"Let’s start big picture here. You know the well-worn piece of advice, not to spend too long in California, or it’ll ruin you? This hike will ruin you. Snaking along the rocky clifftops at the city’s wild edge, the Coastal Trail at Lands End follows the Golden Gate Strait out to the Pacific Ocean, delivering jaw-dropping views along the way. The 1.7-mile path wends around corners and over hills, through wide-open spaces and cathedral-like groves of trees, tracing the path of a long-gone railway that once ferried pleasure seekers to Sutro Baths and Ocean Beach. You’ll get there, too, but don’t hurry—this is a hike to be savored. Slow down, and you’ll notice the way the views unfold in chapters as you walk, the Golden Gate Bridge disappearing and reappearing; other landmarks materializing momentarily, never to be seen again (ahem, Baker Beach); and the rumpled green pleats of Marin Headlands unspooling themselves along the horizon. Slow down, and you’ll notice the wail of the foghorn, and the smell of fresh earth around you. Slow down, and you’ll notice a million wonders: the squadron of pelicans soaring in formation, the gnarled trees that look like something out of a fairy tale, and the sheer scale of the cliffs and the sky and the rocks around you, the way they make you feel blissfully small. Any standout features or must-sees? It might be tempting to skip the optional turnout for Mile Rock Beach, but trust us: All those steps are worth it. This is your opportunity—after looking out over the water all throughout the hike—to finally experience it up close, big as life. Slip off your shoes, wade in the shallows, and take a deep breath. Here, with the wind on your face and the waves crashing around you, it’s impossible not to feel peaceful. Was it easy to get around? The trail is incredibly popular with locals and tourists and, as such, it’s impeccably signed, and there are ample benches (and stumps and fallen logs) for sitting whenever you need a break. While there are steep, curvy sections in the middle of the hike, each end of the trail has a flat, wide accessible section leading to an overlook with benches and beautiful views. All said and done, what—and who—is this best for? Killer views, pocket beaches, interesting history…this trail has it all. It’s a can’t-miss." - Megan McCrea
