Lovers’ Lane at the Presidio

I was a little confused when planning my SF itinerary in distinguishing the difference between Lover’s Lane and Andy Goldsworthy’s Woodline in the Presidio, but after coming here I think the wood line is the the actual display of zigzagging lines, while Lover’s Lane is a paved path that happens to run parallel to the wood line.
Either way, this is more of a leisure walk with your SO vs. an actual hike. The countless display of tall trees shades you for most of the walk (at least when I went).

This is a beautiful and natural piece of art tucked away in Presidio Park.
Coming from the Pacific Heights Neighborhood, a walkway will guide you to the Lover’s Lane artwork. I’ve been waiting to come visit here for a while and I’m glad that I did. It’s more of a tourist destination spot where you can go for a nice stroll. My favorite part is being able to walk on the carefully placed tree logs that create the art installment. As you walk down the hill, everything is serene and peaceful. A good number of people come here for leisure, but don’t worry, their presence doesn’t take away from the experience. Be sure to check out the artist’s other nearby installment known as The Spire!

This is an adorable little path located at Presidio Park and tucked into the nice Presidio neighborhood. A good friend of mine asked me to go to Lovers Lane and not knowing what it was, of course I looked it up on Unilocal.From photos I had thought we were about to go hiking in the woods or something with all those tall trees, but it’s far from that idea actually.
Upon arriving, there was a small area to park, maybe about 6 – 8 spots. I was happy to see I could park though and that it was in a nice neighborhood. We walked on over and realized that there is a concrete path that runs along the edge of the woodsy part. If you step off the concrete and into the woodsy part, then you’ll be surrounded by those tall trees and see that wooden, curvy path that is Lovers’ Lane’s signature. The concrete path and the wooden path through the trees are parallel to each other, so you’ll be going the the same direction regardless. It’s a short mile or less I believe, not a hike at all. Literally just a walk in the park.

Talk about what mother nature has to offer. Word has it that this is the place the military men used to meet up their lovers before they were sent off back on the ships. Its part of the huge park and the SMTA can drop you off to explore and wander around the miles of tree lined forest. This is an actual trail about 1 mile, but very steep to begin with and then flattens out. The weather is perfect and there are a lot of people who run, walk, bike around here.

Lovers’ Lane was just as beautiful as the pictures portrayed. Basically, this location is comprised of countless trees, but is organized in a very neat fashion. There are multiple logs aligned from end to end, creating a middle «pathway» for passerbys to take pictures around or on. I really adored this picturesque location because it presented that very scenic, «forest-​y» vibe that you don’t see much in the Bay Area. I definitely made sure to get in some nice photoshoot portraits in while I was here! I would recommend visiting Lovers’ Lane if you are looking for a beautiful photoshoot location for portraits or landscapes or if you just want somewhere romantic to take your other half to, hence the name.

This place is located near the Presidio entrance.
It’s on your left right when you pass through the Presidio entrance.
I am only saying this because it can be easily be missed, like we did.
Come to find out this was an art installment.
We walked on the logs all the way down.
We went early but there were photographers taking pictures of it, let’s be real… this place is totally IG-​worthy so of course, photographers would take pics of this place.
It’s a great stop while you’re tourist-​trapping in SF.

Lover’s Lane is truly a hidden gem buried in the corner of the Presidio. Here you’ll find Andy Goldsworthy’s Wood Line — a simple but stunning display of winding tree trunks on a hill, sheltered by a grove of towering eucalyptus.
A concrete path parallels the mile-​long wood line and has little signs along it to help direct you. It’ll also help with your walk if you only want to make the trek through the dirt once, but it’s a leisurely incline. The space is peaceful and serene with the light breaking through the tall tree branches and you can walk on or beside the wood line as you make your way down. For all you Calvin and Hobbes fans, I can’t help but think of the iconic cover shot where Calvin and Hobbes are walking on a log over a stream on their little adventure through the forest.
Whether you’re here for a photo shoot, with your hubby, or snapping an epic Instagram photo with your friends, Lover’s Lane is an overlooked spot that makes for a lovely afternoon stroll and is worth a visit!

Love the tall, romantic trees here. We took engagement photos at Lovers’ Lane and there was so much beautiful sunlight. Parking is also easily accessible, which makes for bringing lots of photo props very easy! :)

My boyfriend and I have been wanting to come here for the longest time after hearing about it. Never knew this existed until one of my friends went to check it out. It is a small section of Presidio Park that has a path of logs connected to each other, forming a nice wavy path. The path is about 1 mile long and is on a slight incline but is definitely doable for many people, especially those who do not like intense hikes. This is also a great path for children and families to go on. While we were there, we saw many families with kids who enjoyed walking on the logs directly throughou the entire path. Think of it as a challenge to stay on the log and walk on every one from beginning to end without falling off :)
A nice place to come here when it is not too cold. Definitely a great reminder of what else SF has to offer aside from the various foot spots and tourist things to do. Parking is also very convenient if you want to drive here. Transportation is also very convenient if you choose not to drive. Definitely a place to check out with loved ones and enjoy nature!

In the late 1800s, U.S. soldiers used this path to get into town to visit their sweethearts. What a lovely piece of history alongside this beautiful path!
The best part of tranquil Lovers’ Lane is the «Wood Line» art piece. Follow the calmly twisting path of eucalyptus trunks that were deliberately laid in a gap where a section of non-​native cypress trees died out years ago. The coolest part is that the entire piece will eventually decompose over time, eventually leaving no trace of its presence.
Note: It’s a short path, not a hike. Put this into your itinerary of exploring the Presidio, but don’t make the trip across the city just for Lovers’ Lane. Make a visit to the El Polín Spring, Inspiration Point, and Lyon Steps while you’re up here.

Was able to find this place on Instagram and immediately came to Unilocal to find the location!
It looks like a typical stroll in the park but at the same time it doesn’t… it has a unique snake like log from one end to the other and when walking you’re among sky high trees that merely cover most of the sun. It’s a great little path in presidio for a morning walk, romantic stroll or even from what I see … Photo shoots! Oh it is a little dirty to walk on so bring shoes you don’t really care much for! Enjoy

Are you ready to get away from the tall buildings and traffic congestion around the city life? Nature is not too far away. Take a walk if you are in the area towards the Presidio Height gates.
Some may find tracking this location a little difficult, and the start of Lover’s Lane begins at Presidio Ave and Pacific Ave.
Parking
There isn’t any good way to say this as parking will be a minimum around the residential area, and it is only 2 hours during the weekdays (including Saturday). If you park more than 2 hours, it will require permit parking. Your best bet will be to park around the residential Presidio Height and start your walk toward to Lover’s Lane pathway. Otherwise, your next option will be the lower end of Presidio and hike toward the path (upward).
Trail Path:
Not the best and what we expected. It is short, very peaceful, and the noise of traffic and cars midpoint of pathway can be blocked out during your hike. The trail is a little dusty during the summer, and can be muddy during raining season. Also, towards the top of trail the pathway is sandy, and a little difficult to walk.
Overall: There are better trails in the bay area but for a quick hike, this is a nice one.
Bonus:
As we were leaving the area we saw a fox crossing the road!

YES.
Came here pretty early on a Sunday morning. Trying to get out of the buildings of downtown, and into some nature. The pathway is mostly paved, but up the hill you find the beautiful wood line. Super peaceful. But, my favorite place was actually across the street on top of the hill. A short walk through the trees leads you to an outlook over the Marina and Bay. Breathtaking.

Such a cute little walk in the Presidio. There’s a concrete path that leads down to a more woodsy path. The woodsy portion of the walk is lined with tall trees. There are giant wood markers that line the path that go in a back and forth snake kind of shape. This makes for very stunning photos. We saw many professional engagement shots, baby/​family portrait shots, etc being taken while we were there. It is not a long walk, just a beautiful one. This is a great little walk to do in the Presidio.