San Francisco is known for tall buildings and steep hills, but within the busy city, there are abundant green spaces that offer the perfect spots to unwind and take in the fresh air. From urban spaces to jungle-like escapes, the city has everything you could need to reconnect with the natural world that many people miss in city life.

Tunnel Tops Park

The Presidio Tunnel Tops is a 14-acre national park located above the parkway tunnel in the Marina District. The park opened in 2022 and offers some of the best views in the city. The park sits above Crissy Field and overlooks the stunning Golden Gate Bridge. From seating areas to a playground and restaurant, the park has everything you could need for a restful day. If you’re hoping to learn about the surrounding areas, pop into the field station and check out the displays of natural specimens and artifacts.

Sutro forest

If you want to feel like you’ve escaped to another world, head over to Sutro Forest. This forest lies across from Mount Sutro and is filled with towering eucalyptus trees that block out the surrounding city. Fog often rolls through the hills, making it a chill but intimate atmosphere. The forest is filled with hiking trails, making it a perfect place to get outside and be active. This forest is also one of the few places in San Francisco that coincide with the surrounding infrastructure while remaining natural and lively. 

Glen Canyon 

Glen Canyon is one of the few canyons in the city, and it is well-loved. It’s located between Glen Park and Diamond Heights, offers an expansive trail network, and is known to be highly biodiverse. It is a space to slow down, take in the sights of nature, and maybe walk your dog without leaving the city. At this canyon, you’ll be truly immerged into the nature that surrounds you, which eliminates any feelings of being in a city. 

More Helpful Articles

The Bay Area’s Outdoor Movie Theaters

As the days get longer and the temperature begins to warm, it is the perfect time to spend evenings outdoors with friends and family. There is something very magical about cinema under the stars on a warm spring or summer night. The Bay Area has a lot to offer in the...

read more

The Bay Area’s Mystery Walls

For more than a century, Bay Area residents have been puzzled over the existence of stone walls scattered across the East Bay, beginning in San Jose and continuing north into the hills of Berkeley. These structures appear to have been built from hand, some in long...

read more

Celebrating Easter in the Bay Area!

Happy Easter!! Whether you are celebrating the holiday or not, this time of year brings endless parties, egg hunts, brunches, and unforgettable Springtime experiences to the Bay Area. Whether you are excited to attend an Easter service at one of San Francisco’s most...

read more