Lands End, San Francisco

Pleasure Rating: 1 2 3 4 5

Difficult Rating: 1 2 3 4 5

Mileage: apx 7 miles roundtrip
Click Here for Map of Lands End Trail

Lands End to China Beach, and Baker Beach

Close your eyes and imagine the fog rolling under the Golden Gate bridge as foamy white waves crash upon the shore.  We can all picture it because the world renowned beauty of this scene is permanently etched in our brains thru movies, television and advertisements.  But you can experience the glory of this unparalleled location all on your own by taking a quick trip into San Francisco for a hike on the Lands End Trail.

Why Lands End?

Located at the southern tip of the mouth of the San Francisco Bay, the Lands End Trail is quite literally where the land comes to an end, the North American continent and the city of San Francisco, at Point Lobos.  This trail allows visitors to encounter the dramatic harmony of nature's glory and man's design- the bay and the infamous Golden Gate.  This is a world class site seeing opportunity, one that should NOT be missed!

Convenient FREE parking (wow!) is available at 680 Point Lobos Ave, above Sutro Baths.  The trail begins right below the parking area and will meander southwest for 1.7 miles hugging the coastline all the way to Eagle Point.  The trail technically ends there but one can continue their hike through the famously lavish Seascape neighborhood of San Francisco and check out China Beach, followed by Baker Beach.  The Golden Gate Bridge, the majestic Pacific, and the elegant Marin Headlands will play peek-a-boo with you, as you zig zag along this special trail.  Available to all levels of ability, this hike can be tailored to fit your desired level of difficulty and will always deliver the beauty one hopes to encounter in this location.  This hike gives one the opportunity to feel the splash of the ocean spray, hear the distant fog horn warning to ships, and see the the Bay Area's most famous landmark in its full glory.

Let's get hiking!

Pack a lunch, bring water and DO NOT FORGET YOUR CAMERA!  If you have a dog, bring him too, as dogs are allowed so long as you pick up after them. As is typical for the Northern California coastline, weather is inclement so be prepared with layers of clothing.  You may be warm when hiking, but sit down on the beach as the fog rolls in and you'll be chattering your teeth in no time!

Start your hike at the parking lot at Lands End where there is a memorial to the USS San Francisco- a WWII cruiser from the Battle of Guadalcanal with an adjacent overlook.  Then descend the steep staircase to the trail.  Begin the Lands End Trail hike by turning right, toward the Golden Gate.  About .5 miles in you will have the opportunity to make a slight detour to the rugged cove at Eagle Point Labyrinth.  This is a great chance to actually feel the rocks and see where the waves crash upon the rugged cliffs.  This rocky little beach is a fun place for kids to do some rock climbing, collecting drift wood art, and exploring.  These kids discovered a makeshift teeter totter!

After a break at this tiny cove, ascend back onto the trail and continue to hike until you reach the final point of the trail at Eagle Point.  At this point I suggest taking some pictures and a rest.  For those who want to return to their cars and keep it easy, you can now turn around and double back to the parking lot.   

But for those who wish to continue your hike to China Beach and then Baker Beach, do so by entering the Seascape neighborhood.  Enjoy this unique opportunity to see the lifestyles of the rich and famous!  These multi-million dollar homes are owned by some of the wealthiest people in the world, from actors to dot com tycoons.  The architectural and landscaping details, along with the refined and tasteful decor is truly a stunning site to see, almost as beautiful as the natural elements that surround them!

Make a left onto El Camino Del Mar, and continue until you wind down to Seacliff Ave.  Make another left and you will dead end at China Beach.

China Beach is the perfect place to take a lunch break and utilize the public restrooms.  This private and hidden little gem might be sprinkled with locals, but offers a truly quiet respite from the busy trail, not to mention stellar views of the ocean, the adjacent headlands, and of course, the Golden Gate.  Whilst relaxing at China Beach, the kids can splash in the waves, watch fishermen catching crabs right on the beach, and climb upon the small rock formations.  Enjoy your lunch and take in the evocative landscape- this is a special place.

For the ambitious hiker, continue along your journey all the way to Baker Beach by returning to Seacliff Ave and make a left.  After about .6 miles make a left at 25th Ave and meander a short distance down this dead end street until you reach a beach access.  

Baker Beach is a world class scenic location.  With the Golden Gate towering above, the long stretch of soft sandy beach, and the thunderous waves crashing, you feel as if you've escaped into a little piece of heaven.  Here you can pause to watch the enormous cargo ships rolling under the bridge, catch a glimpse of the sunset, or just take a nap!  Walk to the very end of the beach and climb upon the rock formations that jut out under the bridge.  Do beware that "nudes" frequent this end of the beach, so don't be surprised if you see some shivering nakies.  At low tide, you can walk upon the tide pools to see the kaleidoscope of sea anenomes, urchins, starfish, mussels, clams, and crabs.
This is a special place, and Baker Beach is worth a day visit in and of itself.

After the sun has set on your perfect encounter with Lands End and the surrounding stunning beaches, it's time to walk your butt all the way back to your car, or better yet, have your significant other go fetch it!  Another alternative and added benefit to hiking in a major city is that if you want to make it a one way journey, there is a variety of transportation options to choose from: Uber, Lift, Taxi, and public transit can either take you home, to your hotel, or back to your parked vehicle.  You will be exhausted after this stunning hikeabout, and overwhelmed by all this beauty, so plan on ordering take-out and hitting the hay!