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    Mount Davidson Park

    4.5 (208 reviews)

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    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.

    Mt Davidson

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

    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.

    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.

    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
    Jeffrey Y.

    Went here for a Sunday 7am sunrise hike! Google Maps put us at the trailhead furthest from the top (poor planning on my part, not realizing there were multiple trails), so it was quite an adventure getting to the top by sunrise. The trail was narrow but well-established, and we ran across a jogger coming down from the top. In the final leg, there was a quite steep hill (in retrospect, might have been off trail, but we just picked paths via gradient ascent). The trail we came down through was quite wide. We passed by a mother, child, and very old dog coming up Remember there are multiple ways up the mountain :) We didn't try the other trails but Google Maps suggests there are lots of trails around the perimeter which get to this highest natural point in SF! The view was gorgeous, but my friend and I got six and three mosquito bites respectively in a short period of time (me just taking off my jacket a short while), so if mosquitos like you, put on some mosquito spray beforehand. At the top was a large cross commissioned by FDR remembering the 1915 Armenian Genocide. Mosquitos were sadly especially prevalent there. 3 base + 2 stars for view + 2 stars for trails - 2 stars for bugs = 5 stars

    Coyote alert
    Korina Y.

    We parked on Dalewood Way(street parking ), and since we weren't there to get a workout , just wanted to get a view from the highest peak in the city , went up on a 1/4 mile trail to the peak where the huge cross stands. If you are wanting to get a really good workout, there are plenty of trails throughout the park. When we went on February 27, 2021 , there were a few California Poppies popping on the side of the hills. 360 degree view of the city and the bay is worth the drive but my favorite view is from the top of Bernal Heights , no offense to Mt Davidson , no view of the GGB that's why I knocked off one star.

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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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    Mount Tamalpais State Park

    Mount Tamalpais State Park

    4.8(435 reviews)
    13.6 mi

    Just past SF this park has so many different trail options perfect for all hiking levels. The…read moredownside is this place gets PACKED! My sister and I arrived before 8am at the Watershed parking lot and barely found a space. We did the trail that took us to the West Point Inn for the pancake breakfast and round trip was close to 5 miles so it was a great workout. There's gorgeous views and well! On the way back to the 101 however it's a mess. The road on the way down is crowded with parked cars, which makes driving through challenging. That's the only thing about this park, other than that I'd love to come back in spring when everything is green and vibrant!

    My first association of Mt Tam is from Cowgirl Creamery's best seller, Mt Tam Triple Cream with…read moreHeart cheese. Ever since then, I've wanted to hike this peak, today I have achieved my wish. Early June with mild coastal temp, 50s-60s. Started up Matt Davis Trail in the foggy forest, to Pantoll Campground, to West Point Inn where we can look down to the top of the fog layer, to the Fire Lookout building at the Peak. Then we came down reverse but split off to Steep Ravine and Dip Sea trail after the campground. I've also always wanted to climb that ladder. This hike provided views of the Pacific ocean on the West as well as views of Richmond-San Rafael Bridge on the East side. I thoroughly enjoyed the cool lush forest, but actually my favorite section was the single track along the slope of the open area after the Mt Tam State Park sign.

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    Golden Gate Park - Shooters Shoot ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

    Golden Gate Park

    4.7(1.4k reviews)
    2.4 mi

    Imagine a huge rectangle. Make it a park with grass and hills, flowers, trees, some fountains... I…read moredunno, throw in a big lake, some world-class Art and Science museums, and a dome where concerts and shows perform in the Summer. Let's also close down the streets from cars one day a week in the Summer so people can ride their bikes, skate, rollerblade, play and dance in the streets! How about on some warm weekend days we put huge concerts there that fill the grass for as far as the eye can see so people can bring all their friends to enjoy food, drinks, and music together. And the lake... let's make it so people can rent boats, and if they don't or can't row, they can peddle so they, too, can enjoy the waterfall and life on the lake! Let's also have beautiful statues around the park, definitely a Shakespeare Garden, and let's throw in something for garden lovers, like a Botanical Garden (a big one) and a Conservatory of Flowers. For more culture, let's add a Japanese Tea Garden with more lakes and flowers, and even a bridge in the shape of a circle. Let's also make this accessible to everyone, so some days, the museums are free (ie, usually once a month). And some entrance fees are lower for locals. (Check the websites.) Aaaaaand this is Golden Gate Park, and this is my favorite park in California, if not the entire country.

    something for everyone…read more this park is big! don't try to walk it all, just go to wherever you're interested in. whether it's the museum, japan tea garden, botanical garden, boating at the lake, or choose any picnic spot. a sunny day here is really enjoyable, so much space to spread out from others and do your own thing great for taking a stroll and dog walking.

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    Lafayette Park - Lots of monkey bars at Lafayette Park!

    Lafayette Park

    4.5(186 reviews)
    4.1 miPacific Heights

    We really enjoy coming to Lafayette Park Playground this morning for an early Easter egg hunting…read moreevent--it's quite unique compared to other playgrounds in the city. The layout is more challenging and perfect for little explorers who love to climb, balance, and stay active. My 3-year-old always finds something new to do, and it keeps them engaged for a long time. I also appreciate that babies aren't left out--there are designated areas where younger kids can safely play too. The restroom is conveniently located and clean, which is a big plus for families. That said, some of the rocky edges can be a bit risky for adventurous kids, so it's definitely a place where you'll want to keep a close eye on them at all times. The only downside is parking--it can be pretty tough to find a spot, especially during busy times. Overall, it's a fun and exciting playground that's great for kids of different ages, as long as you're prepared for a bit of supervision and a parking hunt!

    What you lose in challenging elevation changes, you gain in stunning views and greenery. Lafayette…read morepark is an iconic location in San Francisco and a place that serves regular park goers, those who want to play tennis, those with kids, as well as our four legged friends. The park is beautifully maintained, with clean walking paths, manicured gardens, and enough benches and seating spaces. You can easily find a little corner to make your own for a bit. There is a rather large and modern kids playground and even more large grassy areas, both for those who want to lounge and for the dogs that want to run around. Overall, Lafayette Park is yet another gem that makes San Francisco special.

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    Beautiful paths view of Sutro Tower, pretty area

    Mount Davidson Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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