How to Find the Famous San Francisco Swing
If you’re like me and you look on Instagram to find cool places to visit in certain cities then this post is for you. š
Below, I’ll show you how to find the famous San Francisco swing that has a view of the Golden Gate bridge located in Kirby Cove!
**NOTE** As of June 2018 I’ve had multiple reports that the swing has been cut down (for now). Many times people will rebuild swings in San Francisco, so it might still be worth it to check yourself and see if it’s still there!
This is not the same swing as the one on Billy Goat Hill. The Billy Goat Hill swing is also cool and has a view of San Francisco, but every time I’ve gone, the swing has been chopped down. You have to get lucky for that one since it’s somewhat dangerous and not always up.
Before leaving on my trip around the world, I was trying to get as much hiking and bucket list crossing off as I could. This is how I stumbled upon the Kirby Cove hike to the swing and decided to go with co-workers one day before work. Unfortunately, it was super cloudy that morning, but if you time it right you’ll get amazing shots!
Also, when I say ‘hike’ I mean it extremely loosely. This was barely a hike at all (more like a walk) so don’t even worry! Below are the directions to the swing. It’s super easy if you’re coming from SF!
(road/path to Kirby Cove)
Directions to the Swing/Kirby Cove Hike:
When coming from the city, take the Alexander Ave. exit right after you get off of the Golden Gate bridge. Then loop around the road and take a right on Conzelman Road. Drive up to the first lookout point called, Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point. Park here and once you’ve parked, look to the right and you’ll see a sign that says Kirby Cove Campground. Follow that for about a mile downhill and you’ll arrive to the cove! More info here if you need it.
WHAT TO PACK FOR HIKING IN SAN FRANCISCO/BAY AREA
(me struggling to get on the swing…haha)
If you’re interested in another awesome sunrise hike with great views of the Golden Gate Bridge, I highly recommend trying Hawk Hill. My girlfriends and I had so much fun and the views of the Golden Gate Bridge are stunning. It’s also not a hard hike at all, but perfect wake-up in the morning!
Do you guys know of any other secret spots in San Francisco? If so, leave a comment!
READ NEXT:
The Best Sunrise Hike Above the Golden Gate Bridge – Hawk Hill
7 Incredible Things to Do in Yosemite National Park
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YESS you have to go! It’s so pretty!
So cool, thanks for sharing, great spot for a great Instagram shot and a good hike. Win. win š
Bianca recently posted…Easy Hiking Trails in Southern California Near Me
Traveling to SF for my daughter’s 18th birthday on the 18th of January in 2018! My son’s name is “Kirby” so we are SO excited that you shared this! Thank you!
Oh that’s so fun! Have fun in SF!
We came to see the swing and the tree was chopped down! š
No Way!! That’s so depressing!!
We were there in June and the swing was broken. Guess it hasn’t been fixed.
Oh no! Okay I must have to update my post š how sad!
Hey Katie. I’ll go to San Franciso soon and wanted to ask you if you know of the swing is there again or isn’t still fixed.
Regards Vanessa
Following!
Last I heard it’s still not fixed, but please let me know if you go and it is! In SF they chop things down and then people rebuild them almost constantly!
Went to the swing last night and it’s still gone I don’t think there will be another swing because the tree fell to its side….
NOOO I’m so sad to har that it’s gone cause it was so cool! Hopefully they will rebuild one!
How long does the trek to the swing take approximately?
About 20-30 mins!
Is the swing back????
As of now it looks like the tree got chopped down and it’s not there anymore!
So glad that you wrote this article. I’m now preparing a travel to us ouest coast and this spot is perfect! Thanks
Yay! You’ll have so much fun in San Francisco and the rest of the west coast!
I am going to san francisco at the end of this month and was wondering if you knew if the swing is torn down or back up. Thanks!
It looks like it’s back up according to a couple that just went and sent me a pic!
Is the tree and swing still gone?? planning on going tomorrow.
Sorry I’m not sure! I just got a message that looked like it was up again! š
Just went there today (6/19/2018) and there is definitely NO swing. The tree was chopped and laid back against the mountain so that no one could ever make another swing.
NOOO that’s so depressing. I’m sorry. I’ll update my blog!
Do you believe $5000-6000 is enough to travel solo to Europe? I feel like if I do not do this now (given my age) I will never have time to and I’ll regret it. My 3 countries for sure are ITALY, GREECE, SPAIN. Portugal, Morocco, and maybe France.
Of course I’ll fly first, than travel by train or bus. Hostels. No souviniers. Light shopping. I’ll also save money b/c I do not drink alcohol at all:-p although in Italy I’ll go to a vineyard for sure!!
I do! I spent $5500 for 3 months in Europe. I have a post on it also š You’ll be totally fine if you stay in hostels, no souvenirs and saving money on alcohol and public transit! Have fun! š
Hey Katie!
I just wanted to know where I can find your post about 3 months in Europe! thanks š
It’s here! https://www.travelingspud.com/2017/01/11/what-3-months-traveling-in-europe-cost-me/