What to do and see in San Francisco, California (CA): The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas

August 10, 2021 Vergie Nakamoto

Every neighborhood in San Francisco has its own personality, from the hippie chic of the Upper Haight to the hipster grit of the Mission. The Marina district boasts trendy bistros and postcard-perfect views of the Golden Gate Bridge, while Noe Valley offers quaint and quiet boutiques. Wave hello to the sea lions at Pier 39, and sample local cheese and charcuterie at the Ferry Building. Sit in on a yoga session in Dolores Park or marvel at the Dutch Windmill across from Ocean Beach.
Restaurants in San Francisco

1. San Francisco Botanical Garden

1199 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122-2370 +1 415-661-1316 [email protected] http://www.sfbg.org/
Excellent
62%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 992 reviews

San Francisco Botanical Garden

Welcome to San Francisco Botanical Garden, one of the most diverse gardens in the world. The Botanical Garden is a living museum within Golden Gate Park, offering 55 acres of both landscaped gardens and open spaces, showcasing over 8,500 different kinds of plants from around the world.

Reviewed By TV2451

These gardens are truly special and worth a couple of hours to explore as they are full of unusual plants and flowers. Come on a sunny day.

2. Bay Area Ridge Trail

San Francisco, CA +1 415-391-9300 http://ridgetrail.org/
Excellent
60%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5 reviews

Bay Area Ridge Trail

A 400-mile long trail running through the mountains surrounding San Francisco and San Pablo Bays.

3. Don Edwards San Francisco Bay Wildlife Refuge

1 Marshlands Rd, San Francisco, CA 94555-3617 +1 408-262-5513 http://www.fws.gov/refuge/don_edwards_san_francisco_bay/
Excellent
47%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 19 reviews

Don Edwards San Francisco Bay Wildlife Refuge

Ducks, grebes, geese and loons, sandpipers, plovers and terns - you're sure to catch sight of at least one of the 80 species of waterfowl that feed and frolic in this refuge.

Reviewed By Jane200838 - Union City, United States

Don Edwards is my weekly go to hiking place as it is close to my house and very beautiful place. There are a lot of wildlife and I specially like the sunset walk, it is always so beautiful. You can also walk across the bridge to go to Coyote Hill for a longer hike with beautiful bay views. Highly recommend this place for everyone.

4. Conservatory of Flowers

John F. Kennedy Drive Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118 +1 415-831-2090 [email protected] http://www.conservatoryofflowers.org/
Excellent
53%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 495 reviews

Conservatory of Flowers

The oldest existing building in Golden Gate Park, this Victorian-era greenhouse showcases a wide variety of tropical and seasonal flowers.

Reviewed By Pattpro - Virginia, United States

This Victorian style greenhouse in the Golden Gate Park should not be missed. Beautiful orchids and carnivorous plants.

5. Fort Funston

Off Skyline Blvd., San Francisco, CA +1 415-239-2366 http://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/fortfunston.htm
Excellent
69%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 157 reviews

Fort Funston

Scenic section of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is a favorite for hikers, bikers and beach-goers.

Reviewed By IMELITA - Jakarta, Indonesia

Great experience for me having adventure to the cool beach and cliff where people bring their dogs there without laces. It’s like an heaven to be in there enjoying natural view and playing with dogs

6. Sea Lion Center

The Embarcadero at Beach Street c/o Aquarium of the Bay, San Francisco, CA 94133 +1 415-262-4734 http://www.sealioncenter.org/
Excellent
63%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 455 reviews

Sea Lion Center

Operated and managed by Aquarium of the Bay, the Sea Lion Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that offers free interpretive programs to complement one of San Francisco's most popular attractions. More than six million annual visitors will have the opportunity to learn all about California sea lions and their history at PIER 39, as well as what everyone can do to help these charismatic mammals survive in their threatened habitat. The Sea Lion Center includes a classroom and exhibit space located directly above the sea lions' regular hangout on PIER 39's K-Dock. Hours of operation: Sunday through Thursday 10am–4pm Friday, Saturday 10am–5pm Please check website for early closure notifications.

Reviewed By Paradice06 - Seattle, United States

Sea lions are so cute! My wife and I spent over 30 minutes taking photos and videos of these beautiful creatures. They are a must see when in the bay area.

7. Strawberry Hill

Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118 http://goldengatepark.com/strawberry-hill.html
Excellent
82%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11 reviews

Strawberry Hill

Reviewed By Jenny_from_PA - Gettysburg, United States

This is the literal high point within Golden Gate park and it is well worth it for the views. It seems to be somewhat of a hidden gem as there were very few people on top during a gorgeous day.

8. Bison Paddock

1237 John F Kennedy Drive, San Francisco, CA 94121 +1 415-831-6818 http://sfrecpark.org/destination/golden-gate-park/the-bison-paddock/
Excellent
9%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
27%
Poor
27%
Terrible
10%
Overall Ratings

3.0 based on 11 reviews

Bison Paddock

9. Heron's Head Park

Jennings Street Cargo Way, San Francisco, CA 94124 +1 415-839-4963 http://sfport.com/herons-head-park
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

10. Rocky Outcrop Park

14th Avenue and Ortega St, San Francisco, CA 94122
Excellent
50%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
50%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 2 reviews

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