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Hit the High Spots with a Hike
One of the best features of San Francisco is that you don’t need to travel very far to leave the city behind.
The city is rife with green, scenic, and tranquil parks that offer a haven for the urban-weary, and a chance to rediscover the natural world. An ideal path for those in the market for mind and body healing, hiking offers a myriad of benefits, and the location couldn’t be more ideal, as some of the best trails are nearby. First, check out Mount Davidson Park in Sherwood Forest. Known as San Francisco's Natural Rain forest, it’s also the city’s highest natural peak. This is a perfect trail for birders, families, and dog-lovers, with 40 acres of broad paths rambling through pine and eucalyptus trees, blackberry bushes, and ferns. Or, wander over to Mount Sutro, a eucalyptus and wildflower forest often shrouded in fog, with an 80-acre hill and well-marked and maintained trails.
Don’t miss out on the special experience of Stern Grove. Famous for its annual music festival, the Grove offers 33 acres of wooded trails in a lush setting that includes a natural lake, a redwood grove, and a giant meadow. Next, discover the magnificence of the Pacific Coast at Lands End Trail. About 3.5 miles there and back, the trail is well maintained and the views of the Golden Gate, the headlands, and the shore are stunning. With over 24 miles of trails and eight scenic overlooks, The Presidio is a perennial favorite with hikers. These trails offer a variety of habitats and reward you with breathtaking views, no matter which route you choose. And don’t forget about the Golden Gate Park hiking trails, each of which offers a unique and complex habitat and hiking experience.