Bernal Desire

Sunset Hike at Bernal Heights Park in San Francisco

09.09.2020
A group of friends hangs out at the top of Bernal Heights Park in San Francisco, looking out at the sunset

It's one of the best views in San Francisco. Bernal Heights Park is an underrated hilltop park that beams at sunset.

Scenes from the summit are sweeping panoramas of downtown San Francisco with both the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge on display (albeit just the top of the Golden Gate Bridge towers pop into view). And San Francisco’s most underrated (best?) landmark—Sutro Tower—looks just dashing during the magic hour.

Bernal Height Park San Francisco sunset

You can wend your way up to the top of Bernal Heights Park on a variety of dirt paths from all sides. Or if you prefer a paved path, you can walk up a road (closed to traffic) on the southern side of the park. Here you’ll also find a stone labyrinth, just to add a few more twists to 2020 (did we say that?). With red-tailed hawks swooping overhead, it’s hard to believe that this island of nature in the middle of the city used to be a rock quarry.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: In the episode "Post-apocalyptic Pandemic Edition" Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss their sunset visit to Bernal Heights Park and why it's the best park in the city for magic hour.

BONUS: See if you can find the “painted rock.” The art theme on this rock right now is Black Trans Lives Matter.

Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Three Cheers

    Good things come in threes when you visit Sonoma. Head out on a short hike right from town, sip and stroll the historic plaza, then take in the magical holiday lights.

    View

  2. Island Tree Topper

    The light display atop Angel Island State Park’s Mount Livermore has long been a cheerful twinkle visible from many cities throughout the Bay Area on holiday season nights. Get into the festive spirit by hiking the 2-mile (one-way) trail from Ayala Cove up to the "Angel Lights."

    View

  3. Go, Tell It on the Mountain

    {NOTE: Due to atmospheric rivers that can come this time of year, always be sure to check ahead for trail closures and hazards. And of course, wait for better weather and drier con

    View

  4. Serene Las Gallinas

    A serene stroll alongside marshland, passing ponds and grasses frilled in seasonal wildflowers, with Mount Tam a beacon in the background … how nice. As part of the esteemed Bay Trail, San Rafael’s Las Gallinas Valley Birding Loop and Wildlife Ponds comprises about 3.5 miles of wide-open trail.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

    View

  2. Dune It Right

    Want a beach that will really get you away from it all? Monterey's Fort Ord Dunes State Park is just the ticket. And it often glows golden toward sunset.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Redding Lights and Silent Nights

    Give your holiday events calendar a major glow up this winter in California’s sunniest city. Redding is a revelation: Surrounded by iconic scenery like Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

    View
  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View