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    Mount Davidson Park

    4.5 (210 reviews)

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    Lisa W.

    Each month my friends and I pick a new spot to hike/walk in the city & this one was fantastic. I love when you're in the city but it doesn't look or feel like it because of the lack of cars & noise. The scenery was green and fresh with some nice scents of eucalyptus. The views from the top are sensational. A great spot to picnic if you carry up your food in a backpack. The cross seems larger than life when you get close to it. Be sure to read the history of this park.

    Kate D.

    Really pretty short hike! Hours are 5am to midnight. Definitely recommend going at night time where you see the city lit up. Location: there's many different entrances to the park, the one that I like that has ample parking: 21 Dalewood Way, CA 94127. Not wheelchair or stroller accesible, if you're looking for one I would recommend just popping by twin peaks. Highly recommend. Cross is located all the way at the top

    Domenica R.

    Amazing place to come and relax for a-little bit. You can just come hiking and stop at Mt. Davidson Cross. The view is amazing, you can see a big part of San Francisco Ca. I do recommend this place for everyone.

    The Gorgeous assent to the summit lush dense bush and wildlife a few starter steps for a moderate hike up 928 ft
    Aspen M.

    Amazing patk and hike on Myra Way in the middle of San Francisco. The hike was moderate skill level ypu will need decent shoes and it is slightly chilly at the top. We saw a coyote .The view at the top of San Francisco is stunning . You can see Mount Tam the Golden Gate , Berkeley, the entire city and the South Bay ! Sutro Tower and Twin Peaks can easily be seen . Highly recommend this hike and this view. 928 it the highest natural place in all of San Francisco and it geography is almost the center of San Francisco.Its the highest point proper but also a hidden gem ! Do the hike you won't be disappointed with the view. The cross is amazing .The Trees amazing.The views spectacular. Go do the hike ! Hope you summit.

    City Views
    Mila E.

    Exquisite Hiking. Magnificent, San Francisco Views. Dirt Maintained Trails. Tranquil & Uncrowded. Free Residential Parking. Narrow Driving Road to & from Park. See Below for More Info: Exquisite Hiking: Mount Davidson Park offers exquisite hiking in the midst of San Francisco. It is such a hidden gem that I highly recommend to all. :) Magnificent, San Francisco Views: The views at Mount Davidson Park are magnificent, offering the highest point in the city.  If your schedule allows, sunrise and sunset are stunning. Dirt Maintained Trails: Mount Davidson has several dirt trails, all of which are maintained. Yet, the hikes are on the shorter side at about one mile if you do a few trails. Hence, a great option if you are new into hiking or have kids. Tranquil & Uncrowded: The trail is tranquil and uncrowded making it an ideal place for some solo time or great for spending time with furry friends or other humans. Free Residential Parking: Free parking is available around the perimeter. Narrow Driving Road: The road to and from Mount Davidson is narrow, up and down many curvy, narrow hills. There will be points where you will have to pull to the side to let others cars by and vice versa. However, the view at the top will be worth it. :)

    Found a gnome
    Erich L.

    Nice place for a short hike in San Francisco. It's easy enough to do in sneakers and it's about 30-45 minutes to the top. There are some excellent views of the city on a clear day. Unfortunately today was not one of those days. Everything is free and there is parking in the neighborhoods surrounding multiple entrances. It's easy to get lost on the trails so have your maps or apps ready. There are no garbage cans or bathrooms so plan accordingly. It's worth a stop for an hour or so.

    Juan V.

    A great place to hike and enjoy the views of San Francisco. I like this place with a holy cross on top which reminds me of the blessings of life . I am very grateful this space still exist in San Francisco.

    Mt Davidson

    Amazing view of San Francisco, great mountains, and beautiful memories to be remembered

    Mt. Sutro and Mt. Tamalpais in the background.
    John G.

    When I was a Junior at Lincoln High, I had my P.E. class as my first period and our teacher got us doing some sit-ups. While I was holding my classmate's legs as he was performing his set, he started farting every time he rose up from the mat as he squeezed his stomach and a rapid burst would follow. We had to stop as we busted out from laughing so hard that our P.E. teacher got annoyed at us and thought we were fooling around. As a result, he made as run 50 laps around the gym as punishment. I'm not a runner, nor am I built as a runner. My shins would hurt just after a few laps of running. But I prefer walking, and have developed a love for hiking as I got older. I can go at my own pace and can stop to smell the roses along the way. Growing up in the city, I have learned to appreciate the parks that are available for us to explore. Not far from Lincoln High is Mt. Davidson. We also used to come here went we went to Aptos Middle School after school just to see the cross at the top of this hill. It's a cool place to view the city, but we didn't come here for the view back then. Now, if you're into Urban Hiking, this is one of the places that you have to hit since it's pretty much smack dab in the middle of the city. There are several places where you can start your hike like on La Bica Way and Rockdale Drive from the North, Juanita Way from the West, Dalewood Way from the South and Molimo Drive from the East. You can start from any of these streets depending on if you can find street parking. But there are usually plenty of street parking available on Dalewood Way. Now, if you wanna skip the trail and just want to see the cross and the view, park along the intersections of Dalewood Way, Landsdale Avenue and Myra Way near the entrance on top of this hill. You will still need to hike uphill and go up some steps to reach the top, but this is the shortest way and pretty much a shortcut. But if you want to get the full experience, then start from any of the other entrances and take the trails until you reach the top destination. The reward will be worth it because of the beautiful view from up there. There's a sweeping view from Mt. Tamalpais to the left, Mt. Sutro, Twin Peaks, downtown then the East Bay. Depending on the weather, it could also rapidly change as Karl the Fog could roll-in in any moment. One minute it could be sunny then all of the sudden Karl is rolling in and covers everything in sight. But that's part of the beauty of this place as this is the highest point of San Francisco. Even higher than nearby Mt. Sutro and Twin Peaks. Now there are signs that there have been Coyote sightings in the area, but that's been the norm even before the pandemic hit. Just be careful and keep on eye on your four-legged companion if you bring 'em along. If you do spot a Coyote, maybe you can fart in their general direction to keep 'em away. #YelpChallenge2020 review No. 69

    Montage of images from Mount Davidson Park
    Ed U.

    ** The following review reflects my experience prior to the shelter-in-place order currently in effect. ** Well, hell's bells, I had never been here before last month, and I've been in the Bay Area most of my life. It's the highest point in the city, exactly three feet higher than Twin Peaks which gets all the glory and the tourists. You can't drive up here. No, the forty-acre park is laced with narrow, unmarked dirt trails which eventually make their way up to the summit amid overgrown vegetation. I got here by taking the MUNI train to the Forest Hill station and traipsing my way up Laguna Honda Blvd and after some wrong turns, onto the very residential Chaves Avenue. There was a nearly hidden brick stairway between two homes that provided my entrance (photo: https://bit.ly/2V2mSTb). At trail's end were panoramic views worthy of several Instagram moments. An unexpected sight was the nearly vertical street that I'm guessing inspired Wayne Thiebauld to paint his most famous streetscapes (photo: https://bit.ly/2JZNA8U). Believe it or not, I almost forgot to look at the cross. It's big alright and apparently Armenian and quite a big pilgrimage destination on Easter which prompted me to write this review now. Once this COVID-19 nightmare gets behind us, I look forward to taking the summit again. RELATED - Up for a hike? Here's a collection of places I've walked and later reviewed: https://bit.ly/2OrC8nU

    Micki M.

    We hiked here while in the area. This park is in located in a neighborhood, but easy to find using your GPS. The weather was absolutely perfect on the day we visited. Although we've had quite a wet winter, the dirt paths were not so muddy and dry. We parked in the neighborhood and started our ascent. It was about a good mile uphill to the cross. I'd say it is a moderate hike. It is all dirt and rock. It may be quite challenging for the little ones and older people. Overall it's a great place to come to get beautiful panoramic views of the city. Highly recommend!

    Sam Y.

    I enjoy coming up here for a picturesque view of the city. You can get a really good pic of Sutro Towers and Twin Peaks together while you stand right in the middle! It's a great hike up. Depending on which side you come from, you may get your shoes a little muddy. A little mud never hurts anyone, just needs some water and towels! Plus there's grass for you to wipe the shoes on, near the top. There was a proposal here last time I went. Check out my attached picture. The happy couple and their friends left and never came back...after like taking pics for 5-10 mins. I was hanging out there for an hour after they left and was thinking wtf? They left a big bag of trash along with their expensive roses behind for the raccoons, maybe? Geez, what a waste! I grabbed the roses and cleared out the trash bags before I left. Dropped off the roses at my friend's place since they wanted them. Haha, their loss, my friend's gain.

    Easter Sunday 2021
    Thomas D.

    Park on Dalewood Way and follow the winding dirt trail uphill to the giant cross. Your heart will pump a bit and you'll feel great being in the fresh air! It's a short walk--I checked my iPhone and it said we walked about 1.5 miles to and from. We also spent a bit of time checking out the other vantage points at the top. The views are wonderful from up there. There were signs indicating that coyote are out and about so be prepared. Mount Davidson represents the highest natural point in San Francisco at 928 feet. Does anyone remember the cross scene in "Dirty Harry"? It took over a month to film that overhead scene from the top of the cross looking down because of the fog! They finally got that shot in one night when the fog had cleared.

    A view from the top! 10/03/2021 7:15am

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    A fun hike with pretty views and a huge cross at the top! It's pretty epic. It's a great place to reflect and pray.

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    “It took over a month to film that overhead scene from the top of the cross looking down because of the fog!”

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    Presidio Tunnel Tops - Golden Gate view

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    4.8(157 reviews)
    4.5 mi•Presidio

    So beautiful! Lots to explore. My son who is 7 and on the spectrum, loves the park area. It can get…read morecrowded on holidays or sunny days, so just keep that in mind. The entire play area is so well thought out, clean, well maintained. Restrooms are clean. Parking is plenty. It's just such a beautiful place to spend time with family and friends. There's usually a rotating coffee pop up that'll sell donuts and coffee or matcha. All delish and a cool way to learn of new cafes in the area. I've had the Salvadoran coffee pop up (can't remember the name) and what coffee Vietnamese iced coffee (yum!). Restrooms at the park are very clean, however my son has a sensitivity to noise so the bathrooms in the Sports Basement are where we go as they are quieter. Sports basement is a great place to checkout too. They have bikes you can rent for the family (the ones that ride like 6 people) and so on. Definitely check this place out when you're in the city!

    With views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the rest of the city, it's easy to see why you'd want to…read morespend some time here. The Presidio is such a cool part of SF, and this is a great spot to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and catch up with friends or family. The East Meadow is also near the recently opened Mess Hall, which makes it a convenient location if you're planning to spend a little more time in the area. You can keep things simple and just hang out, or plan ahead for a gathering. There are picnic tables available to rent, and you can even reserve part or all of the East Meadow! Definitely something to keep in mind if you're looking for an outdoor spot to bring a group together. What I like about this area is that the setting itself is such a big part of the experience. You have space to gather and those classic San Francisco views right around you. Whether you're planning a picnic or just looking for somewhere to enjoy an afternoon, the East Meadow is worth checking out!

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    Mission Dolores Park

    4.6(1.6k reviews)
    2.2 mi•Castro

    Such a beautiful and clean park!…read more The grass is very well maintained, and the whole area feels peaceful and relaxing. It's a perfect place for a picnic

    Dolores Park in San Francisco is a fantastic place for outdoor exercise, dog walking, volleyball,…read moreor simply enjoying a picnic with friends on a sunny day. I recently visited with a friend from Texas who had heard great things about the park and couldn't resist seeing it for himself. He was thoroughly impressed by the positive and healthy lifestyle activities taking place there. People of all ages were engaged in various activities, including soccer, volleyball, jogging, and even a dance party. Some individuals were participating in a meditation circle, promoting mindfulness and relaxation. My friend was particularly drawn to the emphasis on health and fitness in this park, which he believes contributes to California's healthier environment compared to Texas. After visiting Dolores Park, my friend expressed a strong desire to move to San Francisco. He was captivated by the idea of living in a place where people prioritize their physical well-being alongside socializing. He envisioned a lifestyle where everyone values their health and fitness, making it easier to maintain a balanced and fulfilling life. While I had visited Dolores Park once for an event, it was a truly enjoyable experience. I came without any specific agenda and simply relaxed on a bench, engaging in conversations with friends. We talked about life, dreams, and the importance of connecting with one another. It was an uplifting and fun experience that left me feeling inspired and motivated.

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    Golden Gate Park

    4.7(1.4k reviews)
    2.4 mi

    Had a delightful time at the free Comedy Day celebration in Robin Williams Meadow this past…read moreweekend, which I've been to at least six times now. Also did a little rollerblading at the Skatin' Place which happens on select Sundays. It was pretty chill. We even skated along the JFK Promenade to check out the artworks (old and new) and live music happening in various locations. I regularly visit this park because there are so many awesome events that happen here, some that I've attended include music festivals, Symphony in the Park and Bandshell concerts at the Spreckels Temple of Music, the SF International Chocolate Salon, and the Entwined Lighted Forest. There are also plenty of trails I've taken advantage of for running, and lakes and waterfalls I've explored and set up a mat for lounging nearby, like the scenic Blue Heron Lake that offers pedal boat rentals and Lloyd Lake with the Portals of the Past monument, a unique memorial and piece of history. A huge variety of trees and plant life surround you wherever you go, along with waterbirds and other adorable creatures, and lots of grass for picnicking. There are also beautiful gardens galore including the SF Botanical Garden where the annual Flower Piano takes place, the Conservatory of Flowers, the Japanese Tea Garden, and a bunch that are free to visit like the Shakespeare Garden, Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden, Dahlia Dell, and Fuchsia Dell. Countless public art displays and projects can be found throughout the park, some of my faves being the Rabbitwoman and Dogman sculptures along the Golden Mile pathway and the sea serpent "Naga and the Captainess" at Rainbow Falls. I've also checked out a plethora of museums and attractions here over the years, such as Cal Academy of Sciences, the paddock bison, and the dutch-style windmills. I never seem to run out of interesting things to see, do, and experience at GGP. There are multiple public restrooms as well as both a pay garage and free street parking winding through the park too.

    This 1017 acre park is incredible huge that housed a museum, academy of science, a botanical…read moregarden/ conservatory of flowers, a Japanese tea garden , as well as a lake!! So much luscious towering trees like eucalyptus groves, as well as enormous massive cypress trees and so much green grass open spaces !!!! Boat rentals are available at the lake!! Food trucks by the covered open stage and surrounded with benches to enjoy live music performances!!! What a day to spend with my grandkids enjoying an open space under the shady trees while eating our food truck eats!!

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    Lafayette Park - Lots of monkey bars at Lafayette Park!

    Lafayette Park

    4.5(189 reviews)
    4.1 mi•Pacific Heights

    Landscaping is intentional, benches all around, beautiful trees and peaceful crowds. Truly love…read moreevery visit.

    We were in the area for a festival and read that this park was great for dogs and had a dog park…read morearea. We walked up the HUGE San Francisco hill to the park, and then the whole park is a hill. The park is beautiful, there are sidewalks throughout, a nice playground for kids, a dog park area with a fence around it, and a summit area. Near the summit there was a coffee truck, Native Twins Coffee, that was perfect to grab a coffee or matcha. The dog park was a good size, it's long and fenced in, but on the hill so if you're planning on playing fetch/catch with your dog it'll either be throwing up hill or chasing it downhill. There were some trees, so there was some shade in the area too, plus a water fountain in case your dog gets thirsty. I will say, there were dogs all over the park off leash, not just in the turfed dog area. The dogs that were off leash were well behaved, but we kept an eye on our dog (on leash) and the others around us just to be safe. The summit is really pretty with some areas to sit down and plenty of shade. The view was great, and there were groups of people there for a birthday party. The playground area also had some seating nearby and another party was happening in that area. Despite the giant hill, this was a very cute park. I'd definitely stop by again.

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    Mount Davidson Park - parks - Updated October 2026

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