Mile Rock Beach Verified listing

Mile Rock Beach is in a small cove tucked below Lands End Point in San Francisco’s portion of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The view from Lands End includes the Marin Headlands, the entrance to San Francisco Bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Also, visible offshore is the lighthouse foundation on Mile Rock which gives this beach it’s name.

Mile Rock Beach is rocky, small, and littered with logs. At high tide the shore will be quite narrow, but when it’s out, you can explore the boulder-covered beach south of here (it’s spectacular).

Lands End and the trails are fun to explore so allow extra time. Above the beach you’ll find the Lands End Labyrinth, a small rock labyrinth with stunning views of the bridge. Below the rocky bluffs between Point Lobos and Lands End there are three shipwrecks that are exposed at low tides. Nearby there are military structures to discover including several that aren’t on the maps.

It requires a long trail walk to get to this beach (about 1 mile from the visitor center), but it’s worth the effort. The 243-stair-step descent to the beach is unsigned so bring a map with you.

We suggest starting at the visitor center (called the Lands End Lookout Visitor Center) at 680 Point Lobos Avenue. They have free maps, a large bookstore, and a café for goodies before the walk.