Best of 26 Kid-friendly bike trails in San Francisco
Discover the joys of family-friendly cycling with kid-friendly bike trails in San Francisco. Ideal for a memorable and safe biking adventure, these scenic routes offer a perfect blend of fun, exercise, and sightseeing. Navigate gentle terrains and enjoy beautiful parks, playgrounds, and stunning views of the city and the bay. Create lasting memories together as you explore San Francisco's kid-friendly bike trails.
- 1. Lower Great Highway Trail
- 2. Glen Canyon Park
- 3. Mt. Davidson
- 4. Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve
- 5. John McLaren Park
- 6. Coastal Trail
- 7. McLaren Bike Park
- 8. Grandview Park
- 9. Batteries to Bluffs Trail
- 10. Sand Ladder at Baker Beach
- 11. Corona Heights Park
- 12. Lovers’ Lane at the Presidio
- 13. Ecology Trail
- 14. Edgewood Trail
- 15. Mount Davidson Hiking Path Entrance
- 16. Historic Trail Trailhead
- 17. West Coyote Trail
- 18. Mount Davidson Paved Path
- 19. Mission Creek Park
- 20. Presidio Promenade Trail
- 21. John Muir Nature Trail
- 22. Glen Canyon Main Trail End
- 23. Glen Park Greenway
- 24. Glen Canyon Turquoise Way Trailhead
- 25. Laguna Honda Community Trail System
- 26. Bay Bridge Trail
1. Lower Great Highway Trail
Whale watching during migration season

The Lower Great Highway Trail is a 2-mile long green, singletrack trail situated in San Francisco, California. Popular among locals and tourists, this multi-use trail can be used in both directions and takes an average of 9 minutes to complete.
2. Glen Canyon Park
Recreational activities on Colorado River

This destination is perfect for families with young children, offering safe and easy biking trails that wind through picturesque landscapes. The routes are ideal for families looking for a relaxing and enjoyable outdoor activity.
The family-friendly trails take you through vibrant carpets of green, past rocky areas popular with climbers, and next to the winding Islais Creek. Along the way, you'll also see beautiful wildflowers that add a splash of color to the scenery. It's a great way to enjoy nature with your loved ones.
3. Mt. Davidson
Highest natural point in San Francisco

Mount Davidson Park features a 0.9-mile loop trail that is moderately challenging yet suitable for families. This trail is popular for running, walking, and bike rides, making it an excellent choice for families with children who enjoy outdoor activities. The park provides a pleasant hiking experience with spectacular views in nearly every direction.
Ideal for families, Mount Davidson Park is a great spot for kids who love biking and exploring nature. The 0.9-mile loop trail is moderately challenging, providing a fun experience for families who enjoy staying active together. With its beautiful views and various activities, this park is a perfect destination for families looking to spend time outdoors.
4. Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve
Off-leash dog area

Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve is a great location to reconnect with nature, offering a 2+ mile loop that is easy and quick. This trail is also popular among mountain bikers, so it's important to stay aware to prevent any accidents. The reserve has various trails that cater to different abilities, making it a suitable spot for family-friendly biking.
Mountain bikers often use the trails at Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve, making it important for visitors to be vigilant and avoid collisions. The reserve boasts an array of trails suitable for varying skill levels, making it an excellent location for families to enjoy biking together.
5. John McLaren Park
Large off-leash dog area

The McLaren Park in San Francisco, California, offers a 1.2-mile loop trail that features paths, fields, a Jerry Garcia amphitheater, ponds, a new kids' playground, BBQ sites, and tennis courts. The trail is considered a moderately challenging route, taking an average of 28 minutes to complete. It is an ideal location for hiking, running, and walking, and it is not usually crowded, allowing visitors to enjoy some peace and quiet while exploring.
Visitors can expect to encounter various natural landscapes along the trail, including lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and serene ponds. The Jerry Garcia amphitheater, located within the park, is a must-visit attraction for music lovers. The new kids' playground nearby provides a fun and safe space for families to enjoy. Additionally, there are several BBQ sites and tennis courts available for use, making the park a great location for outdoor activities and gatherings. Overall, McLaren Park's loop trail offers a unique and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
6. Coastal Trail
connects many of SF's parks and open spaces

The bike trail offers a beautiful 10-mile round trip along the coast, open with easy parking in the early morning. The trail features stunning views, including beachfront shores, coastal bluffs, and giant cypress trees. Bridges extend over creeks and riparian habitats, and in the spring, the path is surrounded by vibrant wildflowers.
The trail is also great for walking and running, with benches located at vista points for resting. It is kid-friendly, but it is recommended to bring a light jacket as it can get windy and cloudy. The trail skirts along the beachfront, providing breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature.
7. McLaren Bike Park
Only public pumptrack in San Francisco

San Francisco is now home to a family-friendly bike park, a first for the city, which has been providing service to the Bay Area and beyond since its opening in 2017. The park, spanning half an acre, offers features for riders of all skill levels, from beginners to challenge-seekers.
8. Grandview Park
Featuring the Grandview Park Labyrinth

Russ Young, in an article on December 5, 2023, discussed his favorite workout that he doesn't do often enough. On the other hand, Kaily Martin, on May 3, 2023, shared her experience of a beautiful and enjoyable workout involving stairs that led to Grandview Point.
Both Young and Martin described a workout that involves stairs and the beauty of the surrounding area. Young mentioned his favorite workout, which he doesn't do often enough, while Martin stumbled upon her workout and found it to be a happy accident. The stairs are a common element between the two workouts, with Martin noting their loveliness and the fact that they led to Grandview Point.
9. Batteries to Bluffs Trail
Access to Marshall’s Beach

Hiking to Marshall's Beach involves traversing a number of trails and steps. The beach offers a great photo opportunity, with its unpaved parking lot making it easy to access.
The hike is in excellent condition, providing hikers with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and surrounding nature. Participants of an Eventbrite event enjoyed this beginner-friendly hike, forming new friendships and taking in the breathtaking views.
10. Sand Ladder at Baker Beach
Unique sand ladder along the cliff

The Sand Ladder at Baker Beach is an ideal location for families with children. Its kid-friendly trails offer amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge, making it a perfect spot for a family day out. In addition to the trails, Baker Beach has several amenities that are convenient for families, including accessible restrooms, picnic tables, and bike parking.
Visitors to Baker Beach can enjoy the beautiful coastal views from the nearby trails, which are suitable for kids. The Sand Ladder is a popular attraction at the beach, and the area's family-friendly amenities make it a great destination for a fun-filled day. Overall, Baker Beach is an excellent choice for families looking for a beautiful and accessible outdoor destination.
11. Corona Heights Park
Historic fire trail and Corona Heights native plant garden

Corona Heights Park is a great destination for families, offering easy-to-navigate bike trails with stunning views of the city. This park is a must-visit for anyone looking to spend a day out with their children, as the trails provide a fun and engaging experience for riders of all ages.
12. Lovers’ Lane at the Presidio
Historic military site turned park

Lovers' Lane in the Presidio is a fantastic location for families to spend time together, offering a kid-friendly biking experience. The trail is easy to navigate, making it suitable for a leisurely bike ride with children.
During our visit, we took our kids biking on Lovers' Lane, and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The path is primarily paved, ensuring a safe and secure environment for children to bike and explore.
13. Ecology Trail
Dog-friendly trail with accessible sections

The Presidio Ecology Trail is a short yet diverse pathway that connects Arguello Gate and the Main Post of the Presidio. The trail offers a detour to Inspiration Point, where hikers can enjoy stunning views of the Bay and Alcatraz. Despite its urban location, the trail boasts several distinct habitats, including serpentine grasslands and groves of redwoods, eucalyptus, Monterey pine, Monterey cypress, and oak trees.
As a city dweller who still craves the beauty of nature, I find the Ecology Trail to be an ideal spot. Situated in the heart of the city and easily accessible by public transportation, the trail offers a quick escape from urban life. Once on the trail, it feels as if you've been transported to a remote woodland area, surrounded by both non-native and native flora. The park is committed to restoring the land and promoting the growth of native plants, fostering a thriving ecosystem for birds and insects to flourish.
14. Edgewood Trail

15. Mount Davidson Hiking Path Entrance
Highest point in San Francisco

The Juanita Trail, located on the west side of Mt. Davidson, is a 3500-feet (1,067 m) hike to the top. The trailhead can be found at 298 Juanita Way, marked by a set of old stone steps. The trail winds through enjoyable wooded areas, making for a pleasant neighborhood stroll with some added adventure.
Despite the recent rain, the trail was in good shape, with only a few damp and muddy spots. The hike is easy and not as crowded as some, providing a serene environment to enjoy. The city views from the top are stunning, making the journey worthwhile.
16. Historic Trail Trailhead

17. West Coyote Trail
18. Mount Davidson Paved Path

19. Mission Creek Park
Historic location along Mission Creek

Mission Creek Park and the great clean dog park are two delightful spaces in San Francisco. The dog park, recently redesigned, now boasts an expansive grassy area, providing ample room for dogs to run and play. This improvement has made the park even more inviting for families and children, creating a more inclusive environment for all to enjoy.
On the other hand, Mission Creek Park, following a waterway, offers a scenic and tranquil setting for a leisurely family bike ride. Lined with trees, this small park exudes a soothing atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for quality family time. Both parks provide unique experiences while sharing the common trait of being pleasant and family-friendly spaces.
20. Presidio Promenade Trail

21. John Muir Nature Trail

22. Glen Canyon Main Trail End

23. Glen Park Greenway

24. Glen Canyon Turquoise Way Trailhead

25. Laguna Honda Community Trail System

26. Bay Bridge Trail
