01
Best overall ridge hike
San Bruno Mountain State & County Park
Above Central Brisbane • Wide-Open Ridgeline Park With Bay Views • Go-To Local Classic
Sweeping 360-degree views and rolling fire roads make San Bruno Mountain the signature hike right above Brisbane.
From Brisbane, you can be on the mountain in minutes, climbing through scrub and grassland to big views of the Bay, downtown San Francisco, and the Peninsula. The Summit and Ridge trails offer easy-to-follow loops with plenty of wind, wildflowers in spring, and frequent hawk and coyote sightings. It’s the spot locals use to stretch their legs after work or show off the landscape to out-of-town visitors.
02
Best historic viewpoint
Sweeney Ridge
Between Pacifica And San Bruno • Steep Hillside Climb To A High Plateau • Best For Big Panoramas
A stout uphill walk delivers you to a broad ridgetop with views over the ocean, the airport, and the entire peninsula.
Trails climb quickly from the San Bruno or Pacifica side, so you gain serious elevation and scenery in just a few miles. At the top, the paved and dirt paths wander past old military structures and the spot where the Portolá expedition first sighted the Bay. On clear days you can see from the Marin Headlands down to the South Bay, making the effort feel well worth it.
03
Best coastal bluff walk
Mori Point
Pacifica Coastline • Low-Key Coastal Trails And Cliffside Overlooks • Best For Ocean Sunsets
Short, flexible paths wind from wetlands up to dramatic coastal bluffs overlooking the Pacific.
Starting from the neighborhood edge in Pacifica, you can stroll flat paths through restored wetlands or take steeper use trails up to the cliff tops. The bluff edge offers classic Pacific views, spring wildflowers, and the chance to spot whales offshore during migration. It’s an easy place to mix a leg-stretch with beach time and still be back in Brisbane before traffic builds.
04
Best wooded canyon climb
San Pedro Valley County Park
Foothills Above Pacifica • Forest And Canyon Trails With Waterfall Seasonal Options • Best For Half-Day Outings
A network of shaded canyon trails and tougher ridge climbs makes this park feel surprisingly wild for being so close to town.
Lower trails follow a creek through cool, wooded gullies, great for warmer days and quieter morning walks. Stronger hikers can tackle steeper routes toward Montara Mountain for wide ocean views and a good workout. It’s a solid choice when you want more of a ‘mountain day’ without driving deep into the Santa Cruz Mountains or Marin.
05
Best close-to-city escape
John McLaren Park
Southeast San Francisco • Urban Wild Park With Rolling Hills And Lake Loops • Best For Casual After-Work Hikes
A tangle of dirt paths and paved loops creates an easy-to-customize hike with hilltop views just north of Brisbane.
McLaren Park’s trail network weaves between small lakes, eucalyptus groves, and open knolls with views toward downtown and the Bay. You can stitch together short loops from the southern edge for a brisk evening walk or wander farther to explore quieter corners of the park. It’s an ideal option when you want a change of scenery but don’t have time to drive out to the coast or higher peaks.