166 montague street San Francisco s Top 10op 77 ^Land s End Although extremely beautiful in a wild, untouched way, this

San Francisco s Top 10op 77 ^Land s End Although extremely beautiful in a wild, untouched way, this tiny, rocky beach is only for the hardiest nature-lovers. It s quite a hike to get here, although taking the trail up above it is quite a bit easier than going by the lower, coastal trail. Many habitu 166 montague street s have built little sun-traps for them selves, by piling up rocks to wall- in their patches of sand (see p115). d Map A3 &Ocean Beach Some 4 miles (6.5 km) long and quite broad, this is the city s largest beach by far, but probably the worst for entering the water safely. It starts at Cliff House and continues on beyond the city limits, turning into picturesque dunes at the southern end. Great for walking or jogging, and when the sun comes out, it s a fine place to sunbathe (see p115). *Half Moon Bay About 22 miles (35 km) south of the city, the Half Moon Bay shoreline forms a long, gently curving sandy beach accessible at several points off Highway 1. A horseback riding trail runs from Dunes Beach to the bluff area of Francis Beach, and picnicking, kite-flying, surfing, and surf fishing are popular activities. d Hwy 1 (San Gregorio Beach Part of San Gregorio Beach, 11.5 miles (18.5 km) south of Half Moon Bay, is clothing- optional, but it requires a good hike down the cliffs to get to. The entire stretch is partly state park, and includes a protected, driftwood-strewn estuary at the back of a wide, sandy beach, with grassy bluffs along the coast. All along there are protected areas and inlets. The estuary is home to many birds and small animals (see p127). )Pescadero Beach This beach has a 1-mile (1.5-km) shoreline with sandy coves, rocky cliffs, tide pools, surf-fishing spots, and picnic facilities. Across the highway is Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, a popular area for bird- watchers and other naturalists, being a refuge for blue heron, 166 montague street kites, deer, raccoons, foxes and skunks. The beach is 14.5 miles (23.3 km) south of Half Moon Bay on Highway 1 (see p127) Land s End San Francisco s Top 10op 77 ^Land s End Although extremely beautiful in a wild, untouched way, this tiny, rocky beach is only for the hardiest nature-lovers. It s quite a hike to get here, although taking the trail up above it is quite a bit easier than going by the lower, coastal trail. Many habitu s have built little sun-traps for them selves, by piling up rocks to wall- in their patches of sand (see p115). d Map A3 &Ocean Beach Some 4 miles (6.5 km) long and quite broad, this is the city s largest beach by far, but probably the worst for entering the water safely. It starts at Cliff House and continues on beyond the city limits, turning into picturesque dunes at the southern end. Great for walking or jogging, and when the sun comes out, it s a fine place to sunbathe (see p115). *Half Moon Bay About 22 miles (35 km) south of the city, the Half Moon Bay shoreline forms a long, gently curving sandy beach accessible 166 montague street at several points off Highway 1. A horseback riding trail runs from Dunes Beach to the bluff area of Francis Beach, and picnicking, kite-flying, surfing, and surf fishing are popular activities. d Hwy 1 (San Gregorio Beach Part of San Gregorio Beach, 11.5 miles (18.5 km) south of Half Moon Bay, is clothing- optional, but it requires a good hike down the cliffs to get to. The entire stretch is partly state park, and includes 166 montague street a protected, driftwood-strewn estuary at the back of a wide, sandy beach, with grassy bluffs along the coast. All along there are protected areas and inlets. The estuary is home to many birds and small animals (see p127). 166 montague street )Pescadero Beach This beach has a 1-mile (1.5-km) shoreline with sandy coves, rocky cliffs, tide pools, surf-fishing spots, and picnic facilities. Across the highway is Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, a popular area for bird- watchers and other naturalists, being a refuge for blue heron, kites, deer, raccoons, foxes and skunks. The beach is 14.5 miles (23.3 km) south of Half Moon Bay on Highway 1 (see p127) Land s End

Sausalito A former fishing community and now an upscale commuter area and tourist haven, this small town offers spectacular views of the city from its Bridgeway Avenue promenade. Historically, it has been an artists town, with an eccentric mix of residents (see p54). Bungalows cling to the hillsides and boats fill the picturesque marinas, many of them houseboats that locals 166 montague street live in year-round. Excellent restaurants, accommodations, and some unique shopping possibilities, too. d US 101

Lake Merced Located at the beginning of scenic Skyline Boulevard, this attractive lake, set amid verdant hills, extends across the southern end of the Sunset District. Relatively undeveloped and certainly underr rr used, it nevertheless gets its share of recreation enthusiasts. They come for the municipal Harding Park 18 hole Golf Course, and the biking and running trails that circle the lake s green shoreline. d Hwy 35

Even the seediest neigh borhoods are pretty safe in broad daylight, but they, and parks, should be sidestepped at night, when muggings are most likely. That said, there are very few areas that are really perilous within the city, and virtually none in areas that a tourist is likely to frequent.