Best Easy Hike

There's no dearth of great hikes in and around San Francisco, but many of them are, well, hard. When you're not up for a strenuous hill climb but you still want to get out and walk -- or when you have visitors in town who consider even Market Street too steep -- head to the end of Geary and walk the Coastal Trail. At 42nd Avenue, Geary curves into Point Lobos; follow it to 48th and turn right on El Camino del Mar, which dead-ends into a parking lot. Head down the stairs to the trail and turn right. The path is wide and easy, for the most part, with just a few steps and some spectacular views. When you hit the tony neighborhood of Sea Cliff, stroll the sidewalks until you can turn left into the cul-de-sac that feeds down to Baker Beach. If you're feeling adventuresome, walk the length of Baker and continue the Coastal Trail all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge.