By Cove Johnson Rabidoux
To skip the crowds, tourists should opt for lesser-known parks that offer skyline views and peaceful walking trails.
San Francisco’s Alamo Square Park. Nicola Vidali. Pexels.
Golden Gate Park is 20% larger than New York's Central Park. Alamo Square Park is home to the city's iconic Painted Ladies. But with more than 200 public parks, San Francisco offers far more than its most recognizable green spaces. From sites along the bay to hilltop trails with panoramic views, the city is full of lesser-known parks waiting to be explored. Here are five underrated San Francisco parks worth adding to your itinerary.
Alta Plaza Park
Tucked away in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights neighborhood, Alta Plaza Park boasts skyline views without the crowds. The park's terraced layout, tree-lined walking paths and open lawns make it a peaceful alternative to more crowded sites. Surrounded by elegant Victorian homes, Alta Plaza is perfect for walking dogs or enjoying a quiet afternoon in the sun. Whether you're looking for a scenic picnic spot or simply want to take in views of the city, Alta Plaza is well worth the trip to Pacific Heights.
Alta Plaza Park in San Francisco. Josh Hild. Pexels.
Bernal Heights Park
Despite being a favorite among residents, Bernal Heights Park is often overlooked by visitors. Yet travelers won't find views quite like these anywhere else in the city. A short hike to the summit rewards visitors with 360-degree panoramas of the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, the downtown skyline and the rolling East Bay hills. Unlike many of San Francisco's busier parks, Bernal Heights is remarkably soothing. Native grasslands cover the hillside, and hawks often soar overhead. Bernal Heights Park is a memorable visit; just remember comfortable walking shoes!
Presidio Tunnel Tops
Presidio Tunnel Tops is ideal for families, especially those with young kids. Newly opened in 2022, this park is fresh and unique with wooden play structures inspired by nature. It features picturesque views of the Golden Gate Bridge and is the perfect gateway to the rest of the Presidio’s offerings.
San Francisco’s Presidio Tunnel Tops. Don Barrett. CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.
Duboce Park
While on the smaller side, Duboce Park features expansive green lawns, a children's playground and one of San Francisco's most popular dog play areas. Located in a quiet residential neighborhood, it's an ideal place for a fun afternoon outdoors. With plenty of cafés nearby, many visitors grab a coffee before settling onto a bench to enjoy the park's laid-back atmosphere. Plus, its location next to the Duboce Park Muni Station makes it convenient for visitors to continue exploring other neighborhoods throughout the city.
Sutro Heights Park
Sutro Heights Park combines coastal scenery with fascinating history. Perched above Ocean Beach, this park offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged coastline below. Walking trails wind through the park's landscaped grounds, making this a peaceful, scenic trip. Situated next to nearby attractions, such as Lands End, Sutro Baths and the former Cliff House site, Sutro Heights is the ideal starting point for a daylong adventure.
Sutro Baths, west of Sutro Heights Park in San Francisco. Thiago Santos. Unsplash.
While Golden Gate Park and Alamo Square Park deserve their popularity, they're only a small part of San Francisco's public park system. Whether you're looking for sweeping bay views or peaceful gardens, these five underrated parks offer a different perspective on San Francisco. They are just as memorable, but often far less crowded.
Cove Johnson Rabidoux
Cove is an English student at the University of California, Los Angeles. Her writing can be found in the Daily Bruin, The Teen Magazine, Piece of Cake Magazine, and other publications. In her free time, she enjoys reading and traveling.