Beautiful Hiking Trails with the Family - Lishumsha Trail in Pacifica

 

The Lishumsha Trail in Pacifica is easily one of my favorite trails in the Bay Area for its spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.  We brought our binoculars in the hopes of finding whales, but sadly we didn't see any that day.   The hike to the top is about a mile.  

I highly recommend coming here early at around 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. since you have a combo of hikers and beachgoers looking for parking.  We parked in a residential area and it was about a five to ten minute walk to the trail.    

Easy Hiking Trails for Kids - Water Dog Lake Park and Open Space in Belmont

Water Dog Lake Park is located in 2400 Lyall Way in Belmont and when you walk this trail you'll see a lot of homes nearby.  In fact, you'll see trails leading to private backyards that are fenced from the public.  We didn't do the loop since since there's only so much walking our youngest can handle, but it was nice to escape to Belmont for warmer weather.  

 

Hiking Trails with Kids - Cascade Falls in Mill Valley

 

Cascade Falls is located in Mill Valley, California.  To get to the trail we parked in a residential area on Cascade Drive, although you can also start from downtown.  Parking is very limited - there was about a handful of parking spots.  We ended up parking in a small turnout down the road that could fit two cars.  

Some parts of the trail are slippery and steep but the kids made it out okay with some assistance from my husband and I.  The hike to the falls is about a quarter of a mile from the entrance.   

Fun Places for Families - Fisherman's Wharf / Pier 39

There's so much to see at Pier 39 but the main draw for my kids are the sea lions and getting ice cream.  My daughter even brought her binoculars that she made from the free children's workshop at Home Depot (sadly, I don't think they currently have them due to the pandemic).  Whenever we come here, we usually just find street parking and walk about two or three blocks onto the pier.  

The scene here is so fun and vibrant and reminds me of my childhood in Virginia Beach where we would hang out at the pier during the summer.        

My son loved this miniature robot at one of the shops

 

Easy hiking trails for kids in San Francisco - Mount Davidson

I find that the trails at Mount Davidson are easy for kids, except in rare occassions after a major rain shower where the ground is very wet and muddy.  The hike is less than a mile and there are steps near the entrance of the trail on Myra Way.  You'll see a 36 Muni Bus Stop just outside the heavily wooded area.  The cross represents a memorial to the Armenian Genocide from 1915 - 1923.  Whenever we approach the cross, there's a hushed silence among the children that can't be explained, they know it represents something significant and profound.     

 

Family Fun in San Francisco - Crissy Field

 

I took my kids to Crissy Field early on a weekday morning and I usually find parking to be easy.  There aren't many people other than a few dog walkers and fishermen on the pier.  This is one of the few parks where you get an up close and personal view of the Golden Gate Bridge - it's such an idyllic spot with the sailboats floating in the distance and you've also got the City in the backdrop.

Fun Places for Families in San Francisco - Ocean Beach

 

Ocean Beach is such a nice reprieve when there's a heat wave.  I feel like it's never too unbearably hot compared to Santa Cruz, although the sand can be scorching hot on the feet.  We don't come here too often, but when we do, it's usually as a last resort like when we can't think of any places to take the kids and they're bored.  

I don't know any child who dislikes the beach.  All it takes are a wagon full of sand toys to keep the kids busy and I can sneak in a quick nap in our tent.  

Parking is easy.  If the lot is full we've always been successful in finding parking in the residential neighbors, but if it's a holiday we end up circling around the neighborhood a little while longer.  

A word of warning, this beach is typically cold and windy.  If you're not familiar with San Francisco weather, our "summer" months are September and October.  It could be 75 degrees in the South Bay, but in Ocean Beach it could easily be 15 degrees cooler.