San Francisco may not be known for typical California beaches, but it does offer craggy coastal areas for hiking, horseback riding, and lounging, among other recreational opportunities. Just outside the city and 20 miles from San Francisco International Airport is the Golden Gate National Recreation Area which has surpassed Blue Ridge Parkway in popularity. The Recreation Area hosts thousands of plant and animal species, more than a dozen different ecosystems, and 10 beaches, each with unique attractions and highlights.
For example, Stinson Beach boasts white sand and is a prime location for hiking, grilling, and pet-free adventures. Baker Beach, in contrast, has stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, with a picnic area that’s protected from the wind and even a nudist-friendly beach corner. Baker Beach is also considered one of the best LGBTQ+ vacation destinations in San Francisco. Yet among all these, Fort Funston beach stands apart with its unique geology, trail network, and offbeat form of recreation.
Fort Funston’s bluff backdrop is picturesque for beach activities
Fort Funston beach has a reputation for challenging beachgoers with its steep access points, as visitors need to hike down a hill to access the beach. However, you’ll be rewarded with birdwatching opportunities, shallow clam-filled bays, and geological wonders. Coastal Bank Swallows abound on this beach as Fort Funston is one of only two Coastal Bank Swallow habitats in the state.
The selling point at Fort Funston’s beach is how remote it feels. With 200-feet-high bluffs and sandy beaches, Fort Funston is windy and a bit wild, but it’s also the perfect setting for hang-gliding. It turns out that Fort Funston is an intermediate hang-gliding site, complete with a dedicated launch area and viewing deck. Plus, whether you’re new to the sport or need to pick up some gear while visiting, various hang-gliding shops can help out. If you prefer to stay closer to the ground, check out the white ash bed resulted from a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. The sand dunes are also a notable feature of the beach, and are the largest surviving remnants of the dunes that once made up the entire San Francisco peninsula.
Hiking is also an optional pursuit with trails as short as a mile, or as long as 15 miles, winding around the coast. Horseback riding is also a popular venture, with a dedicated trail aptly named the Funston Horse Trail. Both dogs and horses are welcome on the trail, which shifts from asphalt to sand to dirt and offers an excellent vantage point for viewing the sea, fog notwithstanding.
Be prepared for Fort Funston’s weather conditions before your trip to the beach
