One of the best things about hiking in the Bay Area is that the Pacific Ocean is often within sight. What could be better than hiking up a mountain while feeling the ocean breeze and admiring the vast blue sea? On these hikes in the San Francisco Bay Area region, you’ll be varying distances away from the ocean, but you’re guaranteed that those waves will be in sight. So be sure to bring your camera on these stunning hikes we’ve rounded up for you.

Plank Walk Trail - Marin County

Mount Tamalpais / Photo by Hydrogen Iodide / CC BY-SA

Marin County and San Francisco residents love Mount Tamalpais for its gorgeous views and variety of trail offerings. In fact, no matter how in shape (or out of shape) you are, there’s a hike on Mount Tamalpais that will suit your stamina and activity level. But if ocean views are what you’re after, you’ll want to head to the Plank Walk Trail. This short hike is not very steep and will lead directly to the East Peak, which is the highest on Mount Tam. Pack a picnic and catch the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean from here, or turn the other way and admire the stunning views of San Francisco and the East Bay.

North Peak Loop Trail - Montara / Pacifica

View of Pacific from Montara Mountain / Shutterstock

The North Peak Loop Trail on Montara Mountain, sandwiched between Montara and Pacifica, is not for the faint of heart, as there are some challenging portions that offer quite a bit of steepness. But for those who are up for the challenge, this trail offers a great hiking destination all year round. The proximity of the ocean helps to regulate the temperature, so this hike won’t be too cold in the winter or too hot in the summer. Plus, you’ll get to pass by fields of wildflowers on your trek up the mountain. Bring along your bike if you’d rather travel on wheels than on foot, and keep your eyes peeled for oncoming horseback riders since this is a shared trail. And of course, don’t forget to snap photos of the beautiful Pacific Ocean from along the hike. 

Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail - Los Gatos / Boulder Creek

Skyline-to-the-Sea-Trail in Big Basin REdwoods State Park / Shutterstock

This challenging hike is 25.2 miles long, but if you have the stamina for it, you’ll be rewarded with stunning ocean views. Running from Skyline Boulevard to the Pacific Ocean, the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail sees hikers backpacking across it over the course of two or three days. Along the way, admire the towering redwood forests and enjoy views of the rolling hills in the Silicon Valley, knowing that the ocean is getting closer with every step. At the end, dip your feet into the cold, salty water at Waddell Beach. This trail winds through sections of Castle Rock State Park in Los Gatos and Big Basin Redwoods State Park in Boulder Creek. 

Sea Lion Point Trail - Carmel-by-the-Sea

Sea Lion Point Trail

The Point Lobos State Natural Reserve in Carmel-by-the-Sea offers several different trails featuring a variety of views. But for a unique hiking experience, you’ll want to head to Sea Lion Point Trail. On this hike, you’ll get glimpses of adorable sea lions sunbathing and frolicking in the water, and you’ll want to snap photos at all the vista points along the way. You can also explore the rest of the reserve and maybe even go snorkeling at China Cove or picnicking on the various rock formations in the park.

Coast Trail - Point Reyes Station

waterfall along coast in Point Reyes Station, CA

If you love the beach and want to be as close to the water as possible on your hike, head to Alamere Falls, part of the Point Reyes National Seashore in Point Reyes Station. Begin your journey at Palomarin Trailhead, which will lead you to the Coast Trail. From there, you’ll take the winding path down to the ocean, passing forests and flora along the way, then come right up to a towering, 40-foot waterfall. You’ll also pass Bass Lake, where you can take a dip to cool off. Remember to visit during low tide, as that will offer the best hiking experience.