Fort Funston
San Francisco, CA
Fort Funston sits atop dramatic sandy bluffs at the southern end of San Francisco, famous for hang gliders who launch from the cliffs whenever the wind cooperates. The beach below, Phillip Burton Memorial Beach, is reached by trail from the bluffs, a genuine payoff after watching the gliders from above.
The hang gliding and dramatic sand bluffs make it a genuinely unique stop among city beaches, though the steep trail down and constant wind aren't built for a relaxed beach day.
How we score beachesWatch the hang gliders from the bluff top overlook before heading down, the launches here are one of the more unusual free spectacles in the city.
Free parking is available at the lot.
Blufftop trails lead from parking down to the beach.
Dogs are welcome; check posted signage for specific leash rules.
Wind is a near constant here, part of what makes it good for hang gliding, with fog common most mornings year round.
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