Though San Francisco and the Bay Space could seem tech-focused from the skin, residents know there is no such thing as a scarcity of how to get outside. With greater than 250 days of sunshine and year-round common temperatures between 60-70 levels, there are limitless alternatives for out of doors actions in San Francisco.
Again after I was 22 I spent a 12 months dwelling in San Francisco and have been again many occasions to go to since. I’m all the time impressed by the superior close by seashore tenting, mountain climbing, and biking alternatives – each throughout the metropolis limits and a brief drive away.
In the event you’re planning a go to to San Fran, I’ve rounded up some nice methods to get outside in San Francisco and the encircling Bay Space on your subsequent weekend journey.
This put up could include affiliate hyperlinks.
1. Tenting
Do you know that there’s really a campground positioned within the metropolis of San Francisco itself? Rob Hill Campground is a gaggle campground made up of solely 4 giant campsites. However every web site can maintain as much as 30 individuals which makes it an ideal spot for a big group weekend getaway.
And what’s actually cool about this campground is that it’s positioned within the Presidio park on the northern tip of the town with quick access to mountain climbing and biking trails throughout. Reservations are required for Rob Hill Campground and these websites are tent-camping solely.
In the event you’re trying to get out of the town for some tenting, you’re additionally in luck. Listed here are a couple of extra campgrounds only a brief drive from San Francisco:
Save this put up!
Enter your e mail & I will ship this put up to your inbox! You may additionally obtain my weekly publication filled with useful recommendation for planning your adventures.
2. Climbing
I feel San Francisco is definitely among the finest cities for mountain climbing. Hundreds of miles of trails join all through the San Francisco Bay Space and Silicon Valley and there are limitless alternatives for brief or lengthy hikes.
Listed here are a couple of of my favourite hikes in San Francisco:
3. Backpacking
The multi-day backpacking trails close to San Francisco are filled with attractive excessive ridgelines, beautiful redwood timber, grassy woodlands, humble fog, and ocean views. If this sounds such as you’re ideally suited outing, you’re in luck – there are tons of backpacking choices inside a 2-hour drive of the Bay!
Henry W. Coe State Park Backpacking
Among the best locations for multi-day hikes is Henry W. Coe State Park, the biggest State Park in Northern California. It’s full of rolling hills and few individuals, making it good for a 1 or 2-night journey.
All backpacking permits for Henry W. Coe can be found on a first-come, first-served foundation on the park entrance or headquarters. However with house for over 60 backpacking events, they’re fairly straightforward to get. You will discover extra data on permits and steered backpacking routes on the Henry W. Coe web site.
Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore Backpacking
Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore is one in every of my favourite locations in California and it has some superior backpacking route choices. The 23-mile Laguna, Coast Path, Glen, Baldy, Sky Path Loop options rugged shoreline views, abandoned seashores, oak forests, and plenty of wildlife, it’s a should for avid hikers. Add a couple of miles from Wildcat Camp to view the well-known Alamere Falls – it’s price the additional steps!
East Bay Backpacking
Within the East Bay, one other nice backpacking journey is the the Skyline Nationwide Recreation Path. This 33-mile (one-way) path runs between Anthony Chabot Regional Park and Wildcat Canyon Regional Park. In a single day journeys do require a allow, which you’ll be able to choose up on the Sibley Volcanic Regional Reserve. Additionally, because it’s a point-to-point path, you’ll need to arrange a automotive shuttle.
New to backpacking?
Backpacking 101 posts
4. Mountaineering
Sure, you might drive a few hours to Yosemite Nationwide Park, however the San Francisco Bay Space is full of nice mountaineering spots, too. One in style spot is south of Silicon Valley at Fortress Rock State Park. Right here you’ll discover tons of bouldering and prime rope routes with views of the Santa Cruz mountains and Pacific Ocean.
All talent ranges are welcome. Or, for those who don’t know the best way to climb, it’s an ideal place to be taught! If you’re a complete beginner with no climbing companion, take a look at one of many native tour firms – corresponding to Fortress Rock Climbing College – that supply climbing classes.
Within the East Bay, Mount Diablo State Park has trad, prime rope, and sport climbing routes. Mount Tamalpais, within the North Bay, can also be an ideal possibility for rookies, with loads of straightforward climbs and good views of the Bay. Somewhat additional away, Pinnacles Nationwide Park is a quiet Nationwide Park with loads of volcanic rock to scurry up.
5. Kayaking
San Francisco is surrounded by water, so it’s no shock that there are some nice locations to go kayaking. Angel Island is an superior place to kayak as a result of it’s straightforward to get to from San Francisco or Sausalito. Nevertheless, bear in mind that the currents within the Bay Space could be sturdy, particularly if it’s windy, so for those who’re new to kayaking, you would possibly need to think about a guided tour. For slightly added journey, hit the bay at sundown and absorb that lovely skycap at nightfall!
Different choices for kayaking are Sausalito, which affords epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco skyline, or Horseshoe Cove in Fort Baker north of SF.
In search of a highway journey? Slightly below 3 hours from San Francisco, you may kayak with sea otters in Monterey Bay, a very distinctive expertise as a sanctuary for tons of sea animals!
6. Biking
If you’re visiting San Francisco, it’s just about a on condition that it’s a must to see the Golden Gate Bridge. So why not get some train on the similar time? Hire a motorcycle from one of many many stands close to Fisherman’s Wharf and head over the Golden Gate Bridge into Marin. You’ll be able to bike all the way in which to Sausalito or Tiburon, seize a chunk to eat, and take the ferry again to Pier 41.
In the event you’ve bought a mountain bike and are itching to get out on the paths, there are many trails open to mountain bikers. A number of in style path networks are:
Extra California Journey Suggestions
Save this put up to Pinterest
Did I miss any of your favourite San Francisco out of doors actions? Or for those who’re planning a visit to the Bay Space, what are you trying ahead to most? Depart a remark under!
