San Francisco and the Bay Area may seem tech-centric from the outside, but residents know there’s no shortage of ways to get outdoors. With over 250 days of sunshine and year-round temperatures in the 60s and 70s, San Francisco offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities.
I lived in San Francisco for a year when I was 22 and have visited many times since. I am always impressed by the wonderful nearby beach camping, hiking, and biking opportunities, all within a short drive of downtown.
If you're planning a visit to San Francisco, we've rounded up some great ways to enjoy the outdoors in San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area for your next weekend adventure.
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1. Camping
Did you know that there is actually a campground right in downtown San Francisco? Rob Hill Campground This is a group campground consisting of only 4 large campsites. However, each site can accommodate up to 30 people, making it a great place for a large group weekend getaway.
And what's really cool about this campground is that it's located in Presidio Park on the north end of town, with easy access to hiking and biking trails around the area. Reservations are required for Rob Hill Campground, and this site is tent camping only.
If you want to get out of town for camping, you're in luck. Here are a few more campsites within a short drive of San Francisco.
![View of the San Francisco skyline across the bay from Angel Island](https://bearfoottheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Angel-Island-California-1024x683.jpeg)
![View of the San Francisco skyline across the bay from Angel Island](https://bearfoottheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Angel-Island-California-1024x683.jpeg)
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2. Hiking
I think San Francisco is actually one of the best cities for hiking. Thousands of miles of trails connect the San Francisco Bay Area and throughout Silicon Valley, providing endless opportunities for short or long hikes.
Here are some of my favorite hikes in San Francisco:
![Golden Gate Bridge across the bay on a blue sky day](https://bearfoottheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Golden-Gate-Bridge-California-1024x678.jpeg)
![Golden Gate Bridge across the bay on a blue sky day](https://bearfoottheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Golden-Gate-Bridge-California-1024x678.jpeg)
3. Backpacking
This multi-day backpacking trail near San Francisco is filled with beautiful, high ridges, beautiful redwoods, grassy forests, humble fog, and ocean views. If this sounds like your ideal outing, you're in luck. There are tons of backpacking options within a two-hour drive of the Bay!
Henry W. Coe State Park Backpacking
One of the best places for a multi-day hike is Henry W. Coe State Park, the largest state park in Northern California. It is perfect for a 1-2 night trip as there are many rolling hills and few people.
All backpacking permits at Henry W. Coe are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the park entrance or headquarters. However, it is very easy to get one as it has space to accommodate over 60 backpacking parties. You can find more information about permits and proposed backpacking routes on the Henry W. Coe website.
Point Reyes National Seashore Backpacking
Point Reyes National Seashore is one of my favorite places in California and has some great backpacking route options. The 23-mile Laguna, Coast Trail, Glen, Baldy, Sky Trail Loop features rugged coastline views, deserted beaches, oak forests, and plenty of wildlife, making it a must-see for avid hikers. Just a few miles further from Wildcat Camp you can see the famous Alamere Falls. It's worth the extra step!
![Alamere Falls tumbles down beach cliffs at Point Reyes National Seashore in California](https://bearfoottheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Alamere-Falls-California-1024x683.jpeg)
![Alamere Falls cascades down the coastal cliffs of California's Point Reyes National Seashore.](https://bearfoottheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Alamere-Falls-California-1024x683.jpeg)
East Bay Backpacking
Another great backpacking trip in the East Bay is the Skyline National Recreation Trail. This 33-mile (one-way) trail passes between Anthony Chabot Regional Park and Wildcat Canyon Regional Park. Permits are required for overnight trips and can be obtained from Sibley Volcanic Regional Reserve. Additionally, since it is a point-to-point trail, you will need to arrange for a vehicle shuttle.
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4. Rock climbing
Yes, Yosemite National Park is a few hours’ drive away, but there are also some great climbing spots in the San Francisco Bay Area. One popular spot is Castle Rock State Park, south of Silicon Valley. Here, you’ll find plenty of bouldering and top-roping routes with views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
All skill levels are welcome, or if you don’t know how to climb, this is a great place to learn! If you’re a complete beginner without a climbing partner, check out local tour companies like Castle Rock Climbing School, which offer climbing lessons.
Mount Diablo State Park in the East Bay features traditional, top rope, and sport climbing routes. Mount Tamalpais in North Bay is also a good option for beginners, with many easy climbs and great views of the bay. A little further away, Pinnacles National Park is a quieter national park with plenty of volcanic rock formations to climb.
![Tall rocks perched on a ridge in Pinnacles National Park, California](https://bearfoottheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Pinnacles-National-Park_California-1024x768.jpeg)
![Tall rocks perched on a ridge in Pinnacles National Park, California](https://bearfoottheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Pinnacles-National-Park_California-1024x768.jpeg)
5. Kayak
San Francisco is surrounded by water, so it’s no surprise that there are great places to kayak. Angel Island is a great place to kayak, as it’s easily accessible from San Francisco or Sausalito. However, the currents in the Bay Area can be strong, especially when it’s windy, so if you’re new to kayaking, you may want to consider a guided tour. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, head to the bay at sunset to catch the beautiful Skycap sunset!
Other options for kayaking include Horseshoe Cove in Sausalito, which offers spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline, or Fort Baker, north of SF.
Looking for a road trip? You can kayak with sea otters in Monterey Bay, less than three hours from San Francisco. As a sanctuary for numerous marine animals, it offers a truly unique experience!
6. Riding a bike
If you're visiting San Francisco, it's a given that you'll want to see the Golden Gate Bridge. So why not get some exercise in at the same time? Rent a bike from one of the many stands near Fisherman's Wharf and ride across the Golden Gate Bridge to Marin. You can then cycle to Sausalito or Tiburon, grab some food, and catch the ferry back to Pier 41.
If you have a mountain bike and feel like getting out on the trails, there are plenty of trails you can ride your mountain bike on. Some popular trail networks include:
Have you missed any of your favorite outdoor activities in San Francisco? Or, if you’re planning a trip to the Bay Area, what are you most looking forward to? Leave a comment below!
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