Before San Francisco was born, much of the peninsula was covered by windswept layers of sand.
Today, the largest remaining sand dunes are in Fort Funston, on the southwest coast of the city. The park, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, is a spectacular sight with rolling wild dunes, patches of warm scrubby vegetation, and steep cliffs that fall to the Pacific Coast. The iron-rich black sand at the base of the cliffs is even supposed to be magnetic, though I haven’t taken a magnet to test it. Next time…
Named as the site of a harbor defense installation, the fort was deemed obsolete after World War II and the land was made part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Today, it’s popular with local hikers, hangliders, and locals looking for a scenic stroll.
Because the entire park allows dogs to be off-leash, it’s also the best place to walk your dog in San Francisco. If you go Monday through Friday, you’ll catch a glimpse of the huge industry that is San Francisco doggie day care. Hundreds of dog walkers (some surrounded by packs of twelve or more!) crowd the beach.
A few weeks ago my friends Cathy and Rebecca met at Fort Funston for a hike. The three of us and our four dogs explored the beach enjoying the unseasonably warm, sunny weather.
Being San Francisco, there is some great urban art installed on the walls of the fort. My favorite is the Dog Buddha:
Inspired, we patiently constructed our own temporary art installation…
The piece held together just for a second, before crumbling and returning for another romp in the sea.
Very cute!!!
Thanks, Vee! Did you ever get down there? It’s a gorgeous beach.
Love it!!! I haven’t been during the week, but probably the only beach in the world that is more crowded during the week then on the weekends.
Thanks for the shout out! Gotta meet up again soon!!
Rebecca, you’re right on both counts 🙂 I went to Point Isabel spur of the moment with a friend last Monday, but I’m anxious to go back so I still want to meet up there next!
Isn’t it so cool over there? I haven’t been in forever. Let me know what your next few weeks are like!
Gorgeous! What a great view of the City! I’ll let you know!
I love these photos! I went to San Francisco recently and really enjoyed its beauty and the history. Thanks for this!
Thanks, Kelly! The natural beauty, parks and public spaces are some my favorite things about San Francisco. Glad you appreciate it, too!
Eeee! Our SF friends (who live nearby in South SF) took us there when we visited. Was a bit grey, windy, and cool, but a great experience!
PS – great doggy photo shoot 🙂
Thanks! We were lucky to get there on a sunny day — and lucky the dogs stood still 🙂