Fort Funston - San Francisco Beach

Full Amenity List

• parking

Descriptions from Across the Web

• From the main entrance, there is a 'rope ladder' trail which descends steeply through sand about 250' (elevation change) to the beach. Small multi-use (equestrian/foot) paths access the sizeable bluff area south of here. A main trail extends north from parking into the upper Fort Funston area. From the John Muir Entrance, a second trail descends from the cliffs but requires more hiking to reach. From the end of Sloat is a long parking area which is often full. This 'flatlands' approach requires a 0.8 mi. beach walk to get to where the cliffs begin. The best way to access the best beach is from the main parking area. Note however, that in spite of its huge capacity this lot can also fill up on a popular day.Fort Funston is especially noteworthy in terms of its interesting coastline features, both man made and natural. That it exists within San Francisco, so close to the urban sprawl seems both a blessing and a curse. A blessing obviously, because it is wonderful to have such an astonishing area so close by, and a curse because the area receives such heavy use that it is destined to be in need of heavy protection measures by GGNRA to keep it from being 'visited' into complete oblivion. Considering how much traffic the upper area of Fort Funston receives, especially from dog owners and their pets, it is actually pretty impressive how the area looks today. This was once, not long ago, a sublime example of dune strand habitat when almost all of that type of habitat had been destroyed locally by the presence of San Francisco itself. Perfect, pristine dunes of soft, light, small grained sand arching in and around stands of low, windblown cypress trees. Dune grasses, native plants, and large areas of iceplant, but mostly those incredible sand dunes, made it so wonderful and so exciting to explore. It was an island, a large island. This kind of thing had been largely wiped out in the Sunset District, along Ocean Beach and in the Presidio (with minor exceptions). Dune strand habitat is today considered endangered ... more on Josephstubbscreations
• Scenic section of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is a favorite ... more on tripadvisor.com
• Here's your chance to hike from the bluffs to the beach. Once the natural order of the coastline, Fort Funston marks the last surviving sand dune system in San Francisco.Embedded with a few defunct ... more on gocitykids.com
• As the summer sun warms up the days, Golden Gate National Parks' beaches are among theBay Area's most popular destinations. From Thornton, Ocean, and Baker beaches on the SanFrancisco peninsula to Rodeo, Muir, and Stinson beaches in Marin County, there are plenty ofplaces for fun in the California sun (or fog). Though the beach is a great place for rest andrecreation, it can be also hazardous for you, your family, even your dog-sneaker waves, ripcurrents, and hazardous cliffs are on the list of potential dangers for beach-goers. However, byfollowing a few simple rules and exercising basic caution, you can enjoy all of the parks' beachesand keep yourself and your loved ones out of trouble. Water Hazards Foremost, be aware of your surroundings and know your limits, whether you're playing in or near the water, swimming, surfing, or board-sailing. Never turn your back on the water;unusually large "Sneaker" waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea without warning. Sneaker waves, which can be as much as four times as high as an average wave, form when two or more wave trains align in length and duration and merge. Unlike the breaker pattern, sneaker waves are completely unpredictable. Many beaches have dangerous rip currents-fast-moving ... more on goingtothebeach.com

Directions

From Skyline Blvd. John Muir Drive expanded shoulder parking at 0.6 mi. south of JCT Great Hwy or main entrance with ample parking at 0.9 mi. south of JCT Great Hwy.

Hours

sunrise to sunset

Miscellaneous

• Admission: Free

Other Web Resources

• www.josephstubbscreations.com
• http://www.visitcalifornia.com
• http://www.sanmateocountycvb.com
• http://www.visitberkeley.com