Nestled in the heart of San Francisco, Bernal Heights Park offers a peaceful escape for dog owners and nature enthusiasts alike. This is a place where the beauty of the surroundings speaks for itself.
As you enter the park, you’re greeted with a stunning 360-degree view that includes San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, downtown, and San Bruno Mountain. The vistas are simply breathtaking. People come here not only for their canine companions but also to soak in the natural splendor.
When it comes to parking, you have a couple of options. There’s a convenient lot on Folsom Street, but many prefer to park at the end of Bernal Heights Boulevard. From there, you begin your journey with a wide road that circles the park’s base and leads you to the summit. As you ascend, the view gradually unfolds.
Here, dogs can roam freely, although most visitors leash them during the climb. Once you’re at the top, it’s a spacious and level area for them to play.
For hikers and joggers, there are smaller dirt trails that wind around the hill, offering a range of difficulty levels. If you need a break or simply want to take in the surroundings, a few benches at the summit provide a place to rest. But for the most part, your adventure involves unpaved roads and gentle slopes.
Distance: Various trails and lengths
Difficulty: Easy (gentle slopes)
Leash rules: Off-leash
Parking: Park in the south lot of Bernal Heights Park, at the end of Bernal Heights Blvd.
Drinking water: No
Hours of operation: Sunrise to sunset
