Twenty-three of the best short hikes in the Bay Area, from Point Reyes National Seashore to secluded canyons in the East Bay area.


The rolling hills that encompass San Francisco Bay cradle much more than a cultural and entrepreneurial mecca. They also boast a system of trails that link oak woodlands to redwood canyons, bluff tops to beaches, and residential areas to the natural world that nurtures us all. Best Easy Day Hikes San Francisco documents the finest of these trails including beaches in Point Reyes National Seashore, secluded canyons in the East Bay, and a reserve that shelters elephant seals on Point Ano Nuevo.

Separate chapters on the South Bay, East Bay, and North Bay help residents and visitors alike locate the best trails in those specific regions. Concise descriptions and easy-to-follow maps detail each of these 23 hikes. Whether you want to feel the sand between your toes or climb to a wind-swept summit, this guide will help get you on track.