Fort Funston Beach

Fort Funston is the southernmost beach on the Pacific Coast side of San Francisco and is part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Fort Funston is known for windy conditions and the hang-glider platform at the edge of the bluff. If the forecast calls for high wind, go to another local beach.

There are hiking trails along the bluff and two routes down to the beach. The southern route to the beach has many steps and a sand ladder and is more direct. If you take this route, going left on the sand takes you onto Phillip Burton Beach and going right takes you below the hang-glider launch in Fort Funston. Walking north (right) makes a great loop as you can return on another beach access and take the Sunset Trail back to the car. On this loop you’ll discover a graffiti-covered concrete structure at beach-level that has an artistic golden dog man on it. Keep your eyes open for sand dollars on the beach and fossils in the rocks on this route.

The trail on the bluff passes behind Battery Davis, a World War II military installation which has two tunnels you can walk through. Back at the parking lot there is a wooden observation platform that offers stunning views of the beach and the ocean. Dogs can be walked on leash in most parts of the park. Bikes and horses are also allowed on trails in the park but consult maps before heading out.

Look for the parking lot for Fort Funston on the southbound lanes of Skyline Boulevard just south of John Muir Drive.

Address

206 Fort Funston Rd
San Francisco, CA 94132

Phone

415 561-4700

Park Name

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Other Names

Battery Davis, Nike Missile Site SF-59L

Owner

National Park

Pet Details

Dogs allowed off leash if under voice control

Fees

Free parking

Activities

Hang Gliding, Hiking, Beachcombing, Equestrian Use, Beach Walking, Fishing, Biking, Beach Walking

Amenities

Trails, Viewing Platform, Toilets, Fossils, Military Ruins

Links

Water Quality
Water Temps
Tide Chart