San Francisco is chock-full of some of the country’s most dramatic and unforgettable hikes and vista points. This hidden destination in San Francisco is not crawling with tourists; instead, it’s one of the city’s most serene spots. At 938 feet, Mount Davidson is home to the tallest peak in San Francisco, making it an ideal spot to catch some incredible views of the city and beyond. The hike to the summit of Mount Davidson is roughly 1.5 miles roundtrip—and it’s well worth the climb!
Central Location
Torbakhopper/Flickr Mt. Davidson was originally named Blue Mountain. In 1911, the mountain was renamed after George Davidson, the geographer who surveyed it. Mount Davidson is near the geographic center of the city.
Getting to Mount Davidson
Amy V/Yelp This hidden spot is south of Twin Peaks and Portola Drive and to the west of Diamond Heights and Glen Park. Don’t trust your GPS app, Mount Davidson is cumbersome to find. But, there are many streets that reach the park.
The hike to Mount Davidson
Daniel Ramirez/Flickr The trail loop is barely 1.5 miles, and the hike features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels.
Admire the views
Thomas Hawk/Flickr Admire the lush green and foliage while ascending to the peak, and check out the rows of tiny little houses too.
Brave the fog
Orin Zebest/Flickr Once you’ve gained elevation, you’ll be able to sit if you want or walk around and enjoy unique views of San Francisco. Admire the city views of Fog City.
Sit and chill at the top of the city!
Eddie H/Yelp Mount Davidson is one of San Francisco’s 44 hills and one of its original “Seven Hills”. Once you’ve reached the 928 foot summit then kick back. But, there is still more to see if you’re curious …
Unique Landmarks
Elaine Y/Yelp Walk around and take in the surroundings and surprising cross atop the summit. The film Dirty Harry features this cross in a scene with Clint Eastwood. Today, it is a memorial and a recognizable feature of Mount Davidson.
Enjoy the vegetation
Nancy Sims/Flickr When you walk back down, check out the mountain’s eucalyptus forest on the west and coastal scrub and grassland on the east.
Do you know of any other hidden gems in San Francisco? Share your suggestions, and check out another nearby and overlooked gem: Mount Sutro Hike.
Torbakhopper/Flickr
Mt. Davidson was originally named Blue Mountain. In 1911, the mountain was renamed after George Davidson, the geographer who surveyed it. Mount Davidson is near the geographic center of the city.
Amy V/Yelp
This hidden spot is south of Twin Peaks and Portola Drive and to the west of Diamond Heights and Glen Park. Don’t trust your GPS app, Mount Davidson is cumbersome to find. But, there are many streets that reach the park.
Daniel Ramirez/Flickr
The trail loop is barely 1.5 miles, and the hike features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels.
Thomas Hawk/Flickr
Admire the lush green and foliage while ascending to the peak, and check out the rows of tiny little houses too.
Orin Zebest/Flickr
Once you’ve gained elevation, you’ll be able to sit if you want or walk around and enjoy unique views of San Francisco. Admire the city views of Fog City.
Eddie H/Yelp
Mount Davidson is one of San Francisco’s 44 hills and one of its original “Seven Hills”. Once you’ve reached the 928 foot summit then kick back. But, there is still more to see if you’re curious …
Elaine Y/Yelp
Walk around and take in the surroundings and surprising cross atop the summit. The film Dirty Harry features this cross in a scene with Clint Eastwood. Today, it is a memorial and a recognizable feature of Mount Davidson.
Nancy Sims/Flickr
When you walk back down, check out the mountain’s eucalyptus forest on the west and coastal scrub and grassland on the east.
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