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Land's End Park
Rating Details »
Neighborhood: Outer Richmond
Seal Rock Dr & El Camino Del Mar
San Francisco, CA 94101
Seal Rock Dr & El Camino Del Mar
San Francisco, CA 94101
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
131 reviews for Land's End Park
If you're an avid runner, start out on the trail, pass Sutro Baths, the Cliff House, and Ocean Beach, then go left through Golden Gate Park, left again at the Pan Handle, curve around at Sunset, and end up back in Seacliff. It seems like a lot but the breathtaking views (especially when you're running along the ocean) make up for it.
This would also be a great place to take a date, there are numerous little side trails that lead to random bluffs, private enough for two to have a picnic, or whatever.
Personally, I like to explore alone, one time, I was wandering down one of the trails and ended up right next to the ocean and what looked like a portion of someones kitchen or bathroom that had fallen into it. You could see the remnants of old tiled walls and some sort of flooring, and for some reason, I thought this was interesting.
I recommend straying off the main trails to explore the little semi-open paths off to the side. There is a whole different world out there. For example, one of them leads to "the maze".
And, not for the faint of heart, go at night, under the moon light, take a flash light, and with two or more people if possible. It's become like a sport for some people. :)) Just be careful, in some areas, one misstep and you could fall off the cliff!
Land's End feels like Land's End! It is beautiful and such a luxury to have within San Francisco. It has great views, romantic spots, and is part of the coastal trail. While it is a well known tourist spot, I have never been overwhelmed by the crowds. On multiple occasions, I have enjoyed hiking around. And while I usually try not to hike alone, I feel like I can get away with it here since there are always some people around. I enjoyed a nice walk here to do what I do best ... to think ...
And yes, I am appreciating the local parks before the Govern-ator cuts their funding.
I like this spot. My friends took me for the first time a couple months back and it was so cool, we were on the cliffside watching sea lions swimming about and also a bunch of pelicans, seagulls, and other seabirds I couldn't exactly recognize diving for fishies.
We thought we found a pretty secluded spot, but were eventually joined by a couple of college aged potheads trying to smoke their joint in the wind.
Splendid experience in San Francisco City! There's a very relaxing feeling that promotes peace of mind while looking out the sea and sea-birds. Going here is a must!
Ok, I'm a little biased about this place because i live around the corner but it is unreal. At times you don't even realize that your in a major city. They recently re-grated the trails and paved part of it making it a little more accesable to all. For bikers (MTB only) this is actually a little shortcut from the ORD to the bridge. I can generally cut 5 minutes off my time taking the Lands end trail (although you didn't hear that from me because i think theres no bikes on part of the single track). Anyhoo, enjoy it, take nothing but pictures yada yada.
One of my favorite places in the city!
What a treat to have such gorgeous ocean and bridge views.
Kinda sorta alot of people, but overall a magnificent place, and I took a dent to my SF credibility when a couple of weekends ago constituted my first visit here. I made up for it by dropping some knowledge on the labyrinth and looking up some knowledge about the Sutro Baths - if my cohorts didn't know either, I guess my credibility isn't that bad.
There's a bus line pretty much directly there from downtown. Go. Take your sweetie, some shoes that can handle a little bit of mud and a windbreaker. I don't care if it's sunny downtown, you'll thank me for the windbreaker. It's the edge of the biggest ocean on the planet!
I used to think Lands End was an outdoorsy clothing brand. Now I know that it is an outdoorsy clothing brand AND a beautiful park. A lot of people like to go up to Sausalito for a nice view of the GG bridge. I too was one of these people until I gave Lands End a try. I biked up here one sunny afternoon and as I hiked through the trails there was a clearing with one of the best views of the bridge I've seen. It's also relatively uncrowded which is rare for an SF park on a sunny day. That's fine. Stay in Golden Gate Park. Lands End is MINE.
P.S. There are mountain biking trails here but watch out because some trails have biking forbidden and you can get a ticket.
This has to be one of my favorite spots in the city. You can come here and just escape from it all. It has great views of the coast and of the park. I love it here, I often come here on a date for a romantic getaway.
One of my dreams came true today.
Back in my undergraduate years, I used to drive around in my car looking at San Francisco. Even then I was a weekend tourist. One common track was to go from Seacliff to the Cliff House on El Camino del Mar. The clifftop sights were breathtaking. Then, in 1983, a heavy rain storm washed out the road, and it was never repaired.
Many years I thought of walking past the barricades, to take a look at the washed-out road, to see what had happened, and where. Today, as My Lady and I admired the new parking lot above the Cliff House, she suggested we walk down Land's End Trail. After 25 years I was still curious about the road, and I countered with a request to walk El Camino del Mar.
Happily, it was on the map, and the National Park Service had built a trail to follow it! With subdued excitement, we walked past the barricades to see the truth of the winter of '83.
After walking a few hundred yards down the road, the pavement turned into a developed park trail that looked a lot like a bicycle path. Several hundred yards after that, it degenerated to a dirt path, but it was clearly marked and we kept on walking. Here and there, we would catch glimpses of the old blacktop, above us or below us, that let us know we were still following El Camino del Mar. In some places, rather large trees now grew out of the pavement, reminding me of civic ruins I had seen in other countries.
Under the overhanging cliffs of Lincoln Park we found several ravines, over which the Park Service had built some wooden foot bridges. However, the ravines made it clear that no road would be built here without serious improvements today. Along the way an interpretive sign told us that Adolph Sutro had built the Ferries & Cliff House Railroad along this route, and, yes, one of their biggest problems was that it kept getting washed out.
The grand finale of the walk was at the Seacliff side, in Lincoln Park. Near the far barricades, the road dropped about 10 feet, and the pavement slumped straight down the side. As we gazed at the golf greens, the ocean, and the Golden Gate Bridge, I finally resolved the winter storm of '83.
Wait, there's a trail? Where?!
I only visited the park :( Any who, the park is situated in a secluded neighborhood - one where Borat would definitely say, "ver-ry nice!" I'm assuming it's one of the nicer neighborhoods of SF 'cause the houses are amazingly huge and gorgeous.
The park is very lovely, with amazing views of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge. I wanted to go down to the beach area, but my group and I were on a tight schedule so we didn't have time :( I regret it now! But the park seriously offers AMAZING views. If it wasn't for Yelp, I wouldn't have found this gemstone of a park! I definitely recommend Land's End to anyone, whether they be locals or tourists.
I met a friend here for a walk. The view is spectacular. When I went, there were not too many people (but i guess it was a Thursday morning), so we got to enjoy the amazing park almost by ourselves.
Plenty of free parking or easy bus access.
Make sure you stop by on any trip to SF.
City life can be tough. Do you want a place that can transport you away from all of that noisy concrete stress? If you answered yes, this is your place. If you answered no you are a schmuck and you should move to NYC so you can be miserable all the time.
Not to pick sides or anything, but I believe that we all need a break from the city every once in a while. Lands End park is the perfect break for the SF city dweller. Drive out to the Seacliff area, walk about five minutes, and all of a sudden you are walking on a dirt trail situated 500 feet above the Pacific Ocean. All around you are trees, hills, rocks, and ocean....seriously you have to make an effort to get a glimpse of the city.
Not only does the park offer spectacular views, it allows you to escape into the world famous Nor-Cal beach scene, complete with sheer cliffs, rocky beach access, and breathtaking panoramas, all conveniently confined in the north west part of the city.
Take the time to read the historical signs and check out the shipwreck remnants....places like this are what make San Francisco such a unique and memorable city.
I lost my "re-newed" virginity here and can't think of a better place in San Francisco to do so.
Beautiful, spectacular views of the west side of the Golden Gate, the headlands to the north, and the Pacific ocean with all the craggy drama you expect of the northern California coast below you. The coast trail, which winds around where a streetcar used to go ages and ages ago is a must, and the offshoots down to the beaches are absolutely worth it.
On a clear day, you can see the Farallon Islands 20 some miles offshore.
The Legion of Honor is also here, and is another of San Francisco's spectacular museums absolutely worth a visit.
The park is also adjacent to the Sutro Baths, which is another cool, historic spot to visit (and makes for some amazing photographic opportunities if the weather is clear and you're there at sundown).
Leave the dirty city streets behind for a breathtaking walk through the shadowy cypress and rocky seaside cliffs of Lands End Park. Situated between the famous Cliff House and majestic Legion of Honor, the parks' captivating ocean views will force you to leave your heart in San Francisco.
Guys..... If you really want to "sweep her off her feet", try a trip to Lands End Park. These romantic windy cliffs are guaranteed to take her breath away!
I love Land's End. I have been here twice so far, and I haven't gone th the same areas more than once. It's amazing. I love it. I love being outdoors, and this is my favorite place in the whole city. It's close to my house, and I don't get tired while I am walking about. Plus, beautiful views! There's such a neat history and it's great that they post signs about the old rail tracks and shipwrecks. This is the most peaceful place in the city, in my opinion. Best of all, it's free!
My favorite running trail/unwind spot in SF! Gorgeous views (go all the way out to Eagle's Point and you'll have a great view of the ocean and cliffs), good place to run/hike alone since there are always a few people around. But the best part is the views and the sound of waves... enjoyable and inspiring!
A history of favorites:
CHILDHOOD
Food: fresh fruit
Beverage: lemonade
Activity: playing outside
TEENHOOD
Food: Cheetos
Beverage: Coca-Cola
Activity: writing morose poetry
YOUNG ADULTHOOD
Food: macaroni and cheese
Beverage: wine - all of it
Activity: dancing until 1:00am
PRESENT
Food: fresh fruit
Beverage: lemonade
Activity: playing outside
Seems I've come full circle. Isn't it a little early in the storyline for that?
Lands End is a wonderful place to play. With many hiking trails, rich history laid out before you on signs that explain everything, and kickass views of the Golden Gate, you just need to remember your windbreaker and gloves.
Make sure to smile at the tourists. They're cold. Isn't California supposed to be warm all year round?
Can you believe that we live in a city where you don't even have to leave city limits to go hiking?
You want a simple stroll? You got it. You want treacherous terrain? You got it. You want cliffs and danger? It's here. You want stairs? Sure...but you can also avoid them if you want. Absolutely stunning. No need to cross that 'ole bridge.
Expansive ocean as far as you can see. I saw three whales here once.
I took my girlfriend here last week for a cute date. It was really nice to just look out in the ocean and have that wonderful view of the Golden Gate bridge. Me and my girlfriend sat on the edge of the cliff right where that voodoo circle thing is and had PBJ sandwiches. Yeah, what can I say, I'm a hopeless romantic. Just a word of advice, don't try to take a picture of the view w/ your phone when your standing on the edge of the cliff, because you will drop it and it will either fall in the grass bellow or the water. Trust me.
Lands End Park. Or, as I like to call it, the Blair Witch Project experience.
You may be "in the know" or you may be thinking "WTF?"
If you are in the WTF category I'll give you the goods....
On the ocean side of the walking trail you will see a few little trails heading into the underbrush.
Say bye to gram and gramps on the boring-ass main trail and pick one of these offshoots.
You will head into some thick underbrush and discover one or more of the following:
- homeless encampment - but usually abandoned during the day - if you go down here at night you are truly batshit!
- natural shelters created by the thick vines and brush - sometimes you are literally walking thru a cave of branches - creepy fer sure
- rocks, sticks, or other debris arranged much in the same fashion as, OMG THE BLAIR WITCH! FAWWWWWWWWWWWWK! Let's get out of here!!
Yah. For realz!
In any event, much more exciting than the main trail, IMO.
There are some steep sections so make sure you are wearing decent shoes. And it can get muddy, so, be prepared to destroy aforementioned decent shoes.
There are a couple parts, when you are close to the beach, that may be life-threatening. For example, unstable earthen cliffs and steep muddy slopes that will lead to certain pain and possible death should you fall down onto the rocks below.
Rockin' views, rad curvy trail, and nice beaches. And, you can walk right to and outta here from the neighborhood. Prrreeettty sweeeeeeet. :) Czech eeet oowwwwtenn-ziechzenpaahk!!!!!!
This is one of my favorite places. My friend and I will walk this often, starting out meandering through Seacliff first. There is such an incredible feeling being among the trees and looking out into the water, especially when it matches the sky. It's like seeing infinity. I always feel like I'm vacationing somewhere else, somehow it doesn't feel like I'm in SF.
Being here brings out the hippy tree hugger in me, and makes me more mellow. And that is a good thing.
Even on a gorgeous action-packed San Francisco Sunday, there is solace to be had in this place... you (or if you prefer, you and your special someone) can take a quiet, calm stroll in the midst of the cypress trees and find a bit of peace at the end of Geary Blvd.
Yeah, I know, the words "Peace" and "Geary" don't really sound very harmonic together, do they?
Amazing views of the Farallones (when it's clear out), the Golden Gate bridge, what is left of the Sutro Baths.... wander thru the trails, bring the kidlets and/or animal companions, and don't forget the camera!
This place holds a very very special place in my heart. I'll just leave it at that.
My father is a man of few words. Sometimes I think that the quiet listener in me comes from him. The crazy [trust me, it's there], spontaneous me? That would be from my mother.
So one afternoon, I drove out to Land's End with my dad and Cici. We've both lived in this city for 20+ years. It was our first time at Land's End. A quiet, relaxing stroll with the dog, very few actual sentences spoken. I, of course, brought my camera. We soaked in the view along the Coastal Trail, made our trek down to the Labyrinth, and that was our father-daughter bonding time. Hopped back in the car an hour or two later and headed home.
One day when I'm ready for more than a quiet stroll through Land's End, I'll return with my mother.
Lands End is quite wonderful and I continue to appreciate it,well even though I fell and hurt myself previously(I have recovered and returned).
Simply wonderful and I have told other people I know to come check it out that like the outdoors.
1 Previous Review:
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8/26/2007
Stunning views and trails.
A nice place to pause and enjoy the outdoors.
Pulling up to the Lands End Trail on Thanksgiving with Roxie the Wonder Dog, I remembered how upset I was with local philanthropist Richard Goldman and his grant of 3.6 million to "restore" the trail. The restoration is underway, the beginning of the trail is no longer wild and wooly and overgrown, and word is out - people were everywhere.
We set out on the trail near two families, one little girl worriedly saying I think we're lost, I think we should go back, Auntie, I'm scared, and a boy from another family picked up her riff and said yeah mom, I just want to go back to the car, what are we doing here anyway, I'm bored.
After bonding over the tedium that the adults were forcing on them, Tatonya, Monique and David discovered Roxie, and chased her, running and skipping and screaming delightedly, not catching her for the 2 challenging miles to Sea Cliff. Roxie loves a good game of tag and was happy to oblige.
Monique's mother had just gotten custody of Tatonya, and was facing the reality of a kid with ADHD...a whip smart child who rocks in a chair so fast it falls over, who can't get to sleep, who never stops. She thought the trail would be a good place for her to run and get it out of her system, and maybe have a good nights sleep. She was hoping that on Monday's doctor visit some low dosage meds could be prescribed to help Tatonya.
I sat down with the kids and Roxie near Sea Cliff, and they were so happy she was still so they could finally pet her. It's hard to find room for three sets of hands on a little dog, so they had to take turns, which led to some good natured quibbling.
The walk back was beautiful. The kids were getting tired toward the end, and Tatonya slipped her hand into mine for an extra boost, with her Auntie on the other side. David and Monique kept running and chasing each other. At the trailhead, Monique gave me a cup with some shells that she had collected, saying "I want you to have this".
Lands End Trail is an urban trail like no other in the country. The views of the bay, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands are breathtaking. Last Saturday was a lovely fall San Francisco day. But for our little group, the beauty was completely on the trail itself, with quick friendships formed and a couple of hours to forget our troubles.
For this holiday season, my prayers are:
For David: May your heart remain open to friendships with girls you meet on the trail.
For Auntie: May you learn how to handle Tatonya, the energy ball of ADHD, and may you be able to continue to provide her with a loving home, and get some rest for yourself.
For Monique: May you remain patient with your cousin, and keep your calm, joyful, loving spirit intact in the middle of the chaos.
For Tatonya: May you find peace and equilibrium, and may your meds be light enough that your sparkle still shines through. (and quit knocking chairs over already!)
DYK meets DYL!
Nothing like a Riptide Red Ale or three at Park Chalet after this hike kicks your out-of-shape ass.
Go with a cute non-smoking friend for that positive peer pressure. You might enjoy the company and view, forgetting about smoking that cigarette.
Hee-hee, I got my friend who "doesn't hike" to come hiking here with me on my most recent trip to this park! This one is definitely more like a hike than a walk, since there are times where you can imagine that you are not in the city!
So, we found a corresponding walk in Stairway Walks in San Francisco & basically followed it. Plus, I learned a lot of background info from the book. There are amazing views of the west side of the Golden Gate Bridge, cliffs, trees, & ocean!
Did you know that if you take the stairs/trail to Mile Rock Beach, then up the path to the right, there's a rock "maze" by Eduardo Aguilera on the ground there? There was a little kid & his dad wandering in it when we were there. At some points along the Coastal Trail, you get views of China Beach & Baker Beach. The El Camino del Mar Trail is a slightly further inland than the Coastal Trail.
The Legion of Honor (which I already reviewed) is located towards the east side of the park. There's a Holocaust Memorial across from the Legion of Honor. If you golf, the Lincoln Park Golf Course is located in the park also...the trail borders it on the east side of the park. The USS San Francisco Naval Memorial is located towards the west side of the park. Then, the Sutro Baths Ruins are located on the far southwest end of the park.
This is another very popular area, with lots of walkers & joggers. It was a beautiful sunny day out, & everyone was out enjoying the weather. In fact, dare I say it, it was hot out the day I was there! I even got slightly sunburned because I forgot sunscreen.
There's a couple of places to park if you drive, depending on where you want to go...there's a lot by the Sutro Baths Ruins, on Merrie Way (48th & Point Lobos), a lot for the USS San Francisco Naval Memorial, by the Legion of Honor & along the street on that side of the park.
Doing something I love to do I spent my Saturday afternoon uprooting invasive radishes on Memorial Slope (below the USS San Francisco Memorial) at Lands End. I know, I know. Most people don't visit their favorite parks to disturb the existing ecosystems, but engaging in a bit of habitat restoration is my thing. I enjoy the volunteer work and since I don't have my own garden to crawl around in I do it through weekend volunteer projects. After a week of high stress in the workplace who can blame me for going outdoors and taking my frustrations out on unsuspecting plants that grow where they don't belong?
Lands End Park is part of the huge Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Located just north of the City's Ocean Beach and Seal Rocks, the park has some well maintained hiking trails and striking views of the ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands. Even with insects buzzing in my face from the disturbance of their home I sit back on the steep slope and enjoy a breather. The scene is so serene, and the sound of the waves crashing on rocks below is so relaxing. If not for the chatter of my fellow volunteers I might actually lean back and take a snooze. Whether you're into running, hiking, biking or if you're just out for a stroll the trails are wide enough to accommodate everybody. If exercise isn't your routine take a seat at one of many vista points to absorb the scenery and the sounds of nature.
The habitat restoration project (officially known as the "Lands End Stewardship") takes place every Thursday and Saturday afternoon at 1 PM and members of the public who are interested in volunteering are always welcomed and appreciated. Monica, one of the GGNRA staff and a project coordinator will reward you with fresh tamales, baked goods, other snacks and water during the break. Lands End will reward you with its breathtaking nature. Tools and training are provided. I know I'll be back.
Lands End is truly amazing. When I lived in the Richmond I'd go for runs from home through the Sutro Baths side to the Sea Cliff side and back home (it comes out very close to Robin Williams' House--if he's home he puts the flag up!). I really like the run because there are nice flat parts as well as more challenging parts (e.g., the stairs) and some great views.
One thing I just recently found out about is that on the Sutro Baths side (down to the left at the end of the parking lot, right next to the ocean) there's a very cool tunnel/cave thing. Check it out!
I used to live right here (yes I've lived in almost every neighborhood in the CIty). I was stupid then. I didn't realize how good I had it. Every morning at sunrise I would take my coffee and walk to that deck and enjoy the sunrise over the Golden Gate before heading out to work. Silence except for the waves and the birds.
It is magical out here. A little taste of the Elysium Fields. When I go to Heaven, this had better be a part of it or I'm outta there.
Dubya-tee-eff?!? I NEVER knew about this place!
I have lived on the West Side since August of 2006, and thought I had explored my neighborhood VERY well. I've ventured through the Presidio, Golden Gate Park, Sutro Baths & even tried on multiple occasions to gain access to the abandoned hospital.
And then when October brought a beautiful Sunday afternoon along, my girlfriend and I decided to savor it. She had been to Land's End before & wouldn't let another day pass without me experiencing it with her.
It was AMAZING! A little too crowded with tourists on the weekend, but some of the best views in San Francisco I have seen as of yet. There are tons of spots to wander off the main path & find solace of your own.
After being led to this spot, I've realized how much I still love living in the Richmond...just a few moments away from yet another beautiful attraction created by the dude upstairs.
I will definitely be back here, hopefully on a day when I am the only one wandering these beautiful paths.
---
For more information about the abandoned hospital (PHSH):
http://www.flickr.com/...
I love this peaceful place. There are hiking trails that go all the way around to the north side of the peninsula, and the ocean breezes always keep you cool here.
Sundays, I do yoga in a semi-secret area slightly above Lands End Park, up through the eery greyish trees. The smell of pine and ocean salt calms my spirit and the sun rays shining down warms my heart.
I love living in the Outer Richmond.
After doing the trail stairs you can continue upwards to the park. Another spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge and waves from a distance. As you are drying up from the sweat consumed from the exercise of the trails, it's also a very romantic spot to sit and enjoy. You get to enjoy the serenity and tranquil feeling of what nature has to offer. We even saw a seal popping its head for a few seconds! What a treat to live in San Francisco, everything is so close by, yet so beautiful and heavenly.
Right when you enter the trail at the beginning of the Land's End sign you will see a terrace which overlooks the ocean and Golden Gate Bridge. I was hoofing it behind Gil while he was drinking his Starbuck's coffee with one hand, he pauses, and turns to me pointing to the terrace.
Gil: "Many San Franciscans have taken their lovers, mistresses, partners to ask the all important question....."
Connie: "Marriage?"
G: "No. Will you break up with me?"
C: "Are you serious?"
G: "I know a lot of people who have broken up there and this is where people take them."
C: "Well... I guess if you are going to break someone's heart you might as well do it somewhere beautiful."
Moral of the story:
Whatever you do stay away from that terrace because it is bad luck. I may be super gullible but Gil seems to know a thing or two about mystical enchanted forests and I would heed his warnings for that terrace brings bad luck to lovers.
BE WARNED!
Five stars for beautiful vistas and hiking trail. Minus one star for all the potential heartbreak the terrace may have caused.
A really different angle to San Francisco. I love being on this side of the GG Bridge. There's something powerful about looking out to sea and knowing there's no other side (at least not for awhile)...
We went on a cloudy day. Minus: a little gloomier. Plus: no naked dudes sunbathing.
This is truly one of the most beautiful trails/parks in the Bay Area. It is a great place to have a date and spend time going at the different lookouts together. The views are spectacular and very romantic. I love the rock beach and the maze! If you are there at the right time, you can even see some old shipwrecks off the coast.
