About This Beach
Fort Funston features dramatic 200-foot high sandy bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean on San Francisco’s southwest coast, offering one of the premier hang gliding locations in the country where colorful gliders soar above the shoreline. The beach below is accessed via a somewhat steep sand ladder and is known as one of the most dog-friendly beaches in the Bay Area, with off-leash dogs permitted throughout most areas. Former military bunkers and artillery positions from its days as a coastal defense site add historical interest. The area contains significant sand dune habitat with restored native plants, along with a network of trails popular with horseback riders and hikers. The beach itself is wide and often windswept, making it excellent for beachcombing and long walks but less suitable for sunbathing or swimming.