Greater by the Dozen

This hike is anything but a dime a dozen. The all-new Golden Gate Dozen Trail links 12 National Park sites on a spectacular 13-mile journey across San Francisco's coastline. Dramatic cliffs, soaring sand dunes, windswept beaches, historic forts, and the Golden Gate Bridge are just a few of the highlights on this tour through the city's natural and cultural treasures.

Start at Fort Funston, where hang gliders soar above San Francisco's largest remaining sand dunes. The route heads north past Lake Merced before reaching Ocean Beach, where nearly three miles of sand, surf, public art, and Golden Gate Park's historic windmills make for a marvelously scenic stretch.

Next, wander through Sutro Heights Park, where gardens, sculptures, and a castle-like stone parapet overlook the ruins of the famed Sutro Baths.

Continue along the spectacular Land's End Coastal Trail, where rocky cliffs, hidden coves, and glimpses of shipwreck history lead to your first views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Continue above picturesque China Beach before entering the Presidio. At Baker Beach, pause for one of the city's most iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, then continue to the bridge itself. On the opposite side, visit historic Fort Point before following the waterfront through Crissy Field, where expansive views of Alcatraz and San Francisco Bay await.

Before calling it a day, make one final stop at Presidio Tunnel Tops, where native gardens, public art, gathering spaces, and rotating food trucks provide a fitting finale to this grand urban adventure. Dozen get better than this.

Tip: The Golden Gate Dozen Trail can be hiked or biked in either direction, but we recommend starting at Fort Funston and finishing at East Beach in Crissy Field. Muni makes it easy to return to your starting point. Dress in layers—coastal fog and wind are part of the experience—and check posted regulations if you're bringing your dog, as leash rules vary throughout the route.

Trailhead: Fort Funston parking lot on Fort Funston Road in San Francisco. Map. Dog-friendly!

Story and photos by Heather Werner, @heath.er.wer.ner