Seal Rocks

Seal Rocks are sandstone formations that rise from the Pacific Ocean at the northern end of Ocean Beach, near the Cliff House and the Sutro Baths ruins. These offshore stacks create a striking geological feature along this stretch of the San Francisco coast.

The sandstone formations were created approximately 80 million years ago during the region's geological development. Over millions of years, ocean waves and erosion shaped the rocks into the stacks we see today.

The rocks earned their name from sea lions that made these formations home and shaped how locals understood the place. Today, visitors still see seabirds and marine life using the area in their daily lives.

The best views of the formations appear at low tide from Ocean Beach or from the dining areas at Cliff House nearby. The location is easy to reach and offers good viewing opportunities, especially on clear days.

The rock formations sit atop multiple geological layers that include placed fill, dune sands, and older rock formations extending deep below the surface. This hidden layered structure reveals how the landscape changed dramatically over geological time.

Location: San Francisco

GPS coordinates: 37.77826,-122.51636

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:44