Swinging Views

Big City Views in San Francisco's Bernal Heights

San Francisco is a city of high expectations, and that includes its lofty parks offering incredible panoramas. So what makes the 360-degree views all the more fun? Enjoying them from a tree swing! Head to Bernal Heights Park and wend your way up the knoll for a merry-go-round of panoramic views.

Two swings hang from a massive oak on the eastern side, allowing you to kick back and sway toward the stunner view. A concrete path winds up to the radio tower at the peak before continuing on a dirt trail where you can walk the circumference. Of course you might see Karl the fog, cascading across the grid of San Francisco’s colorful streets and houses.

At the southern entrance point, you’ll also find a slightly overgrown rock labyrinth.

TIP: Check out nearby Hillside Supper Club, a pop-up turned boutique restaurant, open for brunch on weekends. Try their homemade pop tarts and savory bread pudding.

Bernal Heights Park is located at Anderson St. and Bernal Heights Blvd. Street parking available.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Purely Purisima

    Take a relaxing hike on the lower section of Purisiima Creek Trail in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.

    View
  2. Been There, Dome That

    Surrounded by granite domes, craggy peaks, and miles of hiking trails, the High Sierra landscape of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park is famous for good reason. For a truly grand view, take a short hike to bold—and bald (except for snow at times)—Lembert Dome.

    View
  3. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Ballona Beach Hopper

    This easygoing bike escape is proof that you don't have to drive for hours to feel the vast benefits of nature. The Ballona Creek Bike Path is part of the “Park to Playa Regional Trail,” a 13-mile network connecting parks and open spaces from Baldwin Hills to the Pacific Ocean.

    View
  2. Lookout Ahead!

    A 3.7-mile loop hike to Boucher Hill Fire Lookout in Palomar Mountain State Park reminds us just how stunningly beautiful are the mountains of this remote, lightly visited portion of northern San Diego County.

    View
  3. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

    View
  4. Strawberry Peak Lookout Hike

    Strawberry Sunday

    The 2.5-mile (round-trip) lollipop loop climb to the Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout near the town of Lake Arrowhead dishes up some delicious views.

    View