San Francisco City Parks for Sunsets

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO

San Francisco City Parks for Sunsets

If you're looking for a great spot in San Francisco to lay down a blanket and unpack your best snacks, we've got you covered.

Dolores Park

While on the weekends this park can be a bit crowded, it is for a good reason. Dolores Park is one of the sunniest parks in San Francisco and offers 15 acres of sprawling grassy lawn and impressive views of downtown. The area is 100% dog friendly, so pack a sandwich, bring your dog, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon here.

Conservatory of Flowers

While Golden Gate Park is home to many nice picnic spots, one of the best is on the lawn just outside of the Conservancy of Flowers. This lush grassy area is the perfect escape from city life. After your picnic, the Conservancy of Flowers is definitely worth checking out to see a vast collection of rare trees and flowers from around the world.

West Bluff Picnic Area

This classic San Francisco spot does not disappoint. While the skyline may be filled with fog in the morning, many afternoons the sun comes out revealing sweeping views of the Golden Gate bridge and Marin County.

Ocean Beach

Looking for somewhere to go during a sunset? This 3.5 mile stretch of white sand is perfect to bring some food and take in the views. Bonfires are allowed from 6am to 9pm from March 1 through October 31, so don't forget fire wood and s'mores if a beach bonfire is up your alley. This spot can get chilly, so make sure to bring a few extra blankets on a cloudy day!

Yerba Buena Park

Bring your picnic to the middle of the city at Yerba Buena Garden, where you will be surrounded by some of San Francisc s tallest skyscrapers. This is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city without having to go far.

Stow Lake

If you are with a larger group, Stow Lake is a great option as there are eight picnic tables and two BBQ pits that can be reserved to make your picnicking setup even easier. Enjoy your lunch while watching the ducks and turtles swim through the water and once you are done, take a short hike up Strawberry Hill or rent a paddle boat to paddle around the lake.

Billy Goat Hill

You are sure to work up an appetite getting to this spot, but the views are definitely worth it. Once you've made it up there, you will have 360 degree views of nearly all of northern San Francisco.

Alamo Square Park

This large grassy area sits right in front of the Painted Ladies, serving as a destination to see these iconic San Francisco buildings as well as enjoying a sunny afternoon picnic. After your picnic, Alamo Square has a variety of other things to do including a tennis court, walking trails, and a playground.

Lands End

Located at the western edge of the city, Land's End offers stunning views of the coastline as well as areas to explore. You can grab a bite to eat from the Land's End Lookout Visitor's Center and bring it to one of the concrete ledges overlooking the Sutro Baths and Pacific Ocean. Save some time to explore the Lan s End trail and Sutro Baths for unique views of the San Francisco coastline.

Palace of Fine Arts

This popular picnic spot is right on the edge of the Presidio and is home to one of the most iconic landmarks of San Francisco. Bring a blanket to lay out on the grass and take in the impressive views of the famously-designed architecture. If you stay until dark, you can watch the palace light up, illuminating the arches and walls of the buildings.

SF Parks Alliance

@sfparksalliance

Location:
San Francisco, CA

Take this with you.

Download the portable version!
Explore Other Top 10's
{% assign product = active_story.product %} {% assign prev_product = prev_story.product %} {% assign next_product = next_story.product %}
{% if prev_product %}
{% endif %} {% if next_product %}
{% endif %}
{% for image in product.images %}
{% if forloop.index == 2 %} {% for project in projects %} {% if product.tags contains project.tag %}
{{ project.description }}
{% break %} {% endif %} {% endfor %} {% endif %} {% endfor %}
{{ product.body_html }}

{{ product.title }}