Fort Funston, on the western edge of San Francisco, is a 200-foot high windy bluff offering some of the best hang-gliding opportunities in the country. Beyond the thrilling aerial sports, this area boasts an array of trails perfect for hiking, horseback riding, and dog-walking. Just a friendly reminder, keep a close eye on your dog on the bluffs. If they slip, don’t attempt a rescue yourself; it’s safer to seek assistance; they are more sure-footed than we are.

Keep in mind that the surf and undertow can be quite treacherous, so please watch over your children and dogs. The path to the beach and back can be steep and physically demanding, but there are wheelchair-accessible loop trails at Fort Funston. However, please be aware that the trails leading to the beach may not be as accommodating. You’ll find convenient parking in the lot off Skyline Boulevard.

While exploring Fort Funston, don’t miss the chance to connect with nature. You’ll discover the unique plant life that has adapted to thrive in the shifting sand dunes, a reminder of San Francisco’s sandy past. Also, keep an eye out for bank swallows, a threatened species with nesting sites at Fort Funston and Año Nuevo. These agile birds raise their young in holes they dig in the sandstone cliffs between March and June. By July and August, the young swallows take flight, and their parents soon follow suit.

Fort Funston is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, where you can find several other places to be outdoors with your dog in San Francisco and the surrounding area.