Take advantage of the nature and beauty of the Bay Area; we’re coming at you with 10 of the best hikes in San Francisco! These are special, super-scenic hikes that take you near or around lakes and bodies of water, which is one of the finest features of our region of NorCal. Explore these awesome lake hikes around San Francisco, and see if you discover any new-to-you places!

1. Lake Merced - North Lake Loop, San Francisco
Lake Merced, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
Ann S/Yelp
Simply wonderful because this is a large lake in San Francisco. Lake Merced is quite an expansive lake in San Francisco, so expect going around is longer than you think. However, you can walk along paved trails next to city roads.
2. Stow Lake - Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA, USA
David Yu/Flickr
This is a beautiful lake near Golden Gate Park that is easily accessible. Walk and head towards Stow Lake and look for the waterfall. The hike up isn't too cumbersome. This walk is really one of the nicer things to do in the city because you can hike up it and explore and see the falls.
3. Crystal Springs Reservoir - Sawyer Camp Trail, San Mateo
Crystal Springs Reservoir, California 94062, USA
Stan L/Yelp
Just outside San Francisco is a delightful place to visit for a lake hike. Visit the Sawyer Camp Trail at Crystal Springs and enjoy the hiking and biking trail in San Mateo adjoining a large lake. Awesome trail, but this hike in San Francisco is quite long if you do it all --- 12 miles!
4. Bass Lake - Palomarin Trailhead, Marin County
Alamere Falls, California 94924, USA
Jerome L/Yelp
Take the Palomarin Trailhead from the parking lot to Bass Lake. Further along you can go to Alamere Falls. However, the trail and hike to the lake is awesome enough. Bass lake is great for tubing, swimming, and more.
5. Lake Chabot - Loop Trail, Castro Valley
Lake Chabot, California, USA
Henry V/Yelp
If you're in Castro Valley then check out the Lake Chabot Loop Trail. Expect a trail that loops through varied terrain around the lake like forests and and more.
6. Kent Lake - Carson Falls Hike, Mt Tamalpais
Kent Lake, California, USA
David S/Yelp
Kent Lake is a beautiful lake in NorCal that's actually the largest lake in Mt Tamalpais. There is a Carson Falls Hike that is pretty. This hike lead to a seasonal waterfall, lake, and a mountain with excellent views of Marin County.
7. Del Valle Lake - East Shore Trail, Livermore
East Shore Trail, E Shore Trail, California 94550, USA
Molly M/Yelp
Head out to Livermore for some awe inspiring views and hiking. There are worthwhile hiking opportunities along the east shore of Del Valle Lake.
8. Lafayette Reservoir - Long/Short Loop, Lafayette
Lafayette Reservoir, Lafayette, CA 94549, USA
Camille C/Yelp
This area has a lot of beautiful nature and trails. You have the option of a short or long loop hike along fire roads going around Lafayette Reservoir. Expect wonderful panoramic views of the lake and valleys as well.
9. Stevens Creek Reservoir - Tony Look, Cupertino
Stevens Creek Reservoir, California 95014, USA
Atom B/Yelp
Trek out to the beautiful South Bay for a relaxing hike with water views from Stevens Creek. This is a hike along a lake where you'll pass through a forest and rolling hills with scenic valley views.
10. Shadow Cliffs Lake - Long/Short Loop, Pleasanton
Shadow Cliffs Lake, California 94566, USA
Airwolf X/Yelp
Shadow Cliffs Lake is in Pleasanton and is a favorite summertime swimming hole in NorCal. The Trails are located in the north and the south of the lake. If you're not bothered by elevation then hike out and enjoy the nice views of the lake.

Have you been on any of these waterfront trails? Do you agree they’re some of the best hikes in San Francisco? Let us know. Share this story too. For related content, check out this article: These 9 Gorgeous Waterfront Trails In San Francisco Are Perfect For A Summer Day.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

More to Explore

Best Hikes in San Francisco

Sarah M. | July 20, 2022

Are there any waterfall hikes in San Francisco?

Absolutely there are! San Franciscans are totally spoiled in the nature department, and the waterfall selection around here is one of the country’s finest. Most of these breathtaking spots in San Francisco are just a quick drive (or even bike ride) away from those in the Bay Area. Here are our picks for the most beautiful waterfall hikes near San Francisco. Among those listed, we recommend the short-and-sweet trek to Cascade Falls. It’s a 0.3-mile round-trip adventure, and if you want it to be a little longer, you can most certainly do that – just add the hike from the Cascade Park parking lot, and it becomes a two-mile-long round-trip hike, which, in our opinion, is the "Goldilocks" length for an afternoon hike. Another excellent hiking trail in San Francisco that will blow you away is the hike to Cataract Falls, a three-mile round-trip hike that takes you to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Northern California. Swoon!

What are some scenic places in San Francisco?

There's an embarrassment of riches when it comes to swoon-worthy scenery in San Francisco. One place we can never get enough of is Point Reyes, an area on the Pacific Coast in Marin County that's located a quick 30-mile trip from San Francisco. Sea lions, elephant seals, orcas, whales, and myriad avian species patrol this region of the California Coast, providing ample opportunities for photography and wildlife watching. Point Reyes Safaris even offers "seaside safari" tours led by acclaimed photographer Daniel Dietrich, and guests can essentially choose their own adventure in terms of wildlife focus: avian, marine, or terrestrial!

Related Articles