San Francisco's Serene Beach Offers Bluffs, Sand Dunes, And Trails For Hiking And Horseback Riding

San Francisco may not be known for typical California beaches, but it does offer craggy coastal areas for hiking, horseback riding, and lounging, among other recreational opportunities. Just outside the city and 20 miles from San Francisco International Airport is the Golden Gate National Recreation Area which has surpassed Blue Ridge Parkway in popularity. The Recreation Area hosts thousands of plant and animal species, more than a dozen different ecosystems, and 10 beaches, each with unique attractions and highlights. 

For example, Stinson Beach boasts white sand and is a prime location for hiking, grilling, and pet-free adventures. Baker Beach, in contrast, has stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, with a picnic area that's protected from the wind and even a nudist-friendly beach corner. Baker Beach is also considered one of the best LGBTQ+ vacation destinations in San Francisco. Yet among all these, Fort Funston beach stands apart with its unique geology, trail network, and offbeat form of recreation.

Fort Funston beach has a reputation for challenging beachgoers with its steep access points, as visitors need to hike down a hill to access the beach. However, you'll be rewarded with birdwatching opportunities, shallow clam-filled bays, and geological wonders. Coastal Bank Swallows abound on this beach as Fort Funston is one of only two Coastal Bank Swallow habitats in the state.

The selling point at Fort Funston's beach is how remote it feels. With 200-feet-high bluffs and sandy beaches, Fort Funston is windy and a bit wild, but it's also the perfect setting for hang-gliding. It turns out that Fort Funston is an intermediate hang-gliding site, complete with a dedicated launch area and viewing deck. Plus, whether you're new to the sport or need to pick up some gear while visiting, various hang-gliding shops can help out. If you prefer to stay closer to the ground, check out the white ash bed resulted from a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. The sand dunes are also a notable feature of the beach, and are the largest surviving remnants of the dunes that once made up the entire San Francisco peninsula.

Hiking is also an optional pursuit with trails as short as a mile, or as long as 15 miles, winding around the coast. Horseback riding is also a popular venture, with a dedicated trail aptly named the Funston Horse Trail. Both dogs and horses are welcome on the trail, which shifts from asphalt to sand to dirt and offers an excellent vantage point for viewing the sea, fog notwithstanding.

Though Fort Funston's beach is gorgeous, highly-rated, and apparently popular with the locals, there are some things to know before planning a trip. For one thing, the wind that makes hang-gliding so popular there can also make for an uncomfortably chilly day trip if you're not prepared. Wear layers and pack warm clothing for this beach trip — some visitors even note that the water isn't all that cold, but a chilly breeze could put a damper on your swimming activities.

Furthermore, if you plan on taking a dip, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy warns that the surf and undertow at Fort Funston beach are "extremely dangerous." It's crucial to watch children and pets while visiting, and keep away from deep water. While the beach is kid-friendly in many ways — with flat, sandy areas and dunes — the hike down and back up is labeled strenuous by the Conservancy. 

Finally, given that Fort Funston was an active missile site in the early 1900s, and housed weaponry like 16-inch guns and Nike missiles, ruins of these armaments still exist on the land, and may not be the best beach discoveries for kids. Know your limits and be aware of your surroundings while embarking on this fun beach trip.