United States
California (CA)
San Francisco
Things to Do in San Francisco
Nature/ Wildlife Areas in San Francisco

THE 10 BEST San Francisco Nature & Wildlife Areas

Nature & Wildlife Areas in San Francisco

  • Traveler favorites
    Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
  • Traveler ranking
    Highest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews.
All things to do
Category types
Types of Attractions
Nature & Parks
Zoos & Aquariums
Nature & Parks
Traveler rating
Neighborhoods
Good for
10 places sorted by traveler favorites
Clear all filters
Tripadvisor logo
Need travel advice?
Ask our hundreds of millions of travelers for the best tips.
Ask our hundreds of millions of travelers for the best tips.

What travelers are saying

  • Nathan Box
    Seattle, WA20 contributions
    Photographing the Flowers
    I am an amateur photographer but it is one of my favorite hobbies in the world. On this trip, I wanted to avoid shooting the Golden Gate Bridge or the city skyline again. Perhaps it is because I am my mother’s child, but I love shooting flowers and gardens in particular. On this trip, I selected the SF Botanical Garden and Japanese Tea Garden as an opportunity to spend some quality time outside, see a different side of the city, and snap some photos. As we walked through the gardens, the stillness of the space blew me away. It felt serene, and as if we were miles away from the city. I do not know if my photos are any good, but I left those spaces relaxed and filled with joy.
    Review of: San Francisco Botanical Garden
    Written March 4, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JBoise67
    Boise, ID169 contributions
    Beautiful sites & sounds for everybody.
    This is an amazing place, full of so many beautiful flowers of all shapes, sizes, colors, and unique characteristics. I would definitely recommend this place to people of all ages. You can walk through the display in 15-20 minutes if you are in a hurry, or you can slow down and really examine everything there is to see. Besides all of the amazing floral, they have piped in animal/insect sounds to really make it feel tropical. The staff was very friendly and fun to chat with, the price is right, and the displays are amazing. A must!
    Review of: Conservatory of Flowers
    Written March 27, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TheShis
    Tel Aviv, Israel38,808 contributions
    A fantastic place to enjoy sea lions in San Francisco.
    Seeing the numerous sea lions was a pure delight.
    Something in their lazy and laid-back nature captures the imagination of both old and young.
    We spent apx. 30 minutes watching those majestic creatures sleep, play and make sounds.
    Review of: Sea Lion Center
    Written May 16, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MyBucketListTrips
    219 contributions
    A bucket list must!
    Gorgeous views of the ocean and the city. Paved trails. Ample, free parking. VERY dog friendly. The hike down to and back from the sand is strenuous, even for those in the best physical condition. My family wore hiking shoes and was glad we did. Worth the hike and a great family outing with our pooch!
    Review of: Fort Funston
    Written June 20, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nathan U
    San Jose, CA959 contributions
    Superb walk.
    Great experience to get away from the city within the city at this superfluous urban park. The moat around Strawberry Hill is riveting with several species to gaze upon as you meander the pleasant trails. Several benches to rest as well as lawn areas to plant yourself to bask in the sun to picnic and ponder the SF life. Different layers of clothes is a must as the micro climate is real and shifts throughout the walk in this 6-mile park.
    Review of: Strawberry Hill
    Written June 6, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jane
    Union City, CA89 contributions
    My Weekly Go To Hiking Place
    Don Edwards is my weekly go to hiking place as it is close to my house and very beautiful place. There are a lot of wildlife and I specially like the sunset walk, it is always so beautiful. You can also walk across the bridge to go to Coyote Hill for a longer hike with beautiful bay views. Highly recommend this place for everyone.
    Review of: Don Edwards San Francisco Bay Wildlife Refuge
    Written November 5, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • mini
    Fremont, CA175,454 contributions
    Good Hiking Trail - Bay Area Ridge Trail
    We had a longer hike to see more of this very long 350 mile in the San Francisco Bay Area. Its gorgeous from both a trail perspective and view perspective.
    Review of: Bay Area Ridge Trail
    Written August 12, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Michael
    Woking, UK255 contributions
    Quick Visit
    We only stopped here for a moment to look at the bison. There were 3 in the field when we visited and you can walk right up to the fence. It is situated on an accessible and safe road so it is easy to get to. It was cool to see some bison and the area looks fairly well maintained, however you probably wouldn't want to spend more than 10 minutes here as it's just the bison roaming around and not much else.
    Review of: Bison Paddock
    Written February 15, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Scott
    San Francisco, CA5,143 contributions
    Nice but rough around the edges
    Heron's head park looks a bit apocalyptic from the street. But it's actually a pretty interesting little Park. There's an Ecology Center next to the parking lot, where you must stop for an explanation. Take a walk to the end of The Jetty and you'll get a great view of the South San Francisco Bay. The park looks a bit unkept, the signs are faded out. But all in all this is a nice, but a bit rough around the edges, Urban Waterfront Park. There's even a small dirt Top Dog Park.
    Review of: Heron's Head Park
    Written July 14, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • WillieMacfan
    Healdsburg, CA706 contributions
    Not really a park-more like rocks to climb
    Visited this site today, walked around, took a few pictures. Located in the middle of San Francisco, in a residential district, this is really a series of rocks with no footpaths. Probably a good place to climb but not good for much else until you get to the top by climbing and then you have a nice view towards the ocean.
    Review of: Rocky Outcrop Park
    Written September 19, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about San Francisco