01
Best panoramic climb
San Bruno Mountain State & County Park
Daly City / Brisbane • Windy Ridgeline Open-Space Park • Best Overall Hike
A close-to-town summit hike with big Bay and ocean views that feel far more remote than the drive suggests.
San Bruno Mountain is where many Daly City locals go when they want a real hike without committing to a full-day adventure. The Summit, Ridge, and Radio Road routes climb through coastal scrub to open ridgelines with sweeping views of San Francisco, the Peninsula, and the East Bay on clear days. Expect frequent wind and fog, but also spring wildflowers and quiet side trails that quickly thin out the crowds near the trailheads.
02
Wind-and-waves escape
Fort Funston
North Of Daly City • Coastal Bluff And Beach Trails • Best For Dog Walkers
Short sandy and cliffside paths lead to a wide beach framed by dramatic sandstone bluffs and constant Pacific surf.
Just over the city line, Fort Funston offers easy-to-moderate walking with some of the most memorable coastal scenery close to Daly City. The main loop follows old military roads along the bluffs, with sandy spurs dropping down to the beach if you do not mind some stairs or loose sand. It is famously dog-friendly and windy, so expect happy off-leash pups, hang gliders overhead, and sea air that will sandblast the workweek out of your system.
03
Easy city loop
Lake Merced Loop
Daly City / San Francisco Border • Paved Lakeside Path With Park Feel • Best For Casual Walkers
A flat, mostly paved loop around the lake that works for walkers, runners, kids, and anyone easing into local hiking.
If you want movement and fresh air without hills, the Lake Merced loop is the go-to option on Daly City’s northern edge. The multi-use path circles the water with a mix of trees, open views, fishing spots, and occasional road noise that still feels surprisingly mellow compared with the nearby freeways. It is ideal for quick after-work laps, relaxed weekend strolls, or testing out longer mileage before tackling steeper trails.
04
Sunset cliff favorite
Mori Point
Pacifica Coast • Blufftop And Meadow Trails • Best Coastal Views
A compact network of paths climbs from wetlands to rugged ocean bluffs with classic Pacifica postcard views.
Mori Point, just down the coast in Pacifica, delivers a lot of payoff for modest effort, especially if you time it for golden hour. Trails weave from the wetlands and ponds up to cliff-edge overlooks, where you can watch waves crash into the rocks and, in season, scan for whales offshore. It can be muddy after storms and windy on the bluffs, but that wild edge is exactly what makes it a favorite for locals looking to trade city streets for the open ocean in minutes.
05
History-rich ridge
Sweeney Ridge
Pacifica Ridgeline • Steep Fire Road To Open Ridge • Best Workout Hike
A stout uphill climb rewards you with long ridge-top views and a mix of historic sites above the fog line.
Sweeney Ridge’s main routes start steep, but once you hit the top, the rolling ridge feels like a different world from the streets below. On a clear day you can see the Pacific, the Peninsula, and even down toward the South Bay, with old military sites and the Portola discovery marker adding some history to the outing. The grade makes this a solid choice when you want a cardio-heavy hike close to Daly City without heading deep into the mountains.