Photo source: SF Rec Park
There are still several weeks of summer left and September is just around the corner with warmer days expected, so we’ve compiled a select list of unique and off-the-beaten-path sites to visit in the city that are easily accessible by transit during summer and throughout the year.
Glen Park Greenway
This is a green corridor that runs through the heart of the Glen Park neighborhood and along the former banks of Islais Creek. It connects Glen Park’s transit hub to the Greenway. It can be reached via the Glen Park BART Station and by Muni on the 44 and J Church metro rail line.
Harry Street Stairs
Nearby in Glen Park are a set of hidden concrete steps through lush gardens and a steep wooden stairway which is one of the two longest wood stairways in the City. There are 239 steps in total. Located at 23 Harry Street, the stairs can be reached by various Muni lines, including the 24, 36, 49, and 52.
Billy Goat Hill
This hilltop park blends urban forest and grassland plant communities in the Diamond Heights neighborhood and has spectacular views of the City and bay. The park can be reached by taking the Muni 24, 25 and 52 lines.
Philosophers Way Trail (located at 1229 Mansell Street)
This is a 2.7 mile loop trail around the perimeter of John McClaren Park, San Francisco’s second largest park, and features fourteen stone markers with plaques and park history. The trail can be easily accessed via Muni on the 29 line.
Hallie T. who lives in the Excelsior said she enjoys taking the 29 Muni to Philosophers Way as it’s often hard to park near the trailhead and she is spared from walking up the hill. “Being a fairly new transit passenger, I’m motivated to get out of the car and explore more bus routes. I’ve also had nice conversations with other passengers which I wouldn’t get by being in my car.”
Bayview Park
This is a 46.63-acre park in the Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood. The majority of the park’s land consists of a large hill named either Bayview Hill or Candlestick Hill, west of the former site of Candlestick Park and east of the Bayshore Freeway. The park can be accessed by Muni Metro T Third Line.
Sunnyside Conservatory
The octagonal redwood conservatory, originally built in 1898 is surrounded by a 100-year old garden and a large collection of succulents and palms. The conservatory is easily accessible by the Glen Park BART station and via the Muni 23 and 44 lines.
Grandview Park Trail and Summit
The hilltop park in the Sunset District has stunning views. There is also a 0.2 mile trail network ascending to the top of the park hill with the majority of the climb made up of wooden stairs. The summit can be accessed by Muni 43 and 44 lines.
September is Transit Month
Celebrate the role of transit in the Bay Area by taking public transportation and participating in one of the many events organized by San Francisco Transit Rider and Seamless Bay Area. Check out SF Transit Riders annual ride contest!