San Francisco
Land’s End in San Francisco has long been known to be one of the best hikes in the area. Not only is it readily accessible, but the beauty of the rugged pacific coastline adjoining the Italian Cypress and Blue Eucalyptus trees make for a postcard worthy picture of beauty, contrast, and harmony. A great view of the Golden Gate Bridge, a short walk up from Ocean Beach, and seemingly miles away from the ordinary, Land’s End offers you a chance to stand on the edge of a continent and breathe the fresh salt air.
It is such a beloved spot for San Franciscans that recently the National Parks Service and Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy decided to commemorate the area with a new, 4150-square-foot “green” visitor center. The center, located at the Northwest edge of the City, will feature a museum store, a café, and interactive and educational exhibits, offering visitors a chance to rest their feet and gain some valuable insight into the area.
In addition to resting your feet and gaining some insight in to the history and native flora and fauna of the area, you can hike the Coastal Trail to Eagles’ Point and look out over the regal whitecaps of the Pacific, or out to Painted Rock. If you are into hiking, you can continue on the trails, past Point Lobos and visit Sutro Heights Park, a famous terraformed park, proudly displaying Adolph Sutro’s iconic land structures and statues. If, however, you’re in the mood for a bite to eat, you can grab a meal at Louis’, which overlooks the Sutro baths. Not a bad way to watch the sunset and see all that makes the Golden Gate golden.
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24. June 2012 at 8:30 pm
This is a wonderful brief piece on Land’s End. I have been to Land’s End a number of times to hike for school and for pleasure, but I was unaware of some of the facts that you have in your piece. Coastal Trail to Eagles’ Point is the trial I went on in my Oceanography class it was breathe taking, but unfortunately I was unaware of the name when I was hiking it, thanks to your Blog now I know better. Also, the picture is amazing if you took it; it really captures how close you feel to the bridge when you walk at Land’s End. People are unaware of the view you can get, without all the tourists on the Golden Gate Bridge, right on the top of Land’s End. I really like the Blog, but if you’re thinking about adding more maybe you should consider adding the elements of the trial itself. The writer in your Blog describes the Coastal Trial to Eagle’s Point, beautifully, but it is a little more strenuous than one might expect. I think adding some specifics about the difficult you might find in the trial just incase a tourist head over thinking it is a leisurely walk with wonderful views.