Though San Francisco and the Bay Space might seem tech-focused from the surface, residents know there isn’t any scarcity of the way to get outside. With greater than 250 days of sunshine and year-round common temperatures between 60-70 levels, there are infinite alternatives for out of doors actions in San Francisco.
Again once I was 22 I spent a yr dwelling in San Francisco and have been again many instances to go to since. I’m at all times impressed by the superior close by seaside tenting, mountain climbing, and biking alternatives – each throughout the metropolis limits and a brief drive away.
Should 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 to your subsequent weekend journey.
This publish might comprise affiliate hyperlinks.
1. Tenting
Do you know that there’s truly a campground positioned within the metropolis of San Francisco itself? Rob Hill Campground is a gaggle campground made up of solely 4 massive campsites. However every website can maintain as much as 30 individuals which makes it a terrific 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 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.
Should you’re seeking to get out of town for some tenting, you’re additionally in luck. Listed here are a couple of extra campgrounds only a brief drive from San Francisco:
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2. Mountain climbing
I feel San Francisco is definitely top-of-the-line cities for mountain climbing. 1000’s of miles of trails join all through the San Francisco Bay Space and Silicon Valley and there are infinite 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 stuffed with beautiful excessive ridgelines, gorgeous redwood bushes, grassy woodlands, humble fog, and ocean views. If this sounds such as you’re superb 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 finest locations for multi-day hikes is Henry W. Coe State Park, the most important State Park in Northern California. It’s full of rolling hills and few individuals, making it excellent 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 area for over 60 backpacking events, they’re fairly straightforward to get. You’ll find extra data on permits and prompt backpacking routes on the Henry W. Coe web site.
Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore Backpacking
Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore is one among 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 many 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 value 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 choose up on the Sibley Volcanic Regional Reserve. Additionally, because it’s a point-to-point path, you will have to arrange a automotive shuttle.
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4. Mountaineering
Sure, you can drive a few hours to Yosemite Nationwide Park, however the San Francisco Bay Space is full of nice mountaineering spots, too. One fashionable spot is south of Silicon Valley at Citadel 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 ability ranges are welcome. Or, in the event you don’t know methods to climb, it’s a terrific place to study! In case you are a complete beginner with no climbing associate, take a look at one of many native tour corporations – reminiscent of Citadel Rock Climbing Faculty – that provide 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 a terrific possibility for learners, with loads of straightforward climbs and good views of the Bay. Slightly 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 might be sturdy, particularly if it’s windy, so in the event you’re new to kayaking, you would possibly wish to take into account a guided tour. For a little bit added journey, hit the bay at sundown and soak up that lovely skycap at nightfall!
Different choices for kayaking are Sausalito, which gives epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco skyline, or Horseshoe Cove in Fort Baker north of SF.
On the lookout for a highway journey? Just below 3 hours from San Francisco, you possibly can kayak with sea otters in Monterey Bay, a very distinctive expertise as a sanctuary for tons of sea animals!
6. Biking
In case you are visiting San Francisco, it’s just about a on condition that you must see the Golden Gate Bridge. So why not get some train on the similar time? Hire a motorbike 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 best way to Sausalito or Tiburon, seize a chunk to eat, and take the ferry again to Pier 41.
Should you’ve received a mountain bike and are itching to get out on the paths, there are many trails open to mountain bikers. A number of fashionable path networks are:
Did I miss any of your favourite San Francisco out of doors actions? Or in the event you’re planning a visit to the Bay Space, what are you wanting ahead to most? Depart a remark under!
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