8 BEST NATIONAL PARKS NEAR SAN FRANCISCO (Guide + Photos)

golden gate national recreation area san francisco — San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge | National Parks Near San Francisco

National Parks Near San Francisco

National Parks near San Francisco. There’s so much more to this beautiful state than the city by the bay. In this article, we’ll familiarize you with the incredible national park sites that are within a five hour drive of San Francisco.

There are 8 national park sites for you to see on your next visit to the Golden State.

To be clear, this list includes national park sites (as in sites managed by the National Park Service) as well as full-fledged national parks. To learn more about the difference between the various National Park Service designations check out our article that explains everything!

Now let’s go ahead with 8 reasons why you’ll want to make a drive of five hours (or less) from San Francisco to one of these amazing places.

Why Trust Us About National Parks Near San Francisco?

You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. My sons have spent their entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.

As for me, I’m a retired lifelong educator and a proud dad of these two wonderful guys who are hopelessly obsessed with the national parks. I taught history for over a quarter of a century. Now I enjoy researching and writing articles for More Than Just Parks. I’m always on the hunt for topics where nature and history intersect so please feel free to share any ideas that you might have with me.

We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.

will jim tony pattiz — Me (Tony) in the middle with my two sons Jim (left) & Will (right)

Meet The Parks Brothers

We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) and we absolutely LOVE the national parks.

Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.

We hope you’ll follow our journey through the parks and help us to keep them the incredible places that they are. If you’re interested in joining the adventure then please sign up below!

Best National Parks Near San Francisco

1. Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Distance from San Francisco: 0 minutes (it’s basically in the city)

Starting with the closest national park to San Francisco, this site is located within sight of San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate National Recreation Area chronicles two hundred years of history. From the Native American culture to the Spanish Empire and the Mexican Republic to maritime history and the California Gold Rush, you’ll learn about the historical forces which fueled the growth of urban San Francisco.

As a retired history teacher who went to school in the great state of California, I’m thrilled to report that the history you’ll experience at this fascinating place includes California’s indigenous cultures, Spanish colonialism, the Mexican Republic, U.S. military expansion and the growth of San Francisco. It’s all there!

Not only that, but this amazing place also supports 19 distinct ecosystems with over 2,000 plant and animal species. While you’re there, you can go for a hike, enjoy a vista, have a picnic or learn about the centuries of overlapping history.

While You’re There Check Out The Big Lockup

Prisoners leaving Alcatraz the day the federal prison closed, March 21, 1963. (National Parks Near San Francisco) — Alcatraz on March 21, 1963, the day it closed. Photo courtesy of GGNRA, Park Archives, Alcatraz Personnel Collection

The Big Lockup: Mass Incarceration in the United States, is an exciting new exhibit which examines Alcatraz Island as a military prison and federal penitentiary within the context of incarceration in the U.S. where currently 2.3 million people are behind bars, more than any other country in the world.

The exhibit takes a look at the disproportionate number of people of color, low literacy and those born into poverty that are in jail and prison. It looks at who is harmed, who bears the costs and how we can deter and prevent people from being put back into the system. Finally, The Big Lockup asks: Is there a better way? (Source: NPS)

2. John Muir National Historic Site | National Parks Near San Francisco

Distance from San Francisco: 45 minutes

John Muir National Historic Site is located in the Alhambra Valley, just 2 miles south of Martinez, California.

As the National Park Service notes, John Muir is America’s most famous naturalist and conservationist. During his storied lifetime, he fought to protect the wild places he loved. His writings convinced the U.S. government to protect Yosemite, Sequoia, Grand Canyon and Mt. Rainier as national parks. John Muir is appropriate known as the “Father of America’s National Parks.”

There is no entrance fee and you can tour the Muir’s historic home seven days a week. I recommend beginning your exploration of John Muir’s life and legacy at the visitor center, which is located at 4202 Alhambra Avenue in Martinez, California.

You can also hike and explore Mount Wanda. It’s 326 acres of oak woods and grasslands that was named after John Muir’s daughter.

You can also visit the gravesite where John Muir is buried along with family members.

To learn more about John Muir check out 10+ GREAT John Muir Facts.

3. Lassen Volcanic National Park | National Parks Near San Francisco

Distance from San Francisco: 4 hours

Lassen Volcanic National Park is approximately 235 miles from San Francisco. It you take the I-5 South it’s an estimated drive time of three hours and 51 minutes. It’s well worth the trip, however, especially if you enjoy examining the effects of volcanoes from roiling fumaroles to dramatic jagged peaks.

Visitors to the park can find all four types of volcanoes (shield, composite, cinder cone, and plug dome) within the boundaries of the more than 100,000-acre park. While you’re there be sure to check out Boiling Springs Lake. It’s one of the largest hot water lakes in the world. The sea green lake is heated to a hot 125 degrees by steam vents so don’t get too close.

If you’re more comfortable travelling by car than by foot than there’s a 30-mile park highway known as Lassen Volcanic National Highway. It’s a great way to enjoy the scenery without ever having to leave your vehicle.

If you prefer walking to driving Lassen boasts 150 miles of trails. Hikers can see waterfalls, a bubbling lake, and lava beds. There’s something for everyone. You can take a leisurely stroll along the half-mile Devastated Area Interpretive Trail or, if you’re looking for more of a challenge, take the Brokeoff Mountain Trail. It’s a 7.4-mile strenuous that leads to fabulous views at the top of the mountain.

Manzanita Lake, Lassen Volcanic National Park California | National Parks Near San Francisco — Lassen Volcanic National Park | National Parks Near San Francisco

4. Muir Woods National Monument | National Parks Near San Francisco

Distance from San Francisco: 45 minutes

Muir Woods National Monument is located 16 miles from San Francisco. It’s a driving time of approximately 45 minutes along U.S. Highway 101.

If you like the great Redwoods of California then you’ll love exploring Muir Woods. The park contains 6 miles of trails. There is a 1/2 hour loop, a 1 hour loop, and a 1 1/2 hour loop as well as longer hikes on trails that extend into surrounding Mount Tamalpais State Park.

Please note: Pets, bicycles, smoking, horseback riding and camping are not permitted within the park. Picnics are not permitted in the forest. (Source: NPS)

While you’re there you should also check out Muir Beach. It’s a quiet cove, beach and lagoon located on the Pacific Coast three miles west of Muir Woods, Muir Beach is accessed over a 450-foot long pedestrian bridge that connects the parking lot to the beach, the Coastal Trail, and Kaashi Way, which is multi-use and accessible.

redwood national park, humboldt redwoods — Muir Woods National Monument | National Parks Near San Francisco

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.
-John Muir

5. Point Reyes National Seashore | National Parks Near San Francisco

Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour 20 minutes

When it comes to national seashores, there are few places in the world which compare to California and what it has to offer. Point Reyes National Seashore is a case in point.

It’s located 38 miles from San Francisco with a drive time of 1 hour and 20 minutes. To get there you take the Sir Francis Drake Blvd. and U.S. Highway 101.

Point Reyes offers visitors over 1500 species of plants and animals to discover. You’ll also experience ocean breakers crashing against rocky headlands and expansive sand beaches to its open grasslands, brushy hillsides, and forested ridges.

I recommend beginning your visit at the Bear Valley Visitor Center where you’ll be treated to several ecological and historical museum exhibits, along with a weather station.

You should also check out the Point Reyes Lighthouse. And don’t forget to take a stroll along the Woodpecker Trail where you’ll experience beautiful local forest and meadows.

6. Redwood National Park

Distance from San Francisco: 15 minutes

Redwood National Park is home to the tallest trees in the world, the mighty Redwood, which can reach staggering heights of over 360 foot and weigh more than 500 tons.

At Redwood, you’ll experience magical forests, miles of spectacular beaches, stunning overlooks, and one of the largest herds of Roosevelt elk on the planet. People travel from all over the world to experience the magic that takes place in this park every single day.

lady bird johnson grove — Redwood National Park | Near San Francisco

Watch Our Redwood Video (it’s only 3 minutes!)

MTJP | Redwood is the culmination of several weeks spent exploring Redwood National and State Parks.

If you’re visiting the park be sure to check out our full Guide!

7. Rosie The Riveter National Historical Park

Rosie The Riveter National Historical Park is located 19 miles from San Francisco. It’s a 40 minute drive along I-80 West.

As a retired history teacher, I love being able to pack up and go off in search of America’s past. The Rosie The Riveter National Historical Park honor the efforts and sacrifices of American civilians on the World War II home front.

At the Visitor Education Center there are a variety of educational and interactive exhibits. It’s a wonderful place to learn about how the contributions of men and women on the home front helped America to win World War Two. This National Park was established in 2000.

While you’re there, places that you should see include the Ford Assembly Plant, Rosie The Riveter Memorial, Shipyard #3, the SS Red Oak Victory Ship and the Richmond Museum of History.

It was none other than Winston Churchill who said, “Give us the tools and we will finish the job.” Visitors can learn the stories and see the places where the tools which helped to win the war were actually made.

Rosie The Riveter National Historical Park | National Parks Near San Francisco — The entrance to the Rosie the Riveter National Historic Park visitor center in Richmond, California. (Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

“We shall not fail or falter; we shall not weaken or tire. Neither the sudden shock of battle, nor the long-drawn trials of vigilance and exertion will wear us down. Give us the tools, and we will finish the job.”
-Prime Minister Winston Churchill

8. San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park | National Parks Near San Francisco

The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is located in San Francisco, California. The park includes a fleet of historic vessels, a visitor center, a maritime museum, and a library/research facility.

The park headquarters and Maritime Research Center are located in Fort Mason, some 10 minutes walk to the west of the other sites. The Beach and Hyde Street terminal of the San Francisco cable car system adjoins the main site, while the Jones Street terminal of the F Market historic streetcar line is some 5 minutes walk to the east.

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National Parks Near San Francisco