As a multi-year resident of San Francisco and a many time visitor to Lands End, I never knew the trail I walk on to get there is called the “California Coastal Trail”. I just thought it was a really pretty trail designed to be enjoyed on the way to the platform.
Not so, as I recently discovered. It’s a calm, easy, and beautiful hike where if you go far enough, you’ll hit quite a few Bay Area landmarks, the Golden Gate Bridge being one.
As I found out, the trail itself, when finished, will be 1200 miles long, spanning from Oregon to Mexico. Not all parts will be for walking though. Some will only be for cyclists and/or equestrians. The trails on the hike won’t necessarily be connected, but signs will tell you where to go. The best thing is that ALL of the trails will be within “sight, sound, or smell” of the ocean. Love that.
One of my favorite parts is walking through all the huge coastal cypress trees that bend and shape according to the direction of the wind. They are truly nature at its inspiring best. Even better is that you can stand in the middle of them and not only feel the cool ocean breeze on your face and the wind in your hair, but you can see the ocean for miles. It’s truly a sight to behold.
Who knows? Maybe one day this trail will become the next El Camino de Santiago!
Find your way with 156 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Cornell Hotel de France" in San Francisco is Jean D'Arc-themed and the building's over 100 years old. It's like a taste of France in the city...
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The "Queen Anne Hotel" in San Francisco exhibits the timeless romance and grand style that the Gold Rush brought to the city in the 1800s...
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"Biscoff Coffee Corner" in San Francisco offers speculoos biscuits with its coffee, using the original Belgian 'airline cookie' recipe dating back to 1932!
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Besides being a great place for breakfast or lunch, "Eagle Café" in San Francisco is a historic waterfront café where every single seat has a view!
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"The Crab House" in San Francisco makes some of the best seafood around - and presented beautifully. It's like Fantasia, but for food!
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The Graffiti Murals in San Francisco, close to the Steiner end of Haight street, have been created by artists that are talented beyond imagination...
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The "Ingleside Terraces Sundial" in San Francisco is the largest sundial in the US. It's more than 100 years old & still tells the time very accurately...
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This San Francisco church has a rich history... today, the "Church of 8 Wheels", created by the Godfather of Skating, is the epicenter of the SF scene...
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You might notice that each brick on this staircase at San Francisco's Coit Tower has a name written on it. Here's the forgotten story behind those names.
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"Critical Mass" San Francisco is lots of fun and serious for some. Everyone is invited! No one is in charge! Body paint, optional.
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Thanks to "Cinderella Russian Bakery and Cafe" in San Francisco, I can now find some of my favorite comfort food including the piroshki any time I want!
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San Francisco loves City Arts and Lectures! And, I love it too. Now I can go to the Nourse Theater and enjoy inspiring speakers and discussions.
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156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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