Top 5 Trails with Stunning Pacific Ocean Views in the Bay Area

Shruti Lal
Nov 19, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Jan 11

If you’re looking for breathtaking trails with incredible Pacific Ocean views, the Bay Area has some of the best options to explore. Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast or just want to enjoy a scenic stroll, these five trails offer something for everyone. Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan your adventure for the Top 5 Trails in the Bay Area!

1. Lands End Trail (San Francisco)

Tree framing the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. Clear blue sky, ocean below, and lush green hills create a serene scene.

Lands End Trail is a classic San Francisco hike that’s perfect for beginners and seasoned hikers alike. With stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, rugged cliffs, and the Pacific Ocean, this trail is a must-visit.

Trail Length: 3.4 miles round trip
Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
Parking: Free parking at Lands End Visitor Center (arrive early).
Public Transport: Take Muni Bus 38 or 1 California to get close to the trailhead.
Hours: Open sunrise to sunset
Fee: Free
Trail Tips: Stay on marked paths to avoid dangerous cliffs. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer clear skies and fewer crowds.
What to Wear: Bring layers—it can get windy even in summer (50-60°F).
Essentials to Bring: Water, sunscreen, and your camera for stunning photos.
Nearby Eats: Try the Cliff House Bistro or explore dining options in the Outer Richmond area.
Toilets: Restrooms are available at the Visitor Center.
Fun Fact: Lands End Trail is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and is home to the ruins of the historic Sutro Baths.

Golden Gate Bridge under clear blue sky, surrounded by hills and ocean, with trees and cliffs in the foreground. Serene and expansive view.

The Golden Gate Bridge framed by trees, with a clear blue sky and ocean backdrop, creates a serene and picturesque view.

2. Mori Point Trail (Pacifica)

Sunny ocean view with gentle waves and sparkling water under a clear blue sky. Serene and tranquil mood.

Mori Point Trail offers serene coastal views and is perfect for those looking for a quick escape into nature. The summit provides panoramic views that are worth the hike.

Trail Length: 2.5-mile loop
Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
Parking: Free parking at Mori Point entrance or Rockaway Beach lot.
Public Transport: Take BART to Daly City, then SamTrans Bus 110 to Pacifica.
Hours: Open sunrise to sunset
Fee: Free
Trail Tips: Stay on designated paths to protect wildlife. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
Best Time to Visit: Spring for wildflowers or summer for clear views.
What to Wear: Comfortable hiking shoes and a windbreaker (50-65°F).
Essentials to Bring: Water, snacks, and a hat for sun protection.
Nearby Eats: Check out Nick’s Seafood Restaurant or Pacifica Brewery for a post-hike treat.
Toilets: Available at Rockaway Beach.
Fun Fact: Mori Point is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and is home to the endangered San Francisco garter snake and California red-legged frog.

Foggy coastal scene with a lone bird flying over waves. Rocky cliffs and trees frame the view. Moody, serene atmosphere.

Large tree with exposed roots on a beach. Ocean waves in the background. Overcast sky. Graffiti on the tree trunk, lone person walking.

3. Tennessee Valley Trail (Mill Valley)

Narrow dirt path through dry bushes and green trees under a partly cloudy blue sky, leading to a hill. Serene and natural setting.

This family-friendly trail leads to the picturesque Tennessee Beach, a hidden gem tucked away in Marin County.

Trail Length: 3.4 miles round trip
Difficulty Level: Easy
Parking: Free parking at the Tennessee Valley trailhead.
Public Transport: Take Golden Gate Transit Bus 70 or 101 to Sausalito, then a rideshare to the trailhead.
Hours: Open sunrise to sunset
Fee: Free
Trail Tips: No pets allowed. Stay on the trail to protect wildlife.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and early summer for mild weather and blooming flowers.
What to Wear: Comfortable shoes and layers (50-70°F).
Essentials to Bring: Water, snacks, and a picnic blanket for the beach.
Nearby Eats: Visit Sausalito for fresh seafood at Fish or a cozy meal at Bar Bocce.
Toilets: Restrooms are available at the trailhead.
Fun Fact: The trail is named after the SS Tennessee, a steamer shipwrecked in the cove in the 1850s.

4. Muir Beach Overlook Trail (Muir Beach)

Hiking trail with wooden steps leads down through dense trees to a view of the ocean. Clear blue sky, serene and peaceful atmosphere.

This short yet rewarding trail offers dramatic cliffside views and a chance to spot migrating whales during the season.

Trail Length: 0.6 miles round trip
Difficulty Level: Easy
Parking: Free parking at the overlook.
Public Transport: Take Marin Transit Bus 61 from Sausalito to Muir Beach.
Hours: Open sunrise to sunset
Fee: Free
Trail Tips: Dogs are not allowed, and it’s important to stay within safety rails at the overlook.
Best Time to Visit: Winter and spring for whale watching.
What to Wear: A jacket and sturdy shoes for uneven terrain (50-60°F).
Essentials to Bring: Binoculars, water, and a camera.
Nearby Eats: The Pelican Inn is a cozy spot for post-hike refreshments.
Toilets: Restrooms are available at the parking area.
Fun Fact: The overlook was once a military lookout during World War II.

5. Devil’s Slide Trail (Pacifica)

Foggy coastal landscape with rocky cliffs and ocean waves. The sky is overcast, and the scene feels serene and natural.

Devil’s Slide Trail is a paved path with breathtaking views, ideal for walkers, cyclists, and families.

Trail Length: 1.3 miles (one way)
Difficulty Level: Easy and wheelchair accessible
Parking: Free parking at both trailheads.
Public Transport: Take SamTrans Bus 110 from Daly City BART to the trail entrance.
Hours: Open 8 AM to sunset
Fee: Free
Trail Tips: Dogs are allowed on a leash. No drones permitted.
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoons for unforgettable sunsets.
What to Wear: Comfortable shoes and a light jacket (55-65°F).
Essentials to Bring: Water, snacks, and a camera.
Nearby Eats: Puerto 27 offers delicious Peruvian cuisine nearby.
Toilets: Restrooms are available at both trailheads.
Fun Fact: Devil’s Slide was once part of Highway 1 before being converted into this scenic recreational trail.

Plan Your Adventure for the Top 5 Trails in the Bay Area

Each of these trails offers a unique way to experience the beauty of the Bay Area’s coastline. Whether you’re looking for a short walk or a longer hike, there’s a trail for everyone. Which one will you explore first? Let me know in the comments below!

Tips for Hikers:

Start early to avoid crowds.
Always pack water and wear sturdy shoes.
Check the weather and dress in layers.

Hiking gears:

1. Hoka Gaviota 5 shoes

2. Hoka Gymnastics Shoes Hiking

3. Super Feet Green insoles

4. Selfie stick, like the Bluehorn with 360° rotation

5. Hydro flask

6. Scoop Girl Oil sunscreen

7. FlipBelt

8. CACOE Phone Lanyard

9. Noise Cancelling headphones

10. Portable Charger

Book your flights and hotel via: Expedia or WayAway.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to products, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through my links, at no extra cost to you.

Make sure to share your experience and tag us if you visit any of these trails! Happy hiking!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to Amazon products, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through my links, at no extra cost to you.