Best Hikes in San Francisco: Batteries to Bluffs Trail, Lands End & China Beach

The Batteries to Bluffs Trail and Lands End — including China Beach nestled between these trails — are my favorite coastal hikes in San Francisco.

That’s all thanks to San Francisco’s amazing location on the Pacific Ocean with its rugged shoreline — there are so many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts — even within the city’s limits.

In this article, I’ll delve into what to see along these trails, the stunning cultural history, and provide plenty of tips so you can make the most of your visit!

Lands End

Lands End is located in the northwestern corner of San Francisco and it truly feels like what the name already suggests: being on the edge of the world — well maybe that is a little bit too dramatic — but it certainly allows one to escape the bustling city while immersing yourself in cultural history and natural beauty — and is indeed located at the very edge of it.

Before starting your hike, it is worth paying a visit to the Lands End Lookout Visitor Center, where you’ll find information about the history and nature of this area. Also, they have a pretty good selection of gifts, souvenirs, and books, so that is definitely worth checking out!

Let’s jump into the details!

Nowadays, Lands Ends undoubtedly feels like a rather secluded, natural place.

But about 130 years ago, that was all very different. Back then, Lands End attracted many visitors — not to do a simple hike and admire the coastal beauty — but rather to go to a concert, visit an art exhibit, or swim in one of several different temperate pools.

All of these activities were part of a huge complex:

Sutro Baths

Exploring the Past: Sutro Baths Beginnings

If you find that fascinating as well, start the Lands End hike with exploring the remains of the once-gigantic Sutro Baths. Their developer and namesake, former San Francisco mayor and wealthy entrepreneur Adolph Sutro, initiated the construction in 1894. Two years later, the seawater baths were completed. The structure was further extended into a massive complex of over 3 acres that included seven oceanwater pools at various temperatures, slides, springboards, stadium seating for up to 3,700 guests, as well as natural history exhibits, galleries, restaurants, and many other recreational and educational opportunities. The Baths could accommodate 10,000 people at one time and offered 20,000 bathing suits and 40,000 towels for rent.

From Glory to Decline: Challenges After Sutro's Era

At the time of its opening, Sutro Baths were virtually unrivaled in the United States in scale, technical achievement, and modernity. After Sutro’s death in 1898, his family continued managing the property. However, factors such as the Great Depression and the reduction in available public transportation (the baths were once served by two rail lines; the Ferries and Cliff House Railroad ran along the cliffs of Lands End overlooking the Golden Gate) led to a decrease in popularity. Attempts, such as converting the baths into an ice-skating rink, were not successful. In 1964, the land was eventually sold to developers who planned to replace the baths with high-rise apartments. Two years later, during the ongoing demolition of the baths, a fire destroyed the remaining structures, and the apartment plans were abandoned.

Legacy in Ruins: Sutro Baths today in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area

The ruins of the Sutro Baths have been part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area since 1973. Though there is not much left of the once-enormous complex, I find it fascinating to wander around the ruins and imagine what it was like to visit this once-fancy place about 130 years ago when life was so different than it is today.

Read more on the website of the National Park Service.

More than 100 years ago, there was a gigantic complex at this site encompassing several sea- and freshwater pools and many more educational and recreational facilities. Today, you can wander around the ruins and try imagine what once was.

Coastal Trail

After visiting Sutro Baths, the hike continues along the picturesque Coastal Trail, perched atop the stunning Pacific coastline. This trail offers many amazing views, but also leads to hidden gems along the way. The trail goes along beautiful dark cypress as well as eucalyptus trees and grassy areas. There are several overlooks that provide a great view of the coast and the Golden Gate Bridge. It can get busy especially during the weekends and in summer as it is a popular trail for both tourists and residents!

*A stretch of the hike meandering through the pleasantly fresh smelling Eucalyptus trees.*

Mile Rock Beach

Descend (and later ascend) numerous stairs that lead to Mile Rock Beach, a small and secluded cove along the rugged shoreline. It is quite a few steps to get down to the beach, so going up is a nice little workout, but if you love beaches and views, it is definitely worth going!

Once you have reached the end of the trail, you have basically three options:

Hike back the same trail
Return on the El Camino Del Mar and visit the Legion of Honor, which is an art museum, featuring, for example, French impressionist paintings, Ancient Greek sculptures and contemporary African textiles. For more information on the museum, please check out their website. Please find map and trail navigation of Lands End loop including the Legion of Honor, on AllTrails.
My preferred option if you have the time: Continue through the Sea Cliff neighborhood and venture further towards the Golden Gate Bridge on the Batteries to Bluffs Trail and check out several scenic beaches along the way!

How to get there

By public transportation

The 38 bus brings you closest to the starting point. This lines runs from downtown (Tenderloin, Union Square, Financial District) through Japantown and Richmond to the Lands End lookout. Opt for the 38R (R stands for rapid) — it's quicker as it skips some of the many stops along the way.

Also, the 5(R) or 18 bring you within short walking distance to the trailhead.

By car

If public transportation is inconvenient from your location, the next best way to get to Lands End is by taking an Uber or Lyft (or Waymo if you're registered and off the waitlist).

If you'd rather drive your own car or a rental, there's a parking lot available at the Lands End lookout. Keep in mind, though, that if you plan to finish your hike at the Golden Gate Bridge, you'll need another ride back there. Also, parking in a spot bustling with tourists does pose a higher risk of a car break-in, so be cautious, and do not leave anything visible or valuable in your car.

By foot

If you’re located in the Outer Richmond district, walking might be an option. Similarly, if you’re at the western end of Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach, walking is feasible as well.

China Beach

Tucked in between Lands End and the Batteries to Bluffs Trail, lies China Beach in the picturesque Seacliff neighborhood. From the beach, you’ll have great views of the Marin headlands and the Golden Gate Bridge. According to local legend, China Beach earned its name from the Chinese fishermen who, a long time ago, would moor their junks in the cove and make camp along the shore.

*A low-key day on the beach: Only a few fishermen are waiting for a good catch.*

The best time to visit the beach is undoubtedly at low tide, when you can walk between the large rocks on the east side of the beach. If the tide is low enough, you can even walk directly from China Beach to neighboring Baker Beach. Along the way, there is plenty of marine life — mussels, sea anemones and other creatures— to be spotted, sitting patiently on the rock faces waiting for the seawater to return. Just look around the moist, shady rock faces towards the bottom. It is so fascinating to see!

*Amazing view toward the Golden Gate Bridge on the way between China Beach and Baker Beach (only accessible during low tide).*

If you want to learn more about tide pooling in general and another adventure including this activity, you might be interested in my article about micro-backpacking at point reyes.

*At low tide, Baker Beach is just a short stroll on wet sand away from China Beach.*

Rehabilitation Project

Currently, a major rehabilitation project of the China Beach facilities is underway, which began in May 2023 and is expected to be completed within 24 months. Hence, there is a lot of construction work ongoing as of March 2024.

Don’t let the construction at the site deter you from visiting the beach, though! Beach access is available. Parking is limited though.

*A rehabilitation project is currently underway, which includes the refurbishment of the bathhouse and picnic terrace.*

Batteries to Bluffs Trail

Baker Beach

This relatively large beach is the first stop before reaching the Batteries to Bluffs Trail. When it's warm and not too foggy or windy — which most commonly occurs in fall or spring — it is a popular spot for people to sunbathe, have a picnic, observe marine wildlife, or play in the sand.

The most direct way to reach the trail from Baker Beach is by taking the so-called Sand Ladder, essentially a staircase at the north end of the beach. The steps are made of sand and held together by stringed-together logs of wood. While climbing a typical staircase with many steps can already be a sweaty exercise, this one adds a whole new level to the workout. Perhaps that's why this ladder is popular not only with hikers but also with runners going up and down the stairs.

Once you've reached the top, take a deep breath while soaking in the views, then make a left turn on Lincoln Boulevard. You will soon see the actual starting point of my personal favorite hike in San Francisco: the Batteries to Bluffs trail.

Alternatively, you can also reach the starting point of the hike by walking up the more gentle California Coastal Trail closer to the parking lot.

*Many sandy stairs lead up from Baker Beach to the Batteries to Bluffs Trail.*

Why is the Batteries to Bluffs Trail my favorite hike in SF?

That’s simple: incredible views along the ENTIRE way, always featuring the Golden Gate Bridge, the rugged coastline, the ocean, and often countless pelicans flying over your head.

I remember the very first time I did this hike so well. I can't even call it hiking, as I stopped every 20 seconds, either to snap a picture or just admire the beauty of the scenery. And this is not even exaggerated! At some point, I realized that I’d still be hiking tomorrow if I continued like this, so I tried to enjoy the scenery while walking a bit more consistently (which was a very hard task to do!). Sure, one could say — no wonder at this time as I came right out of a German winter, which is insanely depressing, but I did this hike several times after this, and the admiration has stayed!

If I had to give only one recommendation to see the Golden Gate Bridge and the coast, this is it!

The trail features hundreds of stairs winding through the rugged shoreline. Even though you are technically still in San Francisco, it feels like such a secluded place. The blue-gray-greenish shining rocks that blend together with the green of the vegetation and the sandy hillsides are Serpentinite, which is is a rare rock type mainly formed in subduction zones (where one tectonic plate slides beneath another). These deep-sea rocks underwent alteration due to pressure and hot fluids in the subduction zone, eventually reaching the surface through uplift after the subduction process ended. The lighter weight of these altered rocks causes them to rise and appear at the Earth's surface. Because of the unusual soil chemistry, endemic plants highly adapted to this very specific composition evolve in such places.

*The sections of the rock faces exhibiting an uncommon gray-blue-green hue are composed of the* ***rare Serpentinite***.

Marshall’s Beach

After hiking many stairs and inclines, down and up, you’ll arrive at a crossing to continue further toward the Golden Gate Bridge, or make a short detour to Marshall’s Beach. Strolling down a short path of 0.5 miles off the Batteries to Bluffs trail will lead you there. The beach features many large rocks, while being very close to the Golden Gate Bridge. Because of this, it is one of the best places to snap a photo of the iconic bridge.

This is one of my— if not the — favorite beach(es) in San Francisco, as you can even find some solitude in this incredibly beautiful setting with the Golden Gate Bridge, views of the Marin Headlands, shorebirds occasionally feeding at the beach, and the large rocks — at least if not visiting during peak times. This is because you will only get there by foot — either from the Golden Gate Bridge plaza or Baker’s Beach, which have the closest parking lots and bus stops nearby. Hence, there are also no amenities (i.e. restrooms or water) available at this beach.

At high tide, you won’t see a lot of sand anymore as the beach itself is then fully submerged underwater. So, you’d rather have to scramble along the rocks to avoid taking a dive into the ocean or stay safe at a higher vantage point above the beach, which also offers an amazing view.

*A beautiful winter evening unfolds at Marshall’s Beach, bathed in the golden hues of sunset and low tide. The spot captured in the photo is accessible only during (very) low tide.*

Golden Gate Bridge

From Marshall’s Beach, climb up some more stairs. Once you’ve reached the top, you’ll find additional batteries and excellent photo opportunities of the Golden Gate Bridge along the trail. Once you’ve reached the freeway going across the bridge, you can continue through the tunnel to get to the other side, where you’ll find the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center with gifts, books, and other souvenirs. You’ll also find restrooms, a cafe, as well as information on the bridge itself.

Know Before You Go

Trail Facts

The total length of the trails, if you combine the Lands End and the Batteries to Bluffs Trail, is 4.5 miles, which will take about 2 hours. However, this will vary a lot depending on how long you stop at various places. You can easily spend more than half a day hiking, exploring the tide pools, taking photographs, and relaxing at the beaches. For more information on tide pooling, check out my article about Micro-Backpacking at Point Reyes.
Here on AllTrails, you can find assistance in navigating the trail.
I highly recommend hiking in the described direction – that way, you get to enjoy the beautiful views right in front of you, instead of having them behind your back :-)

Best Time to Go

The best seasons to explore these trails are during spring and fall, when skies are often clear with less wind and fewer foggy days:
- In spring, you may encounter wildflowers, and the vegetation is lush.
- At the beginning of fall, it is actually warmer than in summer — September and October are the warmest months of the year and fog is much less likely to occur than in summer.
- A non-rainy winter day is a great choice too. Parts of the trails may be muddy after recent rainfall, but it is not foggy or windy.
- Summer is my least favorite season, except for the very rare days when SF experiences a heatwave. Otherwise, this part of the city is usually covered in thick fog, feels chilly, and is super windy.
Going at low tide will allow you to walk from China beach to Baker Beach directly, explore a larger stretch of Marshall’s beach and allow you to even spot some marine critters. Check out the tide chart here.

Safety & Regulations

The Pacific Ocean along the coast of San Francisco (and generally in most of California, except for the very South) is super cold, has strong currents, and often features big waves. Therefore, San Francisco’s beaches are not suitable for swimming (for most people) — for surfing that looks different though!
Dogs are allowed on the Lands End Trail, but not on the Batteries to Bluffs Trail.

How to Get There

By Foot

From the Lands End Trail, you’ll reach the Batteries to Bluffs Trail by strolling through the picturesque Sea Cliff neighborhood. Follow El Camino Del Mar.

I highly recommend visiting China Beach on the way (make a sharp left turn into Sea Cliff Avenue once you’ve reached it), in particular at low tide. During low tide, you can walk along the beach to reach adjacent Baker Beach. During high tide, access Baker Beach from the Sea Cliff neighborhood at 25th Avenue.

By Public Transportation

From downtown, the bus line that will get you closest is the number 1. It runs through Chinatown, Nob Hill, Pacific Heights/ Japantown and the Richmond District. Get off at California St & 25th Ave. From there, it will take you another 10-15 minutes to get to Baker Beach by foot.

By Car

I’d recommend taking Uber/ Lyft to get there instead of using your own vehicle, but there is also parking available at Baker Beach. Beware that the parking lots can get crowded on weekends, especially when the weather is good. Don’t leave anything in your car to prevent a break-in.

I’d love to hear from you

What is your favorite hike/walk in San Francisco?

Share your thoughts in the comments below! :-)

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