Land's End Trail

Left: Cliff House; Right: Sutro Bath House Ruins

This trail is one of the most beautiful and historic trail sites in San Francisco.  I can say this with confidence because I have walked much of the city’s 7x7 mile peninsula. The Spanish called Lands End “Point Lobos,” for the many lobos marinos or sea wolves/sea lions that once rested on the rocks offshore.

I recommend you start your journey at the parking lot just right of the Cliff House at 1090 Point Lobos Avenue.  The park district has done a great job of updating the area for easy access and has even further enhanced the beautiful flora and trails. 

From here, you’ll look down on the Sutro Bath House Ruins.  The historic site was originally opened in 1896 and burned down in 1966 while being demolished.  It was originally a lavish public bathhouse designed and built by Adolph Sutro who was once the mayor of San Francisco.  The Golden Gate National Recreation Area now owns the land.  You can walk all the way down to the ruins themselves and check them out up close and personal as the waves are crashing down on the shore just beyond.

Next as you make your way out of the ruins and down the trail through a beautiful Cypress Tree covered path, you’ll see the USS San Francisco Memorial to a WWII cruiser that held up, despite 45 hits and 25 fires during the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942.

Just adjacent to the Memorial, there is a newly updated overlook with a view of Golden Gate Bridge.  In this vicinity, there are three shipwreck remains that you can see from above: the Lyman Stewart and the Frank Buck near Mile Rock, as well as the Ohioan. 

Beyond this area you can continue up to the area around the Legion of Honor and take in the views of San Francisco from the cliffs as well as enjoy the golf course, park, and the museum.

Leashed dogs are permitted on most areas of the trail.

If you are hungry, on your way back stop for a bite at Louis’ at 902 Point Lobos Ave or for a more extravagant meal head back to the Cliff House. The Cliff House also has a gift shop where you can find memorabilia about the Sutro Bath House as well as other souvenirs.  You can also visit the The Camera Obscura at 1096 Point Lobos.  It is based on a 15th century design by Leonardo da Vinci and produces 360 live images of the Seal Rock Area.  If you are still in a walking mood, you can then stroll down Ocean Beach on the other side of the Cliff House while enjoying the sunset.