One of San Francisco's best kept secrets. I visited on a sunny Saturday with perfect weather. I'm sure every other park was packed to the gills. Not here. Over the course of two hours I saw maybe 7 people, three dogs, two joggers, and one cyclist. I had the trail mostly to myself and the birds. Heron, egrets, kestrel, duck, sandpipers and the usual hummingbirds, gulls, and crows. It was marvelous. The usually SF noise and detritus aren't there. I could pleasantly hear some classic R & B wafting across the water from a street event in in Hunter's Point. Otherwise it was just mild wind, waves, and gull cries. So refreshing. They apparently never have tons of visitors, so come here when you want to avoid the crowds of GG Park and the Skyline trails. The views across the Bay are second to none, and you get an amazing view of the SF skyline from as vantage point you won't see anywhere else. read more

Great short walk out into the Bay. I love discovering these little natural park gem. This looks like a new little park that is great to eat lunch and then take a easy walk on a levee out into the Bay. I saw two great blue herons and a man fishing at the tip of the levee path. Treat yourself to a visit at the plant nursery across the street from the parking lot. There is limited parking here, but plenty of street parking. read more

Heron's Head Park - Path and Sutro Tower n the distance - Parks Near Me

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It's really just a half-mile, man-made spit of land that juts out to the bay in the workaday area of India Basin. However, the setting is offset by atmospheric wetlands that attract a variety of birds that look quite comfortable on the shoreline. The end of the singular trail doesn't offer that much of a payoff unless you like the sight of mammoth cargo ships anchored seemingly permanently in the middle of the bay. There are unexpected sights like a Buddhist altar hidden in a windswept tree grove (photo: https://bit.ly/3wA6hFU) There's also what looks like a dilapidated pier sunken at both ends (photo: https://bit.ly/2UzDJPx). I guess I would be remiss in not mentioning the Eco Center which looks to be a children's education center, although I've never been inside due to COVID restrictions and its limited hours. Normally I'd suggest you walk the footbridge to the newly renovated Hunters Point Shoreline, but pedestrian access points looked to be closed for the rest of 2021. You can still walk around or drive onto Evans to get to the rest of India Basin. RELATED - Lost in Hunters Point? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3AOvRKv read more

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Wowwie!! I have heard of this park and seen it from a distance. So happy I decided to come here for a run. It's got flat terrain, newly repaved paths. Clear and easy to figure out. The BEST for sunrises! Come here or go to sundial park on the hill for some of the best sunrises in the city! When the boats are out the water reflects the light off their hull making for quite the display. Anyways that's my take on this place. I like it. Lots of public exercise equipment available & a fair amount of wildlife! read more

Heron's Head Park - Heron's head Eastern Point - Parks Near Me

This is a cute little park that has a 1-mile level trail from the parking lot to the bay and back. A good thing about the trail is that this is the only place I've been on a bay or ocean walk in SF without any tourists. It also has a lot of birds around, I'm not familiar with them all but definitely many Herons, someone into birdwatching probably really would appreciate it here. For a walk I'd come here a lot if I lived nearby but other than that it's not worth the drive because there isn't much around here unless you are going to Archimedes Banya or Bay Natives Nursery which is across the street read more

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Really nice park in a somewhat skeptical area. Parking lot people made us feel a bit uncomfortable. Would probably be better on a busy Saturday. Playground was awesome, very naturalized, wholesome and organic. No restrooms available that we could see, also the center was closed so we didn't get to check that out. If you live nearby, worth checking out. read more

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Great little park for a nice short stroll. I felt safe walking around and the area was very clean. I brought food with and enjoyed it at a picnic table by the parking area. It was a beautiful day and had nice views and a well kept path. It's all flat so a very easy walk. If it weren't in the opposite end of the city from me I'd come more often but was happy to check it out after hearing about the park from a friend. read more

Heron's Head Park - View from the stroll - Parks Near Me

I spent some time there today volunteering. We helped to clean up this small park that has been returned to it's natural state as a thriving wildlife habitat. https://sfport.com/herons-head-park I wish the place was bigger. It's shape looks like a heron's head but in reality it is a very narrow strip of land that juts out into the bay. There is not much to do other than walk the path to the tip and back. 15 minute walk at best. Many people who must live or work nearby were walking this space during their lunch hour. There were quite a few dogs as well. The surrounding area is very industrial with a huge PG & E enclosed lot right next door. The Ecology Center was closed today. read more

Heron's Head Park - Parks Near Me

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In the middle of chaos, one can find peace and beauty. a lot of work is being done to bring this small oasis of green and birds to Life, and though it'll take time it'll be a bigger reality soon. The trails are already there and though I looked for birds today, there were none but a few ducks that flew in noisily. A couple was walking slowly to enjoy the fresh air and seemed to know a lot (they advised me those ducks were mallards). Perhaps one day I will return to see if I can snap some birds! Big parking lot with a lot of descriptive signs along the trail. About 231 feet there is an EcoCenter but I didn't enter as there were workers. On the far side of the ecocenter is a picnic area complete with grilling -options and tables. Benches are located at several spots along the trail. I can't wait till the birds return!! Here's some links with more info about the park: offical park website: http://www.sf-port.org/index.aspx?page=210 info on the EcoCenter: http://www.sf-port.org/index.aspx?page=214 Field Guide to the Birds of Heron's Head: http://www.sf-port.org/index.aspx?page=221 http://baynature.org/park/herons-head-park http://www.bahiker.com/sfhikes/heronshead.html http://www.sfnature.org/programs/heron_head_park.html read more

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This park is near the industrial section of the city that's distant and difficult to get to. I tried to take my adventure, but I don't know my way around. The park has the "ecocenter" and it's a decent space with a reserve. There's seagulls and birds flying. We took out invasive plants with the Audubon Society. They had all the tools on a Saturday morning to do some plant work in San Francisco. It was an outing to volunteer. read more

One of the rare natural spots (or spots returning to nature) in San Francisco. I went to do some birding on my trip. There is a very nice wide boardwalk from the parking to the end of the spit. At the parking area are many nice picnic tables, outdoor learning area and everything laid out for an easy walk. Plenty of signs saying don't disturb the wildlife, keep your dog on a leash and stay on the path. It's obvious to me that if you live in SF and have a dog, you are illiterate. Every dog I saw (and this should practically be renamed as a Dog Park) was breaking rules. One wet dog, off leash came up to me growling. One was in the tidal basin retrieving a ball. Several were off trail, on the other side of the low fence with a sign every five yards saying "Wildlife Resting Area Keep Out". Many beaten paths through the "wild area" - do they know of such a thing as "Leave No Trace" (#3 - Hike and Camp on Durable surfaces, aka don't beat down new trails). Someone was kind enough to pick up their dog poop in a plastic bag which they then left on a bench for someone else to dispose. The bird life was very interesting. Lots of common west coast birds to entertain an east coast boy. I was there late Sunday afternoon, which isn't good timing and I didn't have a scope to really check out the birds. No target birds found, but it wasn't ideal timing / conditions. It was a quick cab ride from the Moscone center and then my iPhone did a perfect job of getting me back via the Muni and BART. The birds were fantastic. The people were depressing. Definitely need a Friends of Herons Head or something to take care of educating the people. The park desperately needs people being there to help explain the rules because it is obvious the abundant signage isn't being read. More signs would just be more human intrusions. read more

This small, hidden park was very relaxing, but its surrounding was an eye sore. It's quiet and quaint with very few presence of people around. Unfortunately, it's surrounded by a broken down pier and a smelly dam next to it. My favorite part was the long walk towards the end with a stair-like bench where you could sit and just relax as you look over the park. read more

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This was park #2 on our epic 14-mile walk through the city. http://www.industriousjustice.com/2013/10/14-mile-sf-adventure.html My friend Jason B already quoted me in his review... "The Bayview doesn't have tourists." - Me Seriously though. Visit this park for a peaceful moment amidst the craziness of life. read more

Not that great. It's a decent walk but scenery isn't all that swell. There's a small dog park area by the parking lot, which is fenced off so dogs can run free. But it's all dirt, no grass, and is pretty narrow. There's also a path here to walk around, not very long, and a pretty easy walk. Even though you see the ocean, the view isn't great because all you're seeing are cargo ships and crates. The upside is there aren't too many people here so it's not crowded. I'd probably come here once in a while, but not my favorite walk with a dog in the city. read more

Heron's head park looks a bit apocalyptic from the street. But it's actually a pretty interesting little Park. There's an Ecology Center next to the parking lot, where you must stop for an explanation. Take a walk to the end of The Jetty and you'll get a great view of the South San Francisco Bay. The park looks a bit unkept, the signs are faded out. But all in all this is a nice, but a bit rough around the edges, Urban Waterfront Park. There's even a small dirt Top Dog Park. read more

Great for dog walking. Hidden gem. Picnic tables. Easy parking. Cool view of the city. Pretty.

Clear your head. "The Bayview doesn't have tourists." - my friend Emily As you grab a seat at the end of the long path towards the bay and ponder life it's just you, the sky, the water and the herons. Tourists can have Fisherman's Wharf. Let's keep this one for the locals. read more

Quiet, well-kept dirt and marsh park, with single main walking path that goes out to the bay. 3 grills. One dog park. Interesting views of India Basin, a train depot, a dock, and the projects. read more

Heron's Head is a lovely waterfront park along the industrial east edge shoreline. The primary trail is a gravel path that runs the length of a small peninsula appropriately shaped like a heron's head. There is fantastic bird watching, apparently it is a destination in the city for bird watchers. I mostly appreciate this park for the off leash dog area. I like to bring my two pups here, and the play area is big enough for my young mini-poodle to get plenty of exercise. She has made many new friends at this park! I have brought my dogs here fairly late at night and never had any incidents. read more

Stumbled into this park while taking a bike ride through the southern bayside of San Francisco. It's right near North Ridge and the recycling plant, and it's actually a cute little park. Several information stands talking about the wetlands and the wildlife, and also lots of nice little sitting spots to enjoy the sun and warmth (...when they're to be found). Only bummer is that it is literally in the middle of an industrial, somewhat sketchy area. Most people aren't likely to stumble upon it, and they're not likely to make a daytrip just to see it (it's not *that* impressive). Still, it's nice when you find something like this. read more

The trails offer a great place to walk or run with your dog. The views are awesome, this place is a diamond in the rough only because of the surrounding neighborhood. The fenced in dog play area is only suitable for small breeds of dogs. The size of play area is really small, so I don't suggest medium to large breed dogs. But other then that I love it here. read more

Nice little bike rest stop for me. Nestled in a little hideway in hunter's point not many people know about the eco-friendly bathrooms. Fun on a sunny day. Watch your back on any other day PS. I saw a lot of bird watchers come out here. Sad thing is I only know two birds. Great Blue Heron and the Snowy Egret. (But no rEGRET coming out here) :) read more

Great place to take your dog or go for a nice bike ride or run. Another hidden gem in SF to explore! read more

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Heron's Head Park is a 24 acre park located in the Southern Waterfront of San Francisco. This peninsular park is home to Salt Marsh and Upland restoration activity, walking paths, bird-watching, environmental education activities, and the EcoCenter at Heron's Head Park. This park is popular with people who like to walk their dogs. The park has nice views of the bay worthy of taking pictures of. Originally this park was to be pier 98, the park was created by landfill that was dumped there in preparation for building the pier but then they decided not to, over the years a marsh built up. Lot's of wildlife call this area home. This Spring there was a problem here with the increased rat population. The Port of San Francisco, that manages the park, stepped in to control the problem. read more

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Great park and shirt walking trail! Hidden gem and I can't wait to go back. Several places for picnics or even cook outs (there are those little public grills, if you're brave enough). Beautiful break from normal SF life and scenery. read more

I have been coming to this park for several years. It is a wonderful place to see birds. I have seen as many as 30 different species in one visit. It is true that it is an industrial pocket, however it provides a wonderful burst of nature and views of the Bay, East Bay, and much of San Francisco. I have also kayaked in the area by putting in Islais Creek, and Heron's Head Park is interesting from the water as well. I love to walk across to India Basin Park. This is a very down-to-earth and accessible, interesting corner of San Francisco. read more

I've been going there since discovering it via a SF Gate article a few years ago. The article centered around excitement in the birding community of clapper rails sightings. Other than birding, I then came to really look forward to Heron's Head for that grungy urban "off the beaten path" vibe. The marsh, views, birding are wonderful. The breakwater walk extends from Cargo Way at Jennings Street and juts into the bay. There are ponds where avocets, oyster catchers, clapper rails, herons, gulls, egrets and many more shorebirds converge. HOWEVER, since the city upgraded & publicized this park in 2012, attracting a larger public, it has now become a target for car break-ins. Be wary if you drive over. There are days where several parking spots in the lot near the trailhead are covered with broken glass. So, word to the wise... Because of this I'm giving 3 stars to this reviews instead of the 4 it deserves. read more

Nice park the water could be clean but a nice walk through this park and more seats and table near the BBQ area would be nice. People should clean up their dog poop while walking there dogs through the park area. And wear a long sleeves if you walk through here and it's really hot because of the mosquitoes. read more

A bit of a hidden treasure. Nicely maintained, uncrowded swath of nature surrounded by water and some industrial landscape.

A rare gem in the city. Serene, and not many crowds (unlike Dolores Park or Crissy Field on a nice weekend). Relaxing -- beautiful water views. And grills and picnic tables! So amazing. read more

I had stopped by Lowes near Hunter's point with the family and generated one of those out-of-box jolts to try and experience something off the beaten path: Hey guys, how about a park out here in no-mans-land and see if it is a little diamond in the ruff? The place was that and so much more: a trippy experience if witnessing it behind the proper lens and proper mood. First off, there were only a few people there: a plus when you want to connect with the sublimity of nature. In the kind of ideal experiential transmissions from Mother Earth that I always look for when partaking out-of-box gameplans, I find that the fewer primates - interpreting and judging reality in the same myopic manner our species is hardcoded to do, you having to register the impressions of their consciousness when all you want to do is merge into nature - the better. In other words, other humans tend to reinforce within me a framework of subject-object duality that I am trying to escape via natural experiences; nature should be a solitary retreat and this place can bring you there if you come at the right times. I walked all the way down the pathway that takes you directly into the bay. Passing empty picnic tables ready to be used, a dock that is falling apart to the left, a wetland sanctuary on the right, great views of the bay throughout. Wonderful , informative placards that allow the experiencer to imagine the abundant wetland world that used to be here. You actually see the migratory birds as they live in their wetland universe, dipping their heads into its small creeks and shallow water to get their meal, the same way they did millions of years ago. The Ecocenter was closed, but I looked in and it looked super cool and interesting, especially for kids. The dogs ruin the place because they poop and bring dog owners with them that add to the human population. The trip continues with the industrial park that surrounds the park - there is this one super-old plant or storage complex or something right next to it that seems like it's been closed for years: you are immediately transported to an anachronistic industrial mood that can't be described. There are remants of a container receiving industry, replete with their midget ATAT container receivers that pales in comparison to the massive outfits you see across the bay in Oakland. As I drove away, towards the Dogpatch area from this park, I took the off-the-beaten-path route and passed some warehouses where the Oracle America's Cup boat was being stored. I saw where our streetcars get repaired and are graveyarded. FAR-OUT BRO. Trippy mission accomplished; sometimes reality does meet expectations. read more

Great park to take a quiet break at. It's right on the water and the birds are always about. Plus I don't have to fear for my life like if I sat on a bench at McClaren park. And my car will be where I left it when I'm ready to go! read more

Cool spot... merging the industrial with the "natural". Possible to see some cool birds... I saw two black oyster catchers, meadow larks and some various shorebirds... If you're in the area, check it out! Oh they also have an "off the grid" center there that is most interesting. read more

love love love this hidden getaway. it is located near my job so it's a peaceful re-energizing walk. bring a jacket, it gets windy.