When the pandemic hit the United States in early 2020, I did not step out of my apartment in San Francisco for about 3 months, other than to go on daily walks. After the three months, I began to slowly rediscover this city. What I realized was that San Francisco might very well be one of the best cities to quarantine in! Below are my favorite top 14 things to do while social distancing in San Francisco.

Mount Tamalpais

Getting to Mount Tamalpais in Marin County is half the adventure. If you’re coming from the South Bay or Financial District, you will cross Golden Gate Bridge to go to Mount Tam (as it’s fondly referred to). The roads up to Mount Tam are quite windy, so drive slow and resist the urge to let that sports car of yours rip through the curves. It takes approximately an hour from Financial District up to this point in the photos below. It’s one of my favorite things to do while social distancing in San Francisco.

What to wear:

Bring layers as it can get very windy and cold very fast once the temperature drops. A picnic basket laden with your goodies and a picnic blanket are all you need for company. If you have a bike like the couple in this pic below, then even better! Otherwise grab your car like I did and make your way up to any of the little hills. Park in the lots provided on the side of the road, and hike up to the top of the hill to witness the sunset, while social distancing safely in San Francisco.

Pro Tip: Sunset is my preferred time here as you are in for a treat. The colors can be other worldly and when there is a cloud inversion, you feel like you’re on top of the world. Can you spot the tiny people on the hill?!

Andy Goldsworthy’s Wood Line

You may not know this but Andy Goldsworthy is a world renowned artist. His Wood Line is an exhibit in the Presidio inside Lover’s Lane. “Wood Line invites you to contemplate where the life of a tree begins…the fertile earth”, according to the Presidio.

What is the Wood Line?

Back in the 1800’s, the Army planted eucalyptus with rows of Monterey cypress interspersed, part of its program to create a green canopy all around the Presidio. Conditions did not favor the cypress and they died out, leaving open gaps. Wood Line fills one of these gaps with a sculpture, made up of eucalyptus branches, that is more than 1,200 feet in length. Wood Line can be visited individually or part of a 3 mile hiking loop.

Pro Tip: I prefer sunrise as it is quieter and I love the morning light that shines through the trees. This is one of my top things to do while social distancing in San Francisco.

Slacker Hill

I love going to Slacker Hill as it involves a one mile out and back steep trail. Once you get to the top, spread out your picnic blanket, and hopefully you have some wine and cheese to toast to the awesome view in front of you. Social distancing in this part of San Francisco is easy as there is plenty of space on this hill. Parking is right across from the trail in a small parking lot.

Pro Tip: It can get really windy, so bring layers and a headlamp to hike back down after dark. My favorite time to visit is a few hours before sunset.

Hawk Hill

Hawk Hill involves another short hike up to the top and you get almost the same view as you do from Slacker Hill, albeit from a different angle. There are also tons of trails around this area for you to explore. Social distancing here is a breeze.

Pro Tip: If the gate for Hawk Hill is closed, park at the parking lot nearest the gate and walk around the gate uphill for about 10-15 minutes until you see a parking lot on the left. There’s a bench here and some space to hang out and watch the views. Otherwise if the gate is open, drive through and park in the same first parking lot to the left. If that is full, there is another parking lot further up.

Marshall’s Beach

Marshall’s Beach might very well be one of my favorite beaches to visit in San Francisco. It involves a hike, and is quite secluded once you get down to the beach. If you are are starting on the Batteries to Bluff trail there’s a detour branching off the main trail that goes down to Marshall’s Beach.

Where to park:

You could also park at the Golden Gate Overlook parking lot and hike down using the trail behind the lot. It’s pretty easy and you’ll be hiking down on an actual trail for about 20-30 minutes. Coming back up IS steep but safe. Carry a headlamp if you’re going to be staying for sunset.

Pro Tip: Beware of the tide and leave before you get caught in the high tide. Check the high tide forecast before this excursion. This is one of my favorite things to do while social distancing in San Francisco.

Treasure Island

If you get on the Oakland Bay Bridge, the first exit to your left will be Treasure Island. I like this spot because you get a fantastic view of San Francisco downtown, the Bay Bridge, AND the Golden Gate Bridge. To walk to this point in the photo below, start out walking in the direction of the bridge. Cross the street and walk on the sidewalk that hugs the mountain for about 10 minutes, then safely cross over to the other side once you see some wires. Keep walking till the bridge is directly in front of you.

Pro Tip: Come at sunset, bring that picnic, and get ready for a show! Beware of your belongings and go with a companion.

Golden Gate Overlook

I love this spot to social distance in San Francisco, because first of all there’s plenty of space to wander about and second of all, the view is not too shabby either. Parking is also hassle free. Just nav to the Golden Gate Overlook and park in the parking lot nearby.

Pro Tip: Bring layers. You can visit either during sunrise or sunset as both are magical. This shot below was taken during sunrise.

Hidden Garden Steps

The Hidden Garden Steps are a delight to explore! There are two sections to these steps, the upper and lower section. Make sure you walk up and down both sections. The colorful mosaic tiles on these steps are absolutely breathtaking. Plan a workout here or simply stroll through and enjoy the art.

Pro Trip: Come early morning to avoid the crowds, making it easier to social distance safely in San Francisco!

Twin Peaks

Social distancing in San Francisco in a place like Twin Peaks is effortless because of how vast this place is. Whether you choose to hang out at the bottom of the peak or choose to walk all the way to the top, keeping a distance is not hard. And… the views of San Francisco are pretty easy on the eyes.

Pro Tip: It can get super windy so make sure to bring layers and a flask with some hot chocolate.

16th Avenue Tiled Steps

Within walking distance of the Hidden Garden Steps, the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps is a neighborhood collaboration to create a sea to stars themed mosaic flowing up a 163 step stairway located in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Heights Neighborhood. 

Pro Tip: Try to visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

Palace of Fine Arts

Evenings in the Palace of Fine Arts may be crowded, especially when the weather is great. Located in the Marina District of San Francisco, the Palace is surrounded by a small neighborhood park that has plenty of grassy areas to picnic on. You’ll be facing a lagoon populated with fish, birds and turtles. 

Pro Tip: Sunsets are the best time to visit so you can view the changing colors in the sky.

Land’s End

Another one of my favorite things to do while social distancing in San Francisco is hiking around the Land’s End trail early morning. Actually, the possibilities here are just endless. You get to choose between exploring a hiking trail on one side and hanging out at Ocean’s Beach on the other. Golden Gate Bridge is the star of this hike if Karl the fog cooperates 🙂

Pro Tip: On the Land’s End trail don’t forget to hike down the steps to the small secluded cove as well as the maze. You can even access the ruins of the Sutro Baths before you begin the 3.4 mi hike. Afterward bring a picnic and a blanket to relax at the beach, which can often be cold.

Tank Hill

San Francisco is a city with many hills! Tank Hill and Twin Peaks are just a few examples. The views are epic and perfect during sunset. There’s even a bench here for your viewing pleasure 🙂

Pro Tip: It can get really really windy so dress appropriately

Rodeo Beach

Last but not least, social distancing in San Francisco must include a drive out to Rodeo Beach. A wide, long beach, Rodeo beach is perfect for a picnic. Sunset can be absolutely magical with dramatic skies. There’s plenty parking in the parking lot right next to the beach.

Pro Tip: Watch out for coyotes and dress in layers.

Do you have any other spots that have been YOUR favorite in your hometown during quarantine? Please share in the comments below! Thank you and I hope you’ve enjoyed this blog post.