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San Francisco’s temperate weather makes for great workout opportunities year-round. You won’t be freezing in the winter or melting in the summer, so getting motivated to get outside is easy. Combine that with the Bay Area’s incredible scenery, from the beaches and forests to the mountains and cliffs, and you’ve got tons of places for an outdoor workout, some of which are bound to be right in your backyard. We spoke to some locals on where to go and rounded up our favorite outdoor spots, in and around The City by the Bay.
Quick and Easy Hiking: Fort Funston
These trails are flat and paved and are a great spot to bring dogs. You’ll get awesome views of the ocean below, and if you’re feeling extra motivated, it’s possible to hike down the 200-foot bluffs to for a run on the beach.
More info here.
More Challenging Urban Hiking: Mt. Davidson
This well-known “hill” is the highest point in San Francisco and is the easiest way to get that feeling of escaping the big city. It’s about one mile there and back, and the trails are steep at times. At the top stands a 103-foot cross, as well as a picturesque view of downtown.
More info here.
Challenging Running and Hiking: Marin Headlands
Just over the Golden Gate Bridge lie some of the best running and hiking trails in the Bay Area. “There are hundreds of miles of pristine trails that delve deep into the Muir Forest. You’ll see towering redwoods along the way and end up in fog-shrouded hilltops,” says Alex Roodhouse, a Mill Valley resident of 11 years. He recommends the Dipsea trail, a seven-mile, up-and-back route that starts in Mill Valley and ends at Stinson Beach with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean along the way. The annual Dipsea Race, held annually in June, is the oldest trail race in the U.S.
More info here.
Easy Running and Biking: Golden Gate Promenade
It’s easty to see why this place is a well-known tourist destination. The views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the city skyline, and Crissy Marsh will definitely make your run or ride a lot more interesting than a treadmill. Take beach breaks along the way with strategically placed shoreline access points, and when you arrive at the end of the four-mile path, you can head across the bridge if you’re still up for more adventure. The sidewalks on the bridge are separate from car traffic to keep bikers and pedestrians safe.
More info here.
Open-Water Swimming: The Dolphin Rowing and Swimming Club
Ready to take a new plunge—literally? Located in the Marina District on the north side of the city, the club hosts swims in the Bay’s Aquatic Park. You can join for a one-time fee of $432 per year or get a day pass for $10 on specific open-to-the-public days of the month. “There’s a wide variety of skill levels, ranging from serious former Olympians to people that just take a quick dip and then hang out in the sauna,” says Patrick Dinan, a San Francisco resident and Dolphin member. The club organizes mileage competitions and swims from Alcatraz and along the Golden Gate Bridge. Members can also row in the bay or on Lake Merced using the Dolphin Club’s fleet of boats.
More info here.
Camping: Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Head down the peninsula about 65 miles south of San Francisco and you’ll get to Big Basin, California’s first state park. “It’s an easy escape from the city, and it’s amazing to camp among the redwoods and to view the incredible waterfalls,” says San Francisco local Alison Ross, who has lived here for 15 years. She picks the 11-mile Berry Creek Falls hike as her favorite among the 80-plus miles of trail. Its 70-foot namesake waterfall is at its best in springtime, and the hike takes about half a day. Bonus: There’s great windsurfing, kiteboarding, and the occasional surfing at Waddell Beach, across Highway 1 from the park’s entrance.
More info here.
