Great short walk out into the Bay…read more I love discovering these little natural park gem. This looks like a new little park that is great to eat lunch and then take a easy walk on a levee out into the Bay. I saw two great blue herons and a man fishing at the tip of the levee path. Treat yourself to a visit at the plant nursery across the street from the parking lot. There is limited parking here, but plenty of street parking.

It's really just a half-mile, man-made spit of land that juts out to the bay in the workaday area…read moreof India Basin. However, the setting is offset by atmospheric wetlands that attract a variety of birds that look quite comfortable on the shoreline. The end of the singular trail doesn't offer that much of a payoff unless you like the sight of mammoth cargo ships anchored seemingly permanently in the middle of the bay. There are unexpected sights like a Buddhist altar hidden in a windswept tree grove (photo: https://bit.ly/3wA6hFU) There's also what looks like a dilapidated pier sunken at both ends (photo: https://bit.ly/2UzDJPx). I guess I would be remiss in not mentioning the Eco Center which looks to be a children's education center, although I've never been inside due to COVID restrictions and its limited hours. Normally I'd suggest you walk the footbridge to the newly renovated Hunters Point Shoreline, but pedestrian access points looked to be closed for the rest of 2021. You can still walk around or drive onto Evans to get to the rest of India Basin. RELATED - Lost in Hunters Point? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3AOvRKv

Pretty nice and unexpected view from this trail…read more Sure it is a dirt path but it's a very very short trail. You can walk it in 5 mins. Some benches and tree stumps to sit down on and enjoy a quiet moment Best when the sun is out , enjoy the colors of the flowers! You have to park further away in the residential areas and walk into there

Edgehill Mountain Park (well, technically an "Open Space"--I wonder what the difference is) is a…read morebeautiful slice of forested hillside on the southwest slope of Laguna Honda hill. There is basically just one trail running across it from Knockash to Edgehill streets, and a couple of benches. The views are limited a bit due to the trees, but it is still a very pretty place to walk through, especially at sunset. In fact, the entirety of Laguna Honda Hill is very scenic, and I highly recommend walking up to the top while you're here. Also, what is with those crazy shingled castle-mansions? Someday I gotta get me one of those. It seems that there is a very active volunteer group that works in Edgehill Park doing habitat restoration and I've also seen proposals for a staircase down to Kensington Way, which would be awesome! You can check out their website here: http://www.edgehill.net/Edgehill-Mountain.htm

Beautiful garden nested on a hill in glen park. Quite peaceful and well maintained! There is a…read morebench to sit and take in the city or read as well

I happened upon this wonderful little neighborhood botanical garden. It has winding paths and a…read morecouple of benches; one which has an excellent view of the Excelsior and other neighborhoods down the hill. Among the various fruit bearing plants there is a big apple tree. I'll be back in a month when they have ripened! It's definitely the secret gardens of Sunnyside.

Jack Early Park is one of those hidden gems in North Beach that you could easily miss unless you…read moreknow where to look. Tucked up a steep hill at the end of Pfeiffer Street, it was created by a local resident, Jack Early, who spent years in the early 1960s transforming what was once a rocky, neglected patch of land into a small, peaceful garden. He cleared debris, brought in soil, and planted trees, flowers, and shrubs, eventually gifting the space to the city. It's a great example of how one person's effort can leave a lasting impact on a neighborhood. Getting there is part of the experience. You climb a narrow staircase between buildings, and at the top, you're rewarded with a small concrete terrace and one of the best panoramic views in the area. On a clear day, you can see Alcatraz Island, Pier 39, and even the Golden Gate Bridge all in one sweep. It's not a large park, but that's part of its charm. There are a few benches, some greenery, and just enough space to sit, relax, or enjoy a quiet moment away from the crowds. Whether you're a local or just exploring North Beach, it's a worthwhile stop if you're up for a short climb and want a different perspective of the city.

Described as one of the smallest "unofficial" parks in SF, this is more of a lookout point with…read morespectacular views of the city and beautiful vines and greenery surrounding the area and staircase leading up to the tiny space. It's not that tiny actually, certainly not claustrophobic, you could probably fit like 10 people up there (though it would be a tight squeeze). And yet it's hidden among the neighborhood homes and trees, so it's quite nice. But only two seats up there, covered in graffiti of course (we'll call it art). And more seating along the stairway, ya know, cuz there are lots of stairs to climb, so why not take a rest halfway up those steps, especially cuz it's kinda steep. The secluded environment and lovely views are what makes this park special.

A good sized park with play area for children, basketball court and ball field. Views and old trees…read moreand lots of space. Lots of benches to snuggle with your boo thang. I remember I once took my Piggy Piggy here. In fact, that was my first visit to this fantastic park. She loved it but didn't like the stairs. She would do five stairs and then need a 45 minute rest. I wanted to go to the top and see the views so I just carried her - she didn't mind - shameless - I loved how based she was - I found that so attractive - so confident. The views here are incredible near the top - you can see in all directions once you clear the trees - all the way to the bay. Its usually got some wind blowing through the old trees and you can hear that as you relax at one of the many well placed benches. Its very romantic. The park is circular in shape and hilly - around the perimeter there is tons of parking - I sometimes dream of living across from a park like this where I can enjoy all the green and have none of the work. Probably a park where you would never see it unless you live nearby. The best part of having a dog is that if forces you to try something new every day as they like to sniff around and act as if they are Christopher Columbus with this instant attitude like they were the first to find this place and now own it if they tinkle or sprinkle around here and there. How far would I drive to come here? Maybe 14 minutes. 4 stars.

Holly Park literally has to be on my Top 3 list of favorite parks in San Francisco. What I love…read moremost about Holly Park is how you truly get a 360 view of San Francisco as Holly Park structurally is a round park. Whether you are doing a morning walk with your dog with a cup of coffee in your hand, hanging with your friends, taking your child to the playground, basking in the sun reading a book, or sweating off your energy with a basketball game or pickleball rally, Holly Park has space for it all. I could be wrong but I believe there is only 1 playground, 1 basketball court, and 1 Tennis court. There are public restrooms. There is an ample amount of parking despite being a residential area.

Small park next to the sidewalk. Appreciate the red chairs laid out for anyone to take a seat, just…read morehang out or take a break. Relaxed vibe under the tree for shade There's a play structure for kids

Very nice mini park - visually appealing and well lit and night. Seems to be a good use of space…read more They did as much as possible with very little space. I like all the 'characters' drawn here - i think little kids would like it too. Dogpatch is a decent neighborhood - not too much riff raff. Kids can enjoy small playground - adults might enjoy shady trees and well cared for green spaces.

The middle lake has since gotten an upgrade and now is filled with water next to a stream with a…read moresmall waterfall (though the last time I was there that part was dry). It's more lush compared to the dry patch of dirt it was before and worth checking out. Out of the 3 I like North Lake the best as it feels the most rustic and natural whereas the other two feel man made. It's a great place for a birder. Birds are everywhere. North Lake has monthly cleanups through Golden Gate Bird Alliance where you basically garden and get rid of non native plants.

Just returned home after my walk at Chain of Lakes (adjacent to Fulton). The pictures that I am…read moreadding relate to the little bridge that crosses over what USED TO BE an absolutely charming pond that featured a cool variety of ducks and raccoons romping in the water, This area has be totally neglected and it is basically more. Overgrown brush, tree branches cover the area and the pond is nothing but thick green scum. see pics. Ok, maybe the green scum can't be dealt with but the hideous overgrowth can! For this part of the park, I give it 2 stars. The rest of the park is of course a 5 rating. It would be nice if the Park and Rec would RE-PAINT the narrow path or put up at least 2 signs to indicate NO bikes or SCOOTERS. One trash can for this size park area is also ridiculous given that 95% of the time it is locked up! and dog waste bags scattered around the can not in it. C'mon..

Did the Double Crosstown Trail first in March and then took on the Crosstown Trail in October…read more Definitely loved the views and route of the Crosstown Trail better! Unfortunately, I was severely underprepared for this hike since I though the Double Crosstown Trail a little easier & more in the city. Would definitely recommend actually bringing water and food since there aren't too many convenient stops on the way. Notable stops were Mission Blue Cafe and Forest Hill Station! Hiked with 15 people and took us from 8:30am to 8pm with breaks along the way. AMAZING sunset view at Lands End. Also this was during the government shutdown and the gate to Baker Beach was closed and we had to hop the gate.

Nobody believes me when I tell them there is a trail through San Francisco that is almost…read moreexclusively parks. They be wrong and the Crosstown Trail is awesome! Starting off by the bay and ending by the ocean and rounded out with multiple hills, stairwells, and gorgeous views! The trail can be done in one day or spread out across a few. There are public transit stops throughout so you can stop one day and start another day with ease. We took the one day route and had perfect views from McLaren park to ease us in to the rest of the hills :) It was a little rainy on the back end but we trekked on. We saw a few people also doing the same trail but in the opposite direction which was a fun twist. I loved the little crosstown trail signs along the route that let me know we were on the path. If you love urban hiking mixed with parks and stairs, take this hike and reignite your love for San Francisco.