Views!

alta-plaza-parkAlta Plaza Park
Playground with a view

Sitting on the highest peak of Pacific Heights, Alta Plaza Park (literally "high place") provides some views to the north (the bay) and amazing ones to south... and there is not a playground in SF with a better view. (see more)

angel-islandAngel Island
Escape from Alcatraz

Alcatraz's bigger and less-developed sibling, Angel Island provides unbelievable views on 14 miles of trails - truly a hidden gem! Hiking and biking are recommended, and for those with sea legs kayaking!  Tram and a Segway tours are also available.  Camping is an unforgettable experience, but fills up quickly - the group sites are regularly booked a year in advance. (see more)

baker-beachBaker Beach
Most scenic beach in SF

Burning Man's original resting place (and now Balsa Man), Baker Beach delightfully boggles urban expectations! (see more)

coit-towerCoit Tower
A visual stimulator

The namesake tower gets the attention - but the hike and the views► are the main attraction! (see more)

golden-gate-bridgeGolden Gate Bridge
Icon of the Golden Gate

The Golden Gate Bridge is not to be missed! It's best up close and personal. The bridge is a bit less than 2 miles across - an excellent hike or bike ride.  Be sure to wear warm clothes, as it is often windy and/or cold►. (see more)

grand-view-parkGrand View Park
Sunset Treasure

This appropriately named jewel of the Inner Sunset packs a visual punch on days (and evenings) when it's clear out. Sutro Tower, East Bay, Downtown, the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin, Ocean Beach, and others fill a stunning 360 degree view. (see more)

hillsHills
Who needs a gym membership?

Rockin' and occasionally rollin' - the San Andreas Fault created San Francisco's collection of famous hills - Lombard Street, Nob Hill, Twin Peaks, Telegraph Hill, Pacific Heights - and a large collection of lesser known perches (eg, Bernal, the Presidio, Lands End, Liberty Hill, Mount Davidson, Potrero Hill, and Grandview Park) offering countless z-dimensional opportunities in the city by the bay :) (see more)

kite-hill-parkKite Hill Park
Neighborhood chill spot

A twenty minute walk up from 18th and Castro, Kite Hill Park offers lower altitude and less crowded version of the Twin Peaks view down Market St. (see more)

lands-endLands End
Best hike in San Francisco - easy!

Beautiful hikes up to 5 miles can be started at the Sutro Baths parking lot (also accessible from the Muni 38 Geary line) and continued until it's time to turn around. The Legion of Honor and golf course sit at the end of the trail. For those willing to walk through Seacliff, Baker Beach and the Presidio are relatively accessible and offer similarly beautiful outdoor recreation. (see more)

marin-headlandsMarin Headlands
A little gift from God

The Marin headlands offer a unforgettable (and convenient!) experience with the rugged California coast. On a clear day, San Francisco is on full display and the temperature is reliably higher on the north side of the bay. Many stunning Golden Gate Bridge photos are shot from the headlands. (see more)

mt-tamalpaisMt Tamalpais
Top of the Bay Area

Sprawled between Stinson Beach and Mill Valley, Mt Tamalpais (translating literally as "Tamale Country") offers phenomenal views and great hikes! No tamales, unfortunately. Hiking and Biking - road and mountain - are the preferred modes of transport (the "Crookedest Railroad in the World►" ceased operation in 1930). (see more)

nob-hillNob Hill
Great views, rich history + exercise :)

World renowned from it's wealthy history originally flowing from Gold Rush, Comstock Lode and Transcontinental Railroad, Nob Hill provides great views with a dose of perspiration :) (see more)

potrero-hillPotrero Hill
(Sub)urban hybrid

With great weather and views combine with easy freeway access and regular peninsula bound Caltrain service, Potrero Hill matches desirable elements of both urban and suburban living. (see more)

presidioPresidio
Military preservation

With stunning views over an area 40 percent larger than Golden Gate Park, the Presidio is sometimes overlooked for outdoor adventures. An army base from 1776 (by the Spaniards, the same year as the Mission Dolores) to 1994, and now operated by the National Park Service, the area is not especially developed for recreation, but provides it nonetheless. (see more)

sea-trek-kayakingSea Trek Kayaking
Bay imitates bath

With the best natural bay in the world, San Francisco has a rich maritime history, and getting out on the water is one of the most exciting ways to explore the area :) (see more)

stow-lakeStow Lake

The largest of Golden Gate Park's man-made lakes, Stow is a hub of activity including hiking, bicycling and, formerly, boating.  The boathouse rentals (boat and bike) are currently closed, and catalyst of an ongoing battle. (see more)

top-of-the-markTop of the Mark
Staying on top...

Providing 19th-floor eyegasmic views in every direction (when Fog cooperates), the Top of the Mark has been delighting guests since 1939.  The drinks are expensive... but, considerably cheaper than a room at the Mark Hopkins hotel :) (see more)

treasure-islandTreasure Island
The elusive treasure island...

An island with eyepopping views, 5 wineries (the grapes are imported) and only 2 places to eat can't be all bad? :) (see more)

twin-peaksTwin Peaks
Not just an old TV show...

When the weather is clear, Twin Peaks pops eyeballs - especially around dusk (or sunrise►?). When it's cold, wet, windy, and/or foggy, TP is more of a survival adventure challenge :) (see more)