Mile Rock Beach at Lands End in San Francisco, CA

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About Mile Rock Beach at Lands End in San Francisco, California

Mile Rock Beach is in a small cove tucked below Lands End Point in San Francisco’s portion of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The view from Lands End includes the Marin Headlands, the entrance to San Francisco Bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Also, visible offshore is the lighthouse foundation on Mile Rock which gives this beach it’s name.

Mile Rock Beach is rocky, small, and littered with logs. At high tide the shore will be quite narrow, but when it’s out, you can explore the boulder-covered beach south of here (it’s spectacular).

Lands End and the trails are fun to explore so allow extra time. Above the beach you’ll find the Lands End Labyrinth, a small rock labyrinth with stunning views of the bridge. Below the rocky bluffs between Point Lobos and Lands End there are three shipwrecks that are exposed at low tides. Nearby there are military structures to discover including several that aren’t on the maps.

It requires a long trail walk to get to this beach (about 1 mile from the visitor center), but it’s worth the effort. The 243-stair-step descent to the beach is unsigned so bring a map with you.

We suggest starting at the visitor center (called the Lands End Lookout Visitor Center) at 680 Point Lobos Avenue. They have free maps, a large bookstore, and a café for goodies before the walk.

Below the visitor center you’ll find the ruins of Sutro Baths. Another parking lot for Lands End is at Fort Miley off Point Lobos Ave at El Camino Del Mar where several military structures can be found.

Address: El Camino Del Mar
San Francisco, CA 94121
Phone: 415-426-5240
Park Name: Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Fort Miley, Lincoln Park
Other Names: Seal Rocks Beach, Lands End Lookout, Lobos Rock, Black Head Rock, Pyramid Rock, Deadmans Point
Owner: National Park
Pet Details: Dogs allowed off leash if under voice control
Fees: Free parking
Activities: Hiking, Beach Exploration, Photography, Walking
Amenities: Trails, Picnic Tables, Viewpoint, Military Gun Structures, Lighthouse, Shipwrecks, Labyrinth
Links: Tide Chart
Water Temps
Ocean Beach Webcam