San Francisco is one of the nation's most iconic cities for many good reasons: architecture, history and sheer beauty, to name a few. Whether you're visiting for work or pleasure, you can work some peace and restoration into your trip by stopping by one of the many parks near San Francisco. Grab a bite to eat and enjoy it on a park bench, plan a picnic with your family, or spend the entire day exploring one of the city's island state parks. San Francisco boasts very well-maintained, landscaped, clean parks--at least by most visitors' standards.
Here, we've compiled some of the best parks to visit in San Francisco.
Alamo Square Park
Suggested Activities:
- The Painted Ladies and Victorian Homes of Alamo Square Tour
- Eat at Alamo Square Seafood Grill
Amenities:
- Playground with swings
- Open tennis court
- Large, open dog park
- Family and pet friendly
Alamo Square Park is a favorite local hangout for good reason. Geographically, it's well above the hustle of much of the city traffic--and you'll climb a fair share of hills to get there. But if you brave the inclines, you'll be rewarded with iconic vistas of the city. Among the views are streets of gingerbread-style Victorian houses (including the famous Painted Ladies, the row of houses made famous by the Full House TV show). Expect plenty of landscaped green spaces to spread out a picnic blanket and relax for a while.
On most days, there's a coffee truck parked right beside the park. You'll also find a variety of coffee shops and lunch spots within walking distance.
Angel Island State Park
Suggested Activities:
- Morning Sail Tour
- Hiking and biking trails
Amenities:
- Restrooms
- Cafe
- Bikes for rent
- Historic Markers
This park will take you away from it all--quite literally. Sometimes dubbed the Ellis Island of the West Coast, Angel Island State Park is a literal island off the coast of San Francisco. You'll need to take a ferry to get there, so it's smart to set aside at least half a day to enjoy this gorgeous escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Bikers, runners and walkers love the 13 miles of trails traversing the wooded park areas. The Perimeter Loop hugs the coast, as you might expect; it offers stunning views of the city and the bay. Historic markers along the way give you a glimpse into the island's past as an immigration station.
Double-check the ferry schedule as you plan your trip; the ferry only runs every two hours or so.
Bernal Heights
Suggested Activities:
- Scope out the views
- See the outdoor cinema
Amenities:
- Hiking Trails
- Large Playground Area
- Dog Friendly
- Bike Parking
Looking for a great place to take in a sunset view, get away from the crowds and perhaps snag an Instagram-worthy photo? Bernal Heights is hard to beat. A short (less than 1 mile) hike will take you to the very top of the hill, which offers panoramic views of the city and bay on a clear day. It boasts an outdoor cinema that charms audiences with its unique blend of outdoor ambiance and movie magic, making it a memorable experience for film lovers and the community. It more prominently features an expansive playground which makes this a great stop for families with young children. It also offers plenty of trails--some paved, some unpaved—being a lovely way to connect with nature in a safe, clean environment.
If you're visiting around the 4th of July, this is one of the best places to stop to watch the fireworks. Bernal Heights also offers stunning views of the city at night when the weather is clear.
Mission Dolores Park
Suggested Activities:
- Take in the city sights from the park
- Enjoy nearby shops and street art
Amenities:
- Dog Park
- Picnic Tables
- Basketball Court
- Benches
Often just called Dolores Park, this is one of the most popular city parks for locals and visitors alike; it's widely considered one of the best parks to visit in San Francisco. Expect expansive green manicured lawns, skyline views, plenty of space for kids to run and play and even a large open dog park. This park is most popular as a picnic space and many locals and visitors say it's second only to the SF Gate Park in terms of atmosphere and quintessential San Francisco vibes. Pack a blanket, grab lunch from one of the many nearby restaurants and enjoy the fresh air.
Francisco Park
Suggested Activities:
- Enjoy the open views of the bay
- Explore nearby shops and downtown
Amenities:
- Restrooms
- Playgrounds with swings
- Two Dog Parks
- Benches
- Community Garden
Francisco Park is located in San Francisco's Russian Hill neighborhood and it's one of the best parks to visit for city views. From here, you'll enjoy vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island and Angel Island. There are play structures for kids, spaces for dogs to roam and gorgeous views to enjoy around every bend of the sidewalk.
Francisco Park is located right across the street from the Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience, making it a no-brainer if you need a place to let off some steam after taking a tour and tasting some mouthwatering chocolates.
Golden Gate Park
Suggested Activities:
Amenities:
- Dog Parks
- Basketball Courts
- Picnic Tables
- Cafes
- Museums
- Restrooms
- Benches
- Walking/Biking Trails and "Carless Roads"
One of the Top San Francisco parks no matter what list you consult, Golden Gate Park is an icon. The largest park in the city, Golden Gate Park spans over 1,000 acres. It's also one of the city's oldest parks; it was opened in 1870, after years of deliberation, planning and planting of non-native grasses to stabilize the sand dunes upon which the park was built. The things to do here are too numerous to list; you'll find tours, gardens, lakes, observatories and a robust, year-round calendar of events. The only downside might be the crowds; approximately 43 million visitors stop by Golden Gate Park each year, so if you're looking for solitude, you might want to try a different destination.
Muir Woods National Monument
Suggested Activities:
- Go on a woods and wine tour
- Visit the beach and overlook
Amenities:
- Hiking and Biking Trails
- Benches
- Gift Shop
- Restrooms
- Handicapped-accessible trails
If the woods are calling, this park is going to satisfy. Muir Woods National Monument is technically part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area north of San Francisco. It's a hop, skip and a jump away from the noise and bluster of the city and it's a breath of fresh air--largely thanks to its old-growth redwood trees. You'll find plenty of trails to hike, run, or bike here, with many offering gorgeous glimpses of the Pacific Ocean. If you're driving up, you'll need to make a reservation in advance; the Muir Woods National Monument limits traffic.
Presidio Heights Park
Suggested Activities:
- Enjoy the provided sports courts
- Explore nearby shops, museums and attractions
Amenities:
- Expansive Playground Equipment; Swings
- Accessible playhouse and clubhouse
This is the park to visit if you have kids in tow who need to burn off some energy. Presidio Heights is most well-regarded for its impressive playground equipment for toddlers and older kids alike. The play structures here are truly expansive, with plenty of space to run, climb and spread out. An open basketball court also invites visitors to let loose and play for a while.
Alcatraz Island Park
Suggested Activities:
Amenities:
- Restrooms
- Scenic Views
- Restrooms
For a high-demand, unmistakably touristy destination, Alcatraz Island is well worth your time--perhaps surprisingly well worth it. The infamous former military prison/fort is now managed by the National Park Service and the tour will take you around and through the many points of interest--all fascinating, whether you're a history buff or not. You can get to the island via ferry; it's a short ride from Pier 33. Expect to spend a few hours exploring the island in order to fully do it justice. There's more than just old buildings here; the natural beauty of the island's coastline offers a lovely respite from the sights and sounds of the city.
Looking for more parks near San Francisco? Dig into the neighborhood where you're staying; chances are good there's a hidden gem within a few blocks. With a AAA membership it’s possible to find discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets to make planning your trip even smoother.