Funston Beach — Attraction in San Francisco

Fort Funston is hands down one of the most unique spots in San Francisco. Once a military defense site in World War II, it’s now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and a favorite escape for locals.

The trails here are sandy and winding, with coastal scrub and dramatic cliffs opening up to some of the best views of the Pacific and the city. The walk down to the beach is a little steep, but definitely doable—and the reward is worth it. The beach itself feels wild and wide open, with crashing waves, seabirds circling above, and of course, dogs running free and loving every second.

Fort Funston is also famous for paragliding, and we were lucky enough to see a few gliders soaring gracefully along the cliffs—it adds such a sense of adventure to the already breathtaking scenery.

One of my favorite parts of the trail is how it blends city and nature—you can hear the ocean, catch the sound of crows overhead, and then glance back to see the city skyline in the distance. Whether you’re hiking, walking your dog, watching paragliders, or just here for the views, Fort Funston feels like a little world of its own right inside...

On hot summer days, during shelter-in-place, this beach is SUPER packed. Barely any room for social distancing on the main trail down. Beach has plenty of place to social distance, and there are other trails you may take to get to the un-crowded beach. Overall a great beach, but don't come here on the weekends if you want to social distance. I'd recommend the Black Sands Beach on Conzelman Road in Sausalito, or Kirby Cove Beach also on Conzelman Road, but slightly more crowded (super wide trail for social distancing). Black Sands Beach is a longer walk than Kirby Cove Beach from the nearest parking. Overall, this trail is good and the beach good but just too many people. You can also head down to the Aardvark Beach...

Come on, no words needed just look and you can tell they luv it here. Let me say a few helpful words...... Always keep your head on a swivel, many hidden dangers when you are enjoying yourself and don't let your guard down. These waves here are nice during the outgoing tides. I like to target minus tides. If you like this area keep in mind, there is a lot more beach during the low tides and even more during the minus tides. Please help keep the beaches and trails clean. If you pack it in, pack it out, Please please please pick up your dogs poop and bring it back out to the nearest trash can. This beach is shared with small children too❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ keep it safe for them as well. Thxs and have a...