Farmers market and the Ferry Building. Rosamunde sausages and a Toronado pint. Sunny days and Dolores Park. Here in San Francisco, some things just naturally go well with others. And at the Outbound, we’re big fans of pairing a morning outdoors with some of our favorite food and drinks. This weekend, head to Marin for some epic hikes — and don’t forget to pair them with some equally epic eats.
Hike Through Wildflowers at Chimney Rock Trail
For an easy weekend stroll, head up to Pt. Reyes’ Chimney Rock for a 1.8-mile out-and-back through a sea of wildflowers. The carpets of goldenfields, blue-eyed grass, and mule ear sunflowers are especially beautiful with the backdrop of cliffs dropping down to the Pacific, so be sure to bring your camera. Learn more.
Pair it with: The cheese and charcuterie platter from Cowgirl Creamery. Haven’t made time yet to actually visit their Pt. Reyes shop and tasting room? Now’s your chance.
Hike to a 40-Foot Beach Waterfall on the Alamere Trail
Beaches? Waterfalls? What more could you ask for? Starting at the Palomarin trailhead, you’ll walk a little over four miles through open terrain and wooded areas before you make it to the coast, where the trail gets steep. Pick your way down and you’ll be rewarded with the site of the 40-foot Alamere Falls plunging into the Pacific. Learn more.
Pair it with: Blackberry pie à la mode at Coast Café in Bolinas. After the 8.4-mile roundtrip hike, you deserve it.
One of the best waterfall hikes to take after it rains, the Cataract Falls trail will take you alongside the rushing falls for the majority of this five mile out-and-back hike. Most of the hike is shaded, but you’ll be climbing uphill for the first half — 750 feet within the first mile, to be precise — so you’ll be shedding layers fast. Looking for bathrooms? You’ll find them at the top. Learn more.
Pair it with: The pretzel bun sausage and a pint from Gestalt Haus in the nearby town of Fairfax.
A quick drive over the Golden Gate Bridge will take you up into the Headlands, and a 10-minute hike down 250 or so stairs will bring you to Black Sand Beach. This mile-long stretch of black sand boasts some spectacular views of the bridge and the San Francisco skyline, so plan on getting there on the early side — the small dirt parking lot at the Upper Fisherman’s trailhead can fill up fast. Learn more.
Pair it with: For picnic fare, stop at Davey Jones Deli and choose from their amazing menu of sandwiches, salads, and soups. For brunch on your way back, Fast Food Français won’t steer you wrong.
A classic Bay Area hike, the Dipsea Trail takes you for 15 out-and-back miles through towering redwood forests to Stinson Beach and back. Set aside a half day for this one and pack lots of snacks. And have hope — if you’re too tired halfway through, you can catch a shuttle back to Mill Valley from Stinson Beach. Learn more.
Pair it with: This one’s a toss up. Feeling like some Puerto Rican? Head to Sol Food’s Mill Valley spot. If you’re in the mood for something a bit spicier, hit up Avatar’s Restaurant for a curried chicken Punjabi burrito.
