Easy Coastal Hikes in the Bay Area

Sometimes, you only need a relaxing coastal hike to refresh your spirits. Residents of the Bay Area are lucky enough to have many options to pick from whenever they need to wind down and relax while reaching their daily step count goal. These five scenic coastal trails in the Bay Area provide a quiet escape where you can feel the crisp ocean breeze flow through your hair. Breathe in the scent of surrounding wildflowers and trees, and taste the sweet saltiness of the air. Then, grab your favorite pair of walking shoes and traverse these meandering pathways while enjoying the breathtaking panoramas.

Location: Point Reyes National Seashore

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 1.9 miles 

Duration: 50 minutes 

Elevation: 269 feet

Route: Out and back

Dogs allowed: No 

Situated about an hour north of San Francisco, the Point Reyes National Seashore is a gorgeous getaway rife with wildlife and unparalleled coastal views, best enjoyed on the Chimney Rock Trail. Considered one of the best coastal hikes in the Bay Area, this trail near Inverness makes for an awesome family outing. Short, easy, and beautiful, this trail sits atop 500-feet cliffs overlooking the Pacific. Wildflowers almost cover it from start to end. The cries of elephant seals settled down in the isolated colonies below fill the air. If you want to see the sea mammals clearly, bring a pair of binoculars for a clearer look. If you’re on the trail between January and May, you can catch a glimpse of the gray whales on their way from Alaska. Rock Chimney is named for a rock outcrop that resembles a chimney. As you reach the trail's end, take a moment to savor the view from this spectacular vantage point, which unveils a rugged yet pristine shoreline spanning miles. Remember that this trail is almost always foggy and windy, so dress accordingly.

TENNESSEE VALLEY TRAIL

Location: Marin Headlands

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 3.4 miles 

Duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes 

Elevation: 171 feet

Route: Out and back

Dogs allowed: No 

Tennessee Valley is a spectacular offshoot of the Marin Headlands, just north of San Francisco, with various family-friendly hiking trails, such as the beloved Tennessee Valley Trail. Pack a picnic and start on the pathway to Tennessee Cove Beach at the trailhead parking lot at the end of Tennessee Valley Road. (Note: dogs are prohibited on this trail, even on a leash.) The trail winds between rolling hills but stays relatively level, making it one of the easiest Bay Area coastal hikes for little ones. Wildlife is present and ample opportunities exist to spot rabbits, deer, and owls. When you reach the end, relax on the secluded, sandy beach and enjoy your picnic. If the tide is low enough, you might even spot the rusted engine and anchor of the SS Tennessee, a steamship that sank after hitting a reef near the Golden Gate Bridge in 1853.

CÉSAR CHÁVEZ PARK TRAIL

Location: César E. Chávez Park 

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 1.5 miles 

Duration: 30 minutes 

Elevation: 26 feet

Route: Loop

Dogs allowed: Yes 

Perched on the edge of Berkeley, César Chávez Park is a popular destination among East Bay dwellers seeking an escape—and for a good reason. The verdant, 90-acre expanse, named after the late civil rights activist, sits adjacent to the Berkeley Marina and boasts spectacular vistas to the west and the east. Spend the afternoon walking along the paved trail that loops around the park, where you can stroll through the wetlands, spot wildlife, and soak up sweeping views of downtown San Francisco, Angel Island, and (on a clear day) the Golden Gate Bridge. The park allows you to bring your dog along. It even has a large designated off-leash area where dogs can roam at their leisure, ensuring that this coastal hike near San Francisco will be one of the pup’s favorite dog-friendly hikes. 

OCEAN BEACH

Location: Sutro Heights Park

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 6.4 miles 

Duration: 2 hours 

Elevation: 167 feet

Route: Out and back

Dogs allowed: On leash

A haven for city slickers living in the concrete jungle of San Francisco, Ocean Beach is a 3.5-mile stretch of white sand tucked away on the city’s westernmost border, right next to Golden Gate Park. The extensive pathway runs from the historic Fort Funston to the iconic Cliff House, leading you along the tops of dunes while providing incredible views of the windswept coastline and the famed Golden Gate Bridge. Park in one of three areas—on the south end at Sloat Boulevard, across from Golden Gate Park, or next to the Cliff House—then embark on your easy coastal hike in the Bay Area. During the trek, watch for groups of endangered snowy plovers on the shore below. Depending on the tide, you might also catch a glimpse of the hull of the shipwrecked King Philip. Then, for a truly unforgettable experience, linger until the sun goes down to witness the majestic golden hour when the sky transforms into breathtaking gold, red-orange, and deep purple hues.

Gray Whale Cove Trail

Location: Montara State Beach

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 2.2 miles 

Duration: 55 minutes 

Elevation: 269 feet

Route: Out and back

Dogs allowed: Yes

Between Montara State Beach and Gray Whale Cover, and hugging the hillside right above Highway 1 is a top coastal hike, which Bay Area residents can enjoy every day. The short Gray Whale Cove Trail runs a little over a mile each way, making it an easy hike suitable for children as well. What makes this hike special are all the wildflowers adorning it and the coastal views that can take your breath away. If you want to enjoy the beauty of the trail but need more of a challenge, you can always choose to go down one of the steeper singletrack paths that split from it. This unique coastal trail has two trailheads on the east side of Highway 1, a mile apart from each other, with ample parking available at the Gray Whale Cove lot marked Montara State Beach. So bring Fido along and get ready to be introduced to the coastal hike you’ll be trekking daily.