The 9 Best Outdoor Attractions in San Francisco, California

San Francisco is a wonderful destination for those who love getting out in the open air and enjoying the marvels designed by Mother Nature. The city benefits from a privileged location at the north end of the San Francisco Peninsula and includes significant stretches of the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay. The result? An array of scenic beaches, history-filled islands, scenic coastline trails, and other outdoor charms.

The city is also home to lush green gardens perfect for picnicking, idyllic sunset spots, and Insta-worthy streets where you can walk while breathing some fresh air.

Read on and you’ll find some of the most popular outdoor activities in San Francisco. Whether you’re a beach babe or an urban explorer, you’ll find a variety of outdoor adventures in this travel guide. Have a look!

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9 Amazing Outdoor Attractions in San Francisco, CA

Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge crossing the San Francisco Bay.

The Golden Gate Bridge needs no introduction. Made of two 746-foot tall towers, and sweeping main cables, this worldwide famous landmark beautifully crosses the strait of the Golden Gate from San Francisco’s Presidio to the Marin headlands, and it offers the best views of the San Francisco Bay area.

To experience the Golden Gate at its finest, you can either bike across the bridge, or marvel at it from viewpoints like the Fort Point National Historic Site, Baker Beach, or Fort Baker.

Golden Gate Park

The Golden Gate Park, in San Francisco.

The Golden Gate Park is a lush oasis in the middle of San Francisco. Filled with glittering lakes, emerald-green meadows, and idyllic gardens, this is the ultimate destination for nature lovers seeking to escape the city’s hustle and bustle.

Encompassing more than 1,000 acres of land, the park is home to the Conservatory of Flowers, a Victorian building that houses almost 2,000 species of aquatic and tropical plants, including a 100-year-old giant Imperial Philodendron.

There, you’ll also find the San Francisco Botanical Garden, which showcases nearly 9000 different kinds of plants from around the world.

Another must-visit spot in the park is The Japanese Tea Garden, the oldest in the United States, and dotted with well-manicured plants, Japanese maples, and cherry trees.

Angel Island State Park

Angel Island State Park, in San Francisco, California.

Angel Island is the largest natural island in the San Francisco Bay area. Once a hunting and gathering destination for the local native tribes, and a safe refuge stop for Spanish explorers, this history-filled island is particularly visited due to its 360-degree views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, Richmond Bridge, Tiburon, and the San Francisco bay.

The island is also praised for its natural beauty, and it’s filled with plant species from the coast of California, including typical grassy chaparral, coast-live oak trees, and native grasses.

This 740 acres site can be explored through a variety of scenic hiking trails, as well as through a tram tour that includes an audio history of the island.

Access to the island is by private boat or public ferry from San Francisco, Tiburon, or Vallejo.

Lombard Street

Lombard Street, in San Francisco.

Often considered one of the most Instagrammable places in San Francisco, Lombard Street is famous for its eight sharp hairpin turns framed by Russian Hill homes and artfully manicured gardens. The street stretches from The Presidio east to The Embarcadero, and thanks to its picturesque aesthetic, it’s visited by millions of people every year.

You can either drive through the crooked curves or even better, walk down the stairs located on both sides of Lombard Street. From the highest part of the street, it’s possible to catch a glimpse of San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge, and Coit Tower.

Fisherman’s Wharf

The Famous sign at Fisherman's wharf, in San Francisco, California.

Located on the northern waterfront area of San​ Francisco, Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the most iconic locations in the city. This lively neighborhood is home to a fabulous array of attractions, including PIER 39, a 45-acre waterfront complex that offers scenic views of Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, Alcatraz Island, and Angel Island.

Fisherman’s Wharf is also a prime spot for foodies visiting San Francisco. Head over to the iconic Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory to curb your sugar cravings, to Buena Vista Cafe for the most famous Irish Coffee in San Francisco, and to The Godmother for the most delicious fish tacos in the city.

San Francisco’s Beaches

Baker Beach with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California.

One of the top outdoor activities in San Francisco is exploring the city’s beaches. The area boasts a beautifully dramatic and craggy coastline that provides a glorious setting for those seeking to enjoy a fine sea breeze and some well-deserved time among nature.

One of the best beaches in San Francisco is Ocean Beach, which features an esplanade that is an excellent spot for scenic walks. And while this beach is not ideal for swimming due to the dangerous riptides, it has a 3.5-mile stretch of white sand where you can sit down and enjoy the most show-stopping views of the Pacific Ocean.

Be sure to also visit the famous Baker Beach, located in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. This mile-long sandy shoreline stretches beneath rugged cliffs in the southwest corner of the Presidio and rewards visitors with heart-warming views of the Golden Gate, the Bridge Pacific Ocean, the Marin Headlands, and Lands End.

Twin Peaks

View from Christmas Tree Point in Twin Peaks, San Francisco

For a breathtaking sunset and taking in gorgeous views of San Francisco, hike the 0.7-mile trail network that ascends to Twin Peaks. Located 922 feet above sea level, this 64-acre hilltop park offers 360º scenic vistas of the Bay Area, and it’s a prime location for checking out the San Francisco skyline.

Union Square

Union Square Plaza in San Francisco.

Perfectly located in downtown San Francisco, Union Square is the perfect place to go for an unscheduled walk in the city. The area is well known for its tempting stores and features green spaces where you can take five on a bench to simply watch the city’s action unfold around you.

Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts, in San Francisco, California.

Feel like escaping to a nature-centric landscape away from San Francisco’s bustling streets? Then head over to the Palace of Fine Arts. Known for its serene atmosphere, the place features an alluring Greco-Roman rotunda and colonnades, lush gardens, and a lagoon, being the perfect spot for some idle afternoon stroll in the city.

FAQ

What outdoor activities are allowed in San Francisco?

Several outdoor activities are allowed in San Francisco. These include going to the beach, picnicking, visiting the city’s urban parks, hiking, and strolling around Fisherman’s Wharf.

What should I not miss in San Francisco?

When traveling to San Francisco, make sure you visit the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Union Square, and Fisherman’s Wharf.

What are the best outdoor activities in San Francisco?

The top outdoor attractions in San Francisco are:

  • Golden Gate Bridge;
  • Golden Gate Park;
  • Angel Island State Park;
  • Lombard Street;
  • Fisherman’s Wharf;
  • San Francisco’s Beaches;
  • Twin Peaks;
  • Union Square;
  • Palace of Fine Arts.

Does the San Francisco Bay Area have good beaches?

Yes. The area is dotted with good beaches that might not be ideal for swimming or tanning, but are perfect for activities such as watersports, bird-watching, scenic walks, and picnicking.

What are the best beaches in San Francisco, CA?

The 7 best beaches in San Francisco:

  • Ocean Beach;
  • Baker Beach;
  • Crissy Field Beach;
  • Pescadero State Beach;
  • Aquatic Park Cove;
  • Muir Beach;
  • Mile Rock Beach.

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