Best Places For Romantic Hikes In San Francisco
There's no better way to reinvigorate your love life than a refreshing winter hike. Here are five suggestions for easy to moderately-challenging strolls, all just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. Each has views and scenery that will set your hearts afire and may take your breath away.
Matt Davis Trail
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Hours: 7a.m. to Sunset
One of the longest and best trails on Mount Tamalpais is the 6.7 mile-long Matt Davis Trail, which starts midway on the mountain near the Mountain Home Inn (parking lot at Panoramic Highway and Edgewood.) Enjoy a variety of wild flowers and brush on this exquisite trail. The trail exits the mountain on Belvedere Avenue in the coastal burg of Stinson Beach, where you can visit the beach or have a nice meal before hiking back or catching the West Marin Stage transit bus back to the Mountain Home Inn.
Verna Dunshee Trail
Hours: 7a.m. to Sunset
Crowning the top of Marin's 2,571-foot Mount Tamalpais State Park, less than an hour drive north of San Francisco, the Verna Dunshee Trail makes a nearly level three-quarter mile loop around the east peak of the mountain. En route, hikers get dizzying views of San Francisco, San Francisco Bay, the Marin headlands and the Pacific Ocean. Don't miss the opportunity to share this scenic and invigorating hike with your loved one on Valentine's Day.
Chimney Rock
Hours: Sunrise to 12 p.m.
This two-mile long hike along a bluff-side path in the Point Reyes National Seashore is famous for its wildflower display. The trail is dramatically set against a backdrop of cliffs receding sharply to the ocean. From the overlook, seals can sometimes be seen during their winter mating season. The main trail ends at a fenced cliff edge, where you can view Chimney Rock offshore. It is the perfect spot to stop and steal a kiss.
Related: Top 10 San Francisco Date Spots
- Lizz Westman
Mount Livermore
Angel Island State Park
P.O. Box 318
Tiburon, CA 94920
(415) 435-1915
Hours: 8 a.m. to Sunset
www.parks.ca.gov
San Francisco Bay's largest island, Angel Island, offers a 5-mile circuit on the Northridge and Sunset trails to the island's highest peak: Mount Caroline Livermore. The trails are amazingly quiet and serene in winter. On clear days, the panoramic views are stunning. When you reach the summit, the views include the Golden Gate Bridge , San Francisco, Marin headlands, Alcatraz Island, the downtown San Francisco skyline, Mount Diablo, Treasure Island and Bay Bridge.
Redwood Creek Trail
Muir Woods National Monument
Mill Valley, California 94941-2696
(415) 388-2596
Hours: 8 a.m. to Sunset
www.nps.gov/muwo
Muir Woods, a 560-acre preserve of old growth coastal redwoods just north of San Francisco, is best seen in the early morning. Early risers are rewarded with sublime and serene views of the primeval forest much as it was thousands of years ago. Six miles of trails and paths lead you deep into the ancient groves, many of which have trees older than 600 years. The local wildlife is sure to delight lovers and nature lovers alike.
Related: Best North Bay Hikes For Dog Lovers
Ben Davidson is a freelance writer living in San Francisco. His work can be found at http://www.examiner.com/road-trip-travel-in-san-francisco/ben-davidson
