• View of the Golden Gate Bridge, taken from the Marin Headlands, looking across the bay back towards San Francisco, seen in the distance.

    Golden Gate

    National Recreation Area California

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  • Tunnel to Marin Headlands Closed

    The tunnel on Bunker Road from Alexander Avenue in Sausalito towards the Marin Headlands is closed for construction. Please follow the detour signs to Conzelman Road (just above the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge) to go up over the hill. More »

  • Muir Beach (but not nearby Muir Woods) parking lot closed June-November 2013

    Muir Beach parking lot will be closed from June-November 2013 due to construction. Restrooms or nearby parking will not be available at Muir Beach during this period. Pacific Way is closed except to residents. Check back for updates or call (415)561-3054 More »

  • CAUTION: Post Storm Damage to Coastal Trail

    The Presidio Coastal Trail segment just north of the Pacific Overlook and adjacent to Lincoln Blvd remains CLOSED indefinitely. We have posted signage to alert bicyclists and hikers and with information for safe trail alternatives. More »

Sweeney Ridge

View of Sweeney Ridge.
View of Sweeney Ridge.
NPS/Doug Atmore
 

Sweeney Ridge is a hilly hiking area of ridges and ravines between San Bruno and Pacifica, about a 25-minute drive south from San Francisco. The ridge's 1,200-foot-high summit, covered with coastal scrub and grassland, slopes down to the bay on one side and to the Pacific on the other.

Wildlife at Sweeney Ridge includes hawks, deer, and a plethora of both native and introduced spring wildflowers. The sandy coastline and adjacent wind-protected valley of Thornton State Beach are good venues for picnicking, beach walking, surf fishing, and flying remote-control gliders.

The entrance to the beach is just south of Fort Funston. Park on Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard) at the gate across from John Daly Boulevard.

Tips and Highlights

  • Bike to the Bay Discovery site on the paved Sneath Lane Trail. Drive-through visits to the Discovery Site can be arranged for those with mobility impediments.
  • Park rangers lead a number of Sweeney Ridge walks with special themes. Call the Fort Funston Ranger Station for details.
  • On Sweeney's crest, look for the stone plaque honoring Portola's expedition.
  • A nearby granite monument directs you to views from this scenic San Francisco Bay Discovery Site, including the Farallon Islands, Mount Tamalpais, Point Reyes, Mount Diablo, the Montara Mountains, and San Pedro Point.
  • More info on Sweeney Ridge More info on Sweeney Ridge

    To learn more about Sweeney Ridge and upcoming events visit the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, a partner of the GGNRA. Read More

Did You Know?

The building now known as the Crissy Field Center originally opened for business in 1939 as a commissary?

The building now known as the Crissy Field Center originally opened for business in 1939 as a commissary?