Activities in the Parks

Can’t Choose Your Own Adventure? Start Here and Go!

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With hundreds of miles of trails threading through 37 distinct sites across 80,000 acres of the Golden Gate National Parks, it can be hard to decide where to go and what to do. Let the Parks Conservancy’s experts be your guide! We’ve carefully curated our favorite hikes, walks, and excursions to share with you and your loved ones. There’s something (and some place) for everyone! We reveal some of the natural wonders and historical highlights you’ll experience along the way, but there are plenty more surprises for you to discover. So browse below, then grab your boots and backpack. Your national parks are waiting.

A hiker looks out at scenic view of the pacific coastline from the Coastal Trail in Marin Headlands on a bright sunny day.
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest
The Coastal Trail is the true connoisseur's way to drink deeply from the quintessence of the California experience. Get your sip along any segment, and enjoy some of the best landscapes and seascapes in the Golden State.
Dias Ridge Trail
Trail

Length

6.14 miles round-trip
Just across the street from the Pelican Inn and a short walk from Muir Beach , this trail ascends gradually and offers wonderful views of Muir Beach. Eventually you'll connect with the Miwok Trail. A long-time favorite destination for recreation users, Dias Ridge is named after one of the Portuguese...
Dias Ridge Trail
Hikes
  • Hikes
A great hike for a morning that starts off steep and rewards the hiker with an easy wander back to a lovely lunch at The Pelican Inn, meanwhile taking in the incredible views of Muir Beach and the ocean.
Trail work on the Heather Cutoff Trail on National Trails Day
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

2.67 miles round-trip
Start at the southern end of the Coastal South Trail and head east. The trail starts out dropping on a fairly straight trail. Soon, the very tight switchbacks will start and continue, and proceed until you are dropped out in a flat field. Head to your right, looking for a...
Hikers near Muir Beach
Trail

Length

7.70 miles round-trip
Ditch the summer fog in San Francisco for the sunny peaks of our Golden Gate National Parks in Marin County. Have some fun in the sun on this moderate eight mile hike and finish it off with a frothy pint at the local English inn! Along the way, you'll see...
View over Green Gulch Farm Zen Center
Hiking
  • Birding
Ditch the summer fog in San Francisco for the sunny peaks of our Golden Gate National Parks in Marin County. Have some fun in the sun on this moderate eight-mile hike and finish it off with a frothy pint at the local "English" inn! Along the way, you'll see newly...
Cyclist pedals above Muir Beach
Trail

Length

7.70 miles round-trip
This loop hike dishes up a sampler platter of sensational Marin County scenery! Start on the sands of Muir Beach , wind your way up Dias Ridge , swing around down Wolf Ridge, and celebrate the completion of your loop by raising a pint at the Pelican Inn, and English-style...
Family outing at Muir Beach
Trail
Difficulty: Easiest

Length

4.00 miles round-trip
This four-mile hike includes a 900-foot elevation gain and will take you a good afternoon to hike. Much of the trail through coastal scrub habitat is exposed and open to hikers, cyclists, and equestrians.

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