San Francisco
Lands End
At Lands End, stand on rocky cliffs, and look over the ocean to Farallon Islands, Marin Headlands, and Golden Gate Bridge. A hundred years ago, Lands End was a resort with salt water baths, Cliff House restaurant, Playland-at-the-Beach amusement park, a railroad transported families to the beach. Today, Lands End, now a part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area, is famous for spectacular views and scenic coastline, all within San Francisco.
Lands Ends Coastal Trail - One of the most beautiful hikes in San Francisco starts Lands End Overlook and goes to Eagles Point Overlook.
From the trail are stellar views of the Golden Gate Bridge and ships coming and going, look for seals and sea lions in the deep blue sea.
Find signs for the Coastal Trail next to Lands End parking lot, it's a little over a mile out to Eagles Point. The first half of the trail is wide and level (okay for strollers), the second part has steps and is much narrower.
Lands End Lookout - Stop into the Lookout visitor center for information, snacks, hot and cold drinks, children's books and souvenirs.Cliff House - The original Cliff House is gone, but the ocean view is still stunning.
Bring your binoculars or use the telescopes to look for sea lions on "Seal Rock."
Ocean Beach - South of Cliff House is Ocean Beach, a sandy beach expanse that extends for miles south.
Ocean Beach is a place to enjoy the beach, not the water.
There are rip currents, rough surf; even people wading have been caught by big waves and drowned. It's a beautiful spot to run on the beach, or dig in the sand, but don't wade or swim in the water.
Tip: For 50 years, across from the beach was Playland-at-the-Beach, a large amusement park. You can ride on the historic Playland carousel in Yerba Buena Gardens.
Tip – Using public transportation, take #38 R, bus goes from Union Square, Geary St., last stop is one block from visitor center.
