San Francisco Bay Discovery Site

The San Francisco Bay Discovery Site is a memorial located at the summit of Sweeney Ridge in Pacifica with markers that commemorate an important sighting. From this vantage point, visitors can see across the bay and the surrounding landscape.

The memorial marks the moment when an expedition led by a commander first spotted the bay from this ridge in 1769, a turning point in the exploration of the region. This sighting led to new geographic understanding and mapping of the area.

The Ramaytush Ohlone people, who lived on the San Francisco Peninsula for generations, guided Spanish explorers to this ridge and shaped how the land was understood. Their role in this encounter remains central to understanding the site's meaning today.

The memorial is reached via the Sweeney Ridge Trail from Fassler Avenue, with the path climbing steadily to the summit. Visitors should bring sturdy shoes and plenty of water, as the trail is exposed to wind and sun.

Two stone monuments stand at this location, built at different times and representing different perspectives on the historical event. The dual markers show how the memory of this moment evolved over the decades.

GPS coordinates: 37.60460,-122.45788

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:48