Hometown hikes

San Francisco, California

c/o Daniel Ng @ng_ster

What It’s Like Around Here

We're spoiled here in Northern California with the diversity in outdoor activities one can do ranging from stunning beaches, towering redwoods, some of the best vineyards in the world, mountains, and numerous hiking / biking trails for every skill level. Certainly a lot to choose from to keep our kids on their toes!

family-friendly outdoor recreational activities

San Francisco

  • Just 30 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Slide Ranch is dedicated to connecting children to nature through environmental education. They host various learning programs on their organic farm and national park land. We typically hop over during the weekend where we visit the goats, sheep, chickens, and ducks!

    Once we're done hanging out with the animals, we hike on one of the many trails overlooking the Pacific Ocean with the final destination being the tide pools. It's one of our favorite places to go as it offers a rare combination of animals, gorgeous views and kid-friendly hikes.

    BONUS: They also have campsites + glamping options. Worth checking out for extended stays!

    Post-Hike Lunch Option: Whenever we're in the area, we'll always be sure to check out either The Junction (pizza) or Hook Fish (seafood). You can't go wrong with either option but The Junction does have a small play area for kids. Both have tons of outdoor seating and a stellar beer selection.

  • This hike is a bit further out from SF, but is certainly worth the drive. The hike not only offers gorgeous coastal views, but you can also see tons of Tule Elk! It's so unique to be able to be next to these massive creatures. Some advice on how to spot them can be found here. Post-Hike Lunch Option: Tomales Bay is known for its oysters with so many options nearby. The most convenient location near the hike is Saltwater Oyster Depot. It's also a fun stop where it's located next to the Point Reyes Shipwrecks. Very cool to walk around and check out an abandoned ship on the beach!

    Post-Hike Lunch Option: Tomales Bay is known for its oysters with so many options nearby. The most convenient location near the hike is Saltwater Oyster Depot. It's also a fun stop where it's located next to the Point Reyes Shipwrecks. Very cool to walk around and check out an abandoned ship on the beach!

Top Tips for Family Fun Outdoors

Always plan for the unexpected! I carry extra clothes, extra snacks and extra water to minimize the chances of a tantrum on the go. In that same vein, we also try to be aware of his limits and try not to push too far -- we want every outing to be a delight so that our son is excited to go out again and again. My son loves it when I'm able to pack some beach toys like his trucks, shovels, and buckets where we can dig for hours. Lastly, we really try to instill the sense of adventure by getting really excited about exploring / seeing new things -- and even letting him decide which paths / turns to take on a trail! 

Thanks for being part of the DGR Hometown Hikes team. 
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