DK Travel : San Francisco : Outdoor

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Buena Vista Park

This steep and densely wooded hill offers terrific panoramas from its Haight Street location, as well as some fairly challenging trails for those who like to hike and bike.
Carmel

Carmel-By-The-Sea was founded as an artists’ colony in the early 1900s, and is now one of the most exclusive communities in the world – having recently boasted actor Clint Eastwood as its mayor. Its old Spanish mission, one of the 21 built along the coast (see Mission Dolores) is considered California’s most beautiful.
China Beach

Officially called James D. Phelan Beach, this is the poshest beach in San Francisco, being an adjunct to the exclusive Sea Cliff neighborhood. Despite its pedigree, however, California law requires that all coastal areas remain public, although access roads to them can be private. China Beach is small and protected from the wind, there’s plenty of parking, and it’s a pleasant walk down to the sand. Once there, you’ll find showers and even changing rooms.
Coastal Beaches

At least 20 different beaches line Highway 1 south of San Francisco. Some of the best include Gray Whale Cove, Montara State Beach, Miramar Beach and El Granada Beach, Roosevelt Beach, Dunes Beach, Francis Beach, Poplar Beach, Pelican Point Beach, Cowell Ranch State Beach, Martin’s Beach, San Gregorio Beach, Pescadero State Beach, Bean Hollow State Beach, and Pebble Beach.
Conzelman Road

This road hugs the bluffs, high above the waves, on the southern edge of the Marin Headlands. It affords some of the most famously beautiful views of the north tower of Golden Gate Bridge, looking back at the city in the distance. The way is punctuated with old military bunkers, since this entire area was once given over to the army to guard the western shores.
Corona Heights Park

Hiking trails and some spectacular views.
Divisadero

This street cuts a great swathe through the city centre. It starts in the south at Duboce Street, then rises to glorious mansions and Bay vistas after Geary Expressway.
Embarcadero Park

The last few years have witnessed a welcome transformation along the entire stretch of the Embarcadero. The 1989 earthquake put an end to the idea of running a freeway into the city center, so the old shipping piers are now set off by new plantings and sidewalks and the area is being promoted as a breezy park. In-line skaters and cyclists disport themselves where once concrete embankments held sway (see The Embarcadero).
Extreme Sports

Surfing here requires great fortitude and is not for beginners. The same goes for windsurfing on the Bay’s wild waters. Hang-gliding can be tackled by novices, but only under the guidance of an expert.
Filbert Street

There’s a sense of flying off into space as you dive over the brink of Hyde and Leavenworth.