hikes around the bucolic city guaranteed to thrill and fascinate children of all ages, including the adults.
See also: The Essential San Francisco Gardens To Visit During Spring
View this post on Instagram
Start of Trail: 680 Point Lobos Ave / Website
We begin with possibly the most popular location for families, and for amazing reasons! Walking along Lands End north of Ocean Beach, your kids will love seeing all the craggly ruins of Sutro Baths, as well as an adventurous cave.
Even more north of that are easy and railed seaside trails that lead to memorials, Mile Rock Beach, the secret labyrinth, and even the Legion of Honor, all with a spectacularly close view of the vibrant Golden Gate Bridge. Make sure to stop by the cafe and visitor center to pick up a fun souvenir for your kids.
View this post on Instagram
Glen Park's Elk Street and O'Shaughessy Boulevards / Website
Now this is a more hidden and local selection. Glen Canyon is a stunning open valley that is filled with gorgeous rocks, bright sunshine, the serene flowing Islais Creek, and friendly wildlife like Great Horned Owls and Blue Jays. Its short length of less than a mile makes it perfect for an easy stroll, and with everything packed in here, its easy to finish and repeat without even noticing. Parking is easy in the Glen Park neighborhood, and there is even a fun playground and recreation center worth exploring.
View this post on Instagram
Start of Trail: 42 Moraga Ave / Website
The Ecology Trail up in the Presidio near the Arguello Gate is the hotspot for the most colorful flowers, butterflies, and of course, views. Parking in the Presidio golf course parking and then simply crossing the street will lead you to an immensely picturesque outlook of not only the towering redwoods, but also of the open bay, Angel Island, and Alcatraz, all within a mile and a half of distance.
View this post on Instagram
Dalewood Way & Myra Way / Website
As the highest elevation point in the city, Mount Davidson is hard to miss, especially with its massive giant cross. Surprisingly, the mountain is not that steep of a hike, and is quite short, making it easy for children to race up. Just past the cross are outlooks that lend grand views of the city's downtown skyline, perfect for that Instagram moment of an accomplished afternoon.
View this post on Instagram
1199 E Beach / Website
Crissy field is another great seaside promenade, on the northern part of the city. Offering the left side of the Golden Gate Bridge this time, the expansive green is perfect for children to run around and explore on.
Its sandy 2 mile path leads to East Beach on one side, and Crissy Field Marsh on the other, both known for having gentle and relaxing waves. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, try walking down to the Palace of Fine Arts or to Marina’s Chestnut Street for a rewarding meal after.
View this post on Instagram
Golden Gate Park / Website
Strawberry Hill is the island in the middle of Golden Gate Park's placid lake. This island instantly transports you into a sunny jungle that winds up to the summit to reveal a gorgeous flowing waterfall with multiple surrounding boulders to rest on. Pack lunch and some binoculars, because this outpost presents a perfect view all around the city worthy of a family picnic. Once you head back down, definitely try renting a Stow Lake boat, or walking to the many other park's offerings, like the Music Concourse, or community-filled Hippie Hill.
View this post on Instagram
Roosevelt Way & Museum Way / Website
Lastly, while we previously gave this place its own separate feature, Corona Heights Park is worth the mention again thanks to its easy ascent, amazing view, and the nearby kid-friendly Randall Museum. This is a short hike that lends perfect time to checking out the museum's creative art and interactive science exhibits.
Whether it be for Earth Day, or just for any pleasantly sunny weekend here, these sspots are sure to bring out your inner child as well!
Photography by: Greg Rosenke/Unsplash
