Editor’s Note: Due to the August 2020 wildfires and the coronavirus pandemic some destinations mentioned in this article may be closed. When planning a trip, be sure to check with your destination to make sure it is accessible and open.
People come from around the world to enjoy San Francisco’s unparalleled natural beauty. All we have to do is drive less than an hour to immerse ourselves in heart-pumping and fog-embracing activities. Put these five at the top of your list.
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Bike the diagonal
Explore the Crosstown Trail: Zip down the city’s new 17-mile trail, which runs diagonally from Candlestick Point State Recreation Area northwest to Lands End. You’ll cut through neighborhoods, like the Richmond and Seacliff, and gorgeous open space, including Golden Gate Park’s Strawberry Hill.
Want something shorter or something on foot? The Crosstown Trail is broken into five sections for shorter jaunts. Stroll section No. 3 into the Sunset district, and you can climb the Hidden Garden Steps at Kirkham Street and 15th Avenue to the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps. Find maps at https://crosstowntrail.org
Run the iconic span
Jog across the Golden Gate Bridge: With commuter traffic low, now is the time to traipse across this iconic 1.7-mile bridge and take in its remarkable 746-foot tall towers. Those in the know park at the free Overlook Lot (formerly Langdon Court Parking) off Lincoln Boulevard; there’s no time limit and it’s a five-minute walk to the bridge.
You’ll have opportunities to catch your breath and take in the stunning views at each end of the bridge — the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center and Vista Point — bringing your route to about four miles roundtrip. For current sidewalk closures, visit www.goldengate.org.
Get in the water!
Surf Fort Point, if you dare: Advanced shortboard riders who haven’t slayed the beastly break under the Golden Gate Bridge are missing out on one of the city’s wildest surfing experiences.
Wild because the harsh elements can make it dangerous, and regulars are notoriously territorial. But also because of the surrounding beauty and bigness. In addition to the towering bridge, you can see the Marin Headlands, Tiburon’s silhouette and the San Francisco skyline — and massive container ships passing closer than feels quite real.
Watch for whales
Cruise the Farallons: It’s a splurge, but this naturalist-led whale-watching expedition from San Francisco to the wild Farallon Islands offers a 98-percent whale-sighting likelihood. It’s a 7½-hour cruise aboard a 56-foot vessel with 16 two-person whale watching stations spaced at least six feet apart.
It’s the perfect time to go: Last month, researchers observed about 50 blue whales — an all-time record — in a single ride to the Farallon Islands. The Oceanic Society offers tours ($600 for two) on Saturdays through October. Looking for something shorter? There’s a 2½-hour Golden Gate Whale Cruise ($240 for two), too. Tours depart from the San Francisco Small Craft Harbor, 3950 Scott St.; www.oceanicsociety.org.
Hike a Revolutionary War-era fort
Hike a Presidio trail: Hikers of all ages and skill levels will find a favorite trail winding through this 1,491-acre former army post, which offers tons to explore, from military buildings and a national cemetery to forests and beaches.
The 2.2-mile Batteries to Bluffs trail is hard to beat. The short trail hugs the ocean cliffs and includes historic gun batteries, springs and a side trip down to Marshall’s Beach. For a longer route, try the 6.6-mile Presidio Loop, a moderate trail that’s dog-friendly and winds through towering eucalyptus trees before circling the Presidio Golf Course. Find details at www.presidio.gov.