Lands End

Lands End is a cape at the westernmost point of San Francisco, where steep cliffs drop directly into the Pacific Ocean. The area is crisscrossed by hiking trails that follow the shoreline past scattered rock formations and past the remains of early structures.

The cape served as a seasonal settlement for the Yelamu Ohlone people who fished and hunted here long before European arrival. In the 1800s, wealthy businessmen developed it into a resort destination with bathhouses and a railway to bring tourists to the cliffs.

The 1897 legal case Harris vs. Sutro at Lands End marked a significant victory against racial segregation when John Harris successfully challenged the whites-only policy.

The trails are free to access and can become slippery in fog or stormy weather. Wear sturdy shoes and take care during rough conditions, as winds here can be quite strong and the ground uneven.

A cable railway built in the 1880s once ran directly from downtown to this location, making the upscale resort accessible to everyday visitors for just a few cents. This affordable route became so successful that it helped shape San Francisco's early tourism boom.

Location: San Francisco

GPS coordinates: 37.78771,-122.50553

Latest update: December 20, 2025 01:31