7 Outdoorsy Things To Do in San Francisco.

Melanie Sutrathada shares 10 outdoorsy things you must do in San Francisco..jpg

If you love nature, you're going to fall head over heels with San Francisco. All it takes is a morning hike along Baker Beach, a walk through the forest surrounding the Presidio, or picnicking along the water in Sausalito! 

Here are seven outdoorsy things to do on a trip to San Francisco:

1. Hike up Twin Peaks. 

501 Twin Peaks Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94114.

Say hello to the best place to catch a San Francisco sunrise and sunset. This is the perfect place to capture a great 360-degree view of the city on a clear day or night because it's the second highest summit in San Francisco. You'll be able to see the Bay Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge and all of the gorgeous downtown skyscrapers.

Steps are built into the side of the two hills, and while they're steep at almost 1,000 feet above the city, they're also 100% worth it. The good news is that you don't have to scale the hills for the great view! You can also take in a 180-degree view from its parking lot which faces north.  

2. Have lunch in Golden Gate Park.

501 Stanyan St, San Francisco, CA 94117.

This park is the largest man-made urban park in the world at over 1.5 square miles. and does not disappoint Enjoy a cup of tea at the Japanese Tea garden, a boat ride around the lake, or take a second to gape at the buffalo herd (yes, really). Golden Gate Park has something for everyone!

3. Take in the views of the John Muir Woods.

1 Muir Woods Rd, Mill Valley, CA 94941.

Turn your phone on silent (not that you'll have reception anyway) and enjoy a hike through these famous 1,000-year-old Sequoia trees. They're just a short trip north of San Francisco! This magical redwood grove is a serious stunner that almost feels like it's out of a fairy tale. These ancient trees have been tucked into the canyons along the California coast for thousands of years. 

Note that you need to make reservations for $8 a car at gomuirwoods.com or by calling (800) 410-2419 to either park at Muir Woods or to ride the shuttle to the park ($3 per person). Reservations can't be made on site, so make sure to do it beforehand, especially since you won't have service to call once you're there. 

4. Fly out over the city on the Billy Goat Hill Rope Swing.

300 Beacon St, San Francisco, CA 9413.

Um, who doesn't love a good ol' fashioned swing? Crazy people, that's who. This rope swing is 30 feet tall and swings over a cliff! The Billy Goat Hill Rope Swing is one of the go-tos in San Francisco and is totally worth the wait. 

5. Explore the Presidio. 

Presidio, San Francisco.

Have a free afternoon and want to get away from the hustle and bustle? Enjoy an escape from the city with this 1,500-acre National Park at the Golden Gate Bridge. It was a military fort for three nations for over 200 years and is full of things to do. We're talking hiking, golfing (not that I'm fancy enough to do this), rock climbing and a million other fun things. You can even camp at the city's only campground.

6. Go kayaking in the Bay.

Get up close and personal with the water around San Francisco. Rent a kayak and paddle your way through Sausalito (best SF sightseeing) or McCovey Cove (for sports fans looking to catch a home run). 

7. Enjoy a little breather at Baker Beach. 

1504 Pershing Dr. San Francisco, CA 94129.

Baker Beach has some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge from the western side as it sits along the water where the Pacific Ocean meets the San Francisco Bay. Make sure to bring your camera or a fully-charged phone because you're definitely going to want to snap a few photos for Instagram. I'd definitely recommend also packing lunch and a blanket. Baker Beach is perfect for a picnic and soaking in the scenery. 

Ready to get moving? What are you most excited to do in San Francisco?

Melanie Sutrathada shares her top 7 outdoorsy things to do in San Francisco..png