Best Hikes with Kids Near San Francisco

San Francisco and the surrounding area have some of the best hiking in the country. The trick with kids is matching the trail to their legs (and their patience). Here's what actually works, from stroller-friendly to real adventure.

In the City

Lands End Trail — Easy to Moderate The eastern section from Lands End Lookout to Eagle Point is paved and gorgeous — ocean views, cypress trees, and the ruins of Sutro Baths at the end. About 1.5 miles round trip. The western section has stairs and is tougher with little kids. Start from the visitor center parking lot.

Best for: Ages 3+ walking, all ages in a carrier. Stroller works for first half-mile only.

Presidio to Crissy Field — Easy Multiple paved paths connect the Presidio's forested trails to the waterfront at Crissy Field. Start at Tunnel Tops, walk through the Presidio forest, emerge at the beach. About 2 miles one way. Golden Gate Bridge views the whole time. Totally flat once you're at Crissy Field.

Best for: All ages. Full stroller accessible on paved routes.

Glen Canyon Trail — Easy to Moderate A hidden nature trail in the middle of the city. Feels like you left San Francisco. Creek, wildflowers, hawks overhead. The main trail is about 1 mile and mostly flat with some gentle hills. Glen Park Playground is at the entrance for a post-hike play.

Best for: Ages 2+ walking. Not stroller-friendly (dirt path).

Mount Sutro Forest — Moderate An actual forest in the middle of San Francisco. Eucalyptus trees, ferns, fog dripping through the canopy. Short loop trails (0.5-1 mile) that feel magical. Can be muddy — wear boots. A secret spot most SF residents don't know about.

Best for: Ages 4+ walking. Not stroller-friendly.

Bernal Heights Hill — Easy The loop trail around the top is about 1 mile with 360-degree views of the entire city. Dogs everywhere (kids love this). Gentle slope up, flat on top. One of the best sunset spots in SF.

Best for: Ages 3+ walking. The dirt path works for rugged strollers.

Marin County (20-40 min from SF)

Muir Woods — Easy The famous redwood forest. The main boardwalk loop is flat, paved, and about 1 mile. Kids are awed by the giant trees. Go early (before 10 AM) or late (after 3 PM) to avoid crowds. Parking reservation required — book on recreation.gov.

Best for: All ages. Stroller-friendly on the main boardwalk.

Tennessee Valley Trail — Easy A flat, wide trail that ends at a beautiful black sand beach. 3.4 miles round trip. No elevation gain. Kids can run ahead safely. The beach at the end is the payoff — dramatic cliffs, waves, and tide pools. Pack a picnic.

Best for: Ages 4+ walking the full trail. Stroller-friendly (gravel path).

Rodeo Beach to Batteries — Easy to Moderate Start at Rodeo Beach (great for exploring), then hike up to the old military batteries with tunnels. Kids love exploring the dark tunnels — bring a flashlight. About 2 miles round trip with some uphill. Incredible ocean views.

Best for: Ages 5+ for the full hike. Beach portion works for all ages.

Dipsea Trail (First Section) — Moderate Start in Mill Valley and climb the famous Dipsea stairs. The first section to Muir Woods is about 2 miles and steep — real hiking. Kids who can handle stairs and hills will feel like adventurers. The full Dipsea to Stinson Beach is too far for most kids.

Best for: Ages 6+ with hiking experience.

Point Bonita Lighthouse — Moderate A half-mile trail to a lighthouse at the tip of the Marin Headlands. Tunnel, suspension bridge, and the lighthouse itself. Dramatic and memorable. Short but exposed — hold small hands. Open only Sat-Mon.

Best for: Ages 5+. Not stroller-friendly (stairs, narrow path).

Peninsula (20-45 min south)

Sawyer Camp Trail — Easy A 6-mile paved path along Crystal Springs Reservoir. Completely flat, tree-lined, and beautiful. Bikes, strollers, and scooters welcome. You can do as much or as little as you want. The reservoir views are stunning.

Best for: All ages. Perfect stroller and bike path.

Purisima Creek Redwoods — Moderate Redwood forest hikes on the Peninsula. The Purisima Creek Trail is about 3 miles round trip with some elevation change. Shaded, cool, and gorgeous. Less crowded than Muir Woods.

Best for: Ages 5+ walking. Not stroller-friendly.

What to Pack

Every kid hike, every time:

Water — more than you think. Kids dehydrate fast.

Snacks — trail mix, fruit, granola bars. A hungry kid is a done kid.

Layers — fog rolls in fast, especially near the coast

Sunscreen and hats — fog doesn't prevent sunburn

A carrier or backpack — for when little legs give out (ages 1-4)

Flashlight — if you're doing any battery/tunnel exploration

The Rules of Hiking with Kids

Go short. A 1-mile hike with a 3-year-old takes an hour. Every rock needs inspection.

Have a destination. Beach, waterfall, tunnel, lighthouse — kids need a goal, not just "nature."

Let them lead. The speed is their speed. Fighting it makes everyone miserable.

Turn around happy. Better to end early on a high note than push too far and melt down.

Bring a friend. A kid with a hiking buddy will go twice as far without complaining.

Updated March 2026. Trail conditions change seasonally — check before heading out.