5 Must-Do Trail to Tavern Hikes in the San Francisco Bay Area

The Bay Area is home to some of the best food, drink, and adventure on the West Coast and while it'd be hard not to find a great trail to tavern combo on your adventure in the Bay, we've made it easy on you. These are some of the best places to play and refuel across the whole area. Explore the coast, get lost in the redwoods, discover the best views of the city skyline, then treat yourself to a cold drink and a delicious meal. If you're still not convinced, keep reading...we're pretty sure these pairings will do the trick.

San Francisco

1. Catch a Sunset at Grand View Park (Turtle Hill)

Photo: Josiah Roe

This is hands down one of the best views of San Francisco - you can see across the entire Sunset District, Golden Gate Park, the Golden Gate Bridge, clear downtown and across the Bay. It's definitely more of a walk than an actual hike, but it's a solid climb up a long staircase (come from the west and hit up the mosaic steps). Take a half day on a Friday, head up to Turtle Hill, then head to the Taco Shop at Underdogs for their margarita happy hour - $1 margaritas!

East Bay

2. Hike the Redwood Regional Park Loop

Photo: Gaby Collette

Ahh, redwoods...a specialty of the Bay Area. Winds that funnel through the Golden Gate Bridge and the unique geographic make up in this area create the perfect environment for coastal redwoods. Spend the afternoon exploring the park's trails then head into Berkeley's Jupiter for wood-fired pizza and hand-crafted beer. 

Point Reyes

3. Hike the Tomales Point Trail, Pt. Reyes National Seashore

Photo: Jake Young

Point Reyes is about an hour's drive from San Francisco but it feels like you could be on another continent. From the  rugged coastal terrain to the wildlife surrounding the trail, this place just feels wild. To continue the wild and rustic theme, step back in time at the Old Wester Saloon in Point Reyes Station for a beer and a game of pool.

South Bay

4. Hike through Portola Redwoods State Park

Photo: Gaby Collette

Want more redwoods in the Bay? You got it. Need a post-hike beer? Head to Apple Jack's to quench your thirst. The food situation isn't ideal here, so if you need something more substantive, a bit longer drive will get you to Alpine Inn aka "Zots" for a rustic outdoor beer garden and a burger.

Marin

5. Hike to the Summit of Mt. Tamalpais

Photo: Sothear Nuon

Just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, Mt. Tam (as it's known by locals) is a real treasure. The park is full of unbelievable views around every corner and the hike to the top is a must-do for any visit to the Bay. Speaking of must-do's, Sol Food is about as good as it gets in the Bay Area, and that is saying something. Grab a bite there then head down the street to Mill Valley Beerworks and choose from their wide selection of local beers and wines. 

Trail to Tavern Clothes

To compliment your must-do adventures, check out these Toad&Co items. They use great materials like organic cotton, recycled wool, Tencel, and recycled polyester. 

Remember, comfortable at the trailhead, hot on the hike! Pieces like the Cairn long sleeve shirt with the Lean Leggings along with the Namche Scarf and Donegal Cable Legwarmers keep the ladies temp just right while on the hike. 

For the guys, check out the Singlejack long sleeve shirt layered with the Carver Canvas coat for some extra warmth and the Rover pant. 

Cover photo: Sothear Nuon