Nature & Wildlife Tours in San Francisco

If you’re craving a break from the city’s concrete and cable cars, San Francisco has plenty of ways to get you outside with nature and wildlife all around. You don’t have to go far to spot sea lions barking at Pier 39 or pelicans swooping by Crissy Field.

One of my favorite things to do is head over to the Marin Headlands just north of the Golden Gate. You can join a guided birdwatching tour there and spot everything from hawks to snowy egrets in the salt marshes. And the views? Absolutely unbeatable. Plus, fall and spring bring migrations that make it exciting to get out there.

If you really want to stretch your legs, try paddling out on a kayak tour around the bay. It’s a different angle on the city where you might even catch a glimpse of harbor seals lounging on the rocks near Angel Island. Word of advice: dress in layers because the fog can roll in quick and the wind will sneak up on you!

For something a bit different, night tours in the Presidio are surprisingly serene. You might spot owls or hear raccoons rustling through the underbrush. Just don’t forget a flashlight and a jacket. San Francisco’s nature isn’t far, but sometimes it feels like its own secret world.