Stroller-Friendly Walks and Hikes in San Francisco
Not every SF path works with wheels. These walks are flat enough for strollers, scenic enough for parents, and interesting enough for kids.
One of the best things about San Francisco is that you can go for a walk somewhere beautiful almost every day. One of the worst things is that half the city is at a 30-degree angle. Here are the walks that actually work with a stroller.
Flat & Scenic
Embarcadero Waterfront From the Ferry Building to Fisherman's Wharf is about 1.5 miles, completely flat, and gorgeous. Stop at the sea lions at Pier 39 (free!), grab a coffee, and let the toddler run on the wide sidewalks. The whole stretch is stroller-friendly with curb cuts everywhere.
Crissy Field to the Golden Gate Bridge The path from Crissy Field to Fort Point is one of the best walks in the city. Flat, paved, and the bridge views are unbeatable. The beach at Crissy Field is also great for toddler exploring. Total round trip is about 3 miles but you can turn around whenever.
Golden Gate Park — JFK Drive Now that JFK Drive is permanently car-free, it's essentially a 1.5-mile stroller highway. Start at the Conservatory of Flowers, roll past the de Young Museum, and end at the bison paddock. Yes, there are bison. Kids love them.
Mountain Lake Park Loop The path around Mountain Lake is flat, shaded, and about 0.7 miles. Perfect for a quick walk with ducks, turtles, and other toddler-friendly wildlife. Pairs well with the playground.
Presidio Tunnel Tops to Crissy Field Start at the Tunnel Tops, walk down to Crissy Field via the paved paths. About 1 mile each way with incredible views the whole time. There's a coffee shop at Tunnel Tops and bathrooms along the way.
Mostly Flat (Some Sections)
Lands End Trail — East Section Only The eastern section from the Lands End Lookout to Eagle Point is paved and relatively flat. Don't take the full trail with a stroller — it turns into stairs. But the first half-mile is stunning and doable.
Sunset Dunes (Former Upper Great Highway) Two miles of flat, car-free pavement along the ocean — the best stroller roll in the city. Since the Upper Great Highway became Sunset Dunes in 2025, it's perfect for strollers, bikes, scooters, and skateboards. Wide open, zero traffic, incredible views. Connects to Ocean Beach at the north end. Pack a picnic and make a morning of it.
Ocean Beach The promenade along Ocean Beach is flat and extends for miles. It's also the windiest walk on this list. Best on calm days. The section near the Park Chalet is most sheltered.
The Wiggle This is the flattest route between the Panhandle and Market Street. It follows the path of least elevation change through the city. Not scenic exactly, but it proves you can get across SF without climbing a mountain.
Pro Tips
The Gear
The golden rule: if Google Maps shows stairs in the walking directions, pick a different route.
Updated March 2026.
