Though San Francisco and the Bay Space might seem tech-focused from the surface, residents know there isn’t a scarcity of how to get open air. With greater than 250 days of sunshine and year-round common temperatures between 60-70 levels, there are limitless alternatives for outside actions in San Francisco.
Again once I was 22 I spent a 12 months residing in San Francisco and have been again many occasions to go to since. I’m all the time impressed by the superior close by seaside tenting, climbing, and biking alternatives – each throughout the metropolis limits and a brief drive away.
If you happen to’re planning a go to to San Fran, I’ve rounded up some nice methods to get open air in San Francisco and the encompassing Bay Space to your subsequent weekend journey.
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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 a fantastic 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 easy accessibility to climbing and biking trails throughout. Reservations are required for Rob Hill Campground and these websites are tent-camping solely.
If you happen to’re trying to get out of town for some tenting, you’re additionally in luck. Listed below are a number of extra campgrounds only a brief drive from San Francisco:
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2. Mountain climbing
I believe San Francisco is definitely among the best cities for 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 below are a number 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, beautiful redwood timber, grassy woodlands, humble fog, and ocean views. If this sounds such as you’re preferrred 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
The most effective locations for multi-day hikes is Henry W. Coe State Park, the biggest State Park in Northern California. It’s stuffed with 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 area for over 60 backpacking events, they’re fairly simple to get. You’ll find extra data on permits and instructed backpacking routes on the Henry W. Coe web site.
Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore Backpacking
Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore is one in all 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 number 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’ll need to arrange a automotive shuttle.
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4. Mountain climbing
Sure, you could possibly drive a few hours to Yosemite Nationwide Park, however the San Francisco Bay Space is stuffed with nice mountaineering spots, too. One widespread 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 ability ranges are welcome. Or, when you don’t know tips on how to climb, it’s a fantastic place to be taught! If you’re a complete beginner with no climbing accomplice, take a look at one of many native tour corporations – comparable to Fortress 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 fantastic possibility for rookies, with loads of simple climbs and good views of the Bay. A little bit 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 simple to get to from San Francisco or Sausalito. Nevertheless, remember that the currents within the Bay Space could be robust, particularly if it’s windy, so when you’re new to kayaking, you may need to contemplate a guided tour. For a bit of added journey, hit the bay at sundown and absorb that stunning 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.
Searching for a street 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
If you’re visiting San Francisco, it’s just about a on condition that it’s important to see the Golden Gate Bridge. So why not get some train on the identical time? Lease 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 best way to Sausalito or Tiburon, seize a chew to eat, and take the ferry again to Pier 41.
If you happen to’ve acquired a mountain bike and are itching to get out on the paths, there are many trails open to mountain bikers. Just a few widespread path networks are:
Extra California Journey Suggestions
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Did I miss any of your favourite San Francisco outside actions? Or when you’re planning a visit to the Bay Space, what are you wanting ahead to most? Go away a remark under!