photo adventure #6: land’s end

Land’s End is one of the great San Francisco treasures. This mile-long path from the Legion of Honor to Sutro Baths has spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the open Pacific, and the Marin headlands. Rugged trails and sheer cliffs make for an interesting walk. It’s always windy and shady so make sure to bring a jacket, you’ll regret it if you don’t. Oh, and hiking boots. They could save your life in this area (literally).

Starting at the entrance to the Legion of Honor, you’ll want to walk west on the path that leads through the Lincoln Park Golf Course. The trail is not readily prevalent but you’ll eventually find it if you keep heading towards the water. The trail starts with some pretty steep stairs that lead down to cliffs over the Bay. From here, you can either get closer to the cliffs by going down a second flight of stairs to a great vista point (well worth it if you’re not scared of heights or steep trails) or you can continue on the path towards the Sutro Baths and Cliff House.

Next along the trail is the USS San Francisco memorial where you can see what’s left of The Ohioan in the bay and Land’s End Beach. This is also a great vantage point of the Golden Gate Bridge and the rocky shoreline. Towards the end of the main trail is a path that leads down to the Sutro Baths remains and the Cliff House. This is a great spot for bird watching as they congregate in what’s left of the pool that lines the rocky coast.

Overall, the Coastal Trail is well worth visiting any time of the year (except right after a big rain, I learned that one the hard way). The best time of the day to take pictures here is late afternoon, right before sunset. Oh, and you probably don’t want to be bringing any young children with you as it is very dangerous along some of the trails.

For more info:

Land’s End General Info

Land’s End Aerial View

Land’s End Walking Tours