Top 5 Awesome Outdoor Activities In San Francisco

Whether you are a first-time traveler, a frequent visitor, or a California native, there is much to uncover and explore in the San Francisco Bay Area. With more than 250 days of sunshine per year, intrepid explorers can plan outdoor activities in San Francisco that are fun and educational. Read on for the top 5 choices for fun San Francisco outdoor activities.

 

 

1) Angel Island State Park

 

Take a 30-minute ferry from the San Francisco Ferry Terminal to one of the best outdoor activities in the San Francisco Bay Area.

 

Angel Island is the largest natural island in the Bay Area. The island is covered in grass and woodland, with 12 miles of trails for hiking and biking. A 6.2-mile trail takes you around the circumference of the island. The island boasts an impressive view of the San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge.

 

Angel Island has played a key role in the history of San Francisco. It was first inhabited by the Coast Miwok tribe. Followed by a supply stop for Spanish explorers. Later, it served as a US Immigration station and a processing area for troops embarking on or returning from military war service.

 

With the departure of the military in the early 1960s, Angel Island officially became a protected state park.

 

 

2) Alcatraz Island

 

For most travelers visiting San Francisco, a trip to Alcatraz Island is at the top of their must-do list.

 

For 29 years, from 1934 to 1963, Alcatraz Island served as a federal prison for some of the nation’s most dangerous criminals. People like Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, and Robert Stroud, also known as the Birdman of Alcatraz, served time here along with a long list of others.

 

Take the short ferry ride from San Francisco’s pier 33 at Fisherman’s Wharf. A member of the National Park Service staff will greet you with a brief island orientation.

 

A tour of the cell house is provided by a self-guided audio tour. Free interpretative presentations are delivered by volunteers and staff throughout the island.

 

Return ferry service runs every half hour. Allow 2-3 hours to tour Alcatraz Island.

 

 

3) San Francisco Botanical Garden

 

For outdoor activities in San Francisco, few can top a trip to the San Francisco Botanical Garden. You’ll walk through 55 acres with 8000 species of plants from around the world.

 

Attractions at the San Francisco Botanical Garden include:

 

• Andean and Southeast Asian Cloud Forests
• Plants from Australia, Chile, South Africa, and New Zealand
• Camellia and Rhododendron Gardens
• A Moon-Viewing Garden
• California Native Plants and Mediterranean Gardens
• Children’s and Succulents Gardens

 

You’ll also see palm trees, conifers, redwoods, and more.

 

The botanical garden is located in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Plan to spend 1 – 2 hours touring the gardens. Tickets are available online or at the door. Advance online purchase is highly recommended.

 

 

4) Japanese Tea Garden

 

Visit the Japanese Tea Garden and escape to Japan without a passport. You’ll find 4 acres of gardens and outdoor art in authentic Japanese style.

 

You’ll see a 5-story red pagoda and an ornate temple gate that was created for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. Well-groomed maple and cherry blossom trees line the pathways, with a koi pond at the center.

 

The tea house serves tea and Japanese snacks while overlooking the garden and south-facing pond.

 

The garden is located in Golden Gate Park and is open daily. Purchase tickets online at the San Francisco Parks and Recreation website. Plan to spend 1 – 2 hours touring the garden.

 

 

5) Golden Gate Bridge

 

You’ve seen the bridge, you’ve most likely driven across the bridge, but have you ever considered walking it?

 

Visitors to the Bay Area can break out of their comfort zone by walking across the Golden Gate Bridge. The trek is 1.7 miles one way that can be done in 1-2 hours roundtrip.

 

Why not walk into Sausalito and take the ferry back?

 

Start at the welcome center on the San Francisco side of the bridge and walk to the charming Bay Area town of Sausalito. The journey is just over 4-miles. Relax over lunch with a glass of wine and a view of San Francisco Bay before returning to pier 41 on the Blue & Gold ferry.

 

The open times for the pedestrian path are:

 

• November to early March: 5 am to 6:30 pm
• March to early November: 5 am to 9 pm

 

Golden Gate Park Segway Tour

 

Take a tour of Golden Gate Park on a super fun Segway!

 

You’ll see famous sites like:

 

• The National Aids Memorial
• Music Concourse
• The Pioneer Grove
• Stow Lake

 

As well as a few hidden sights:

 

• The Lilly Pond
• Shakespeare Garden
• The Fern Grotto

 

Explore the east end and more with a knowledgeable local guide sharing fun facts and trivia.

 

The tour is 2.5 hours long, including training time on these easy-to-use Segways.

 

Go online or call today to book your tour. We are excited to meet you!

 

Explore our guided Segway Tours! We are excited to meet you!

 

 

 

Learn More about Golden Gate Park: 

 

• Top 7 Things to Do in Golden Gate Park

• Why Are There Two Giant Windmills in Golden Gate Park?

• 31 Fun Facts and Amazing Stories About Golden Gate Park

• 17 Fantastic Things to Do in Golden Gate Park

• 14 Things You Didn’t Know About John McLaren, the Head Gardener in Golden Gate Park

• Not to Be Missed – De Young Museum & California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park