Kathleen from San Francisco

About me Born on an American Army base in Germany, I came to the states when I was six months old and my parents were stationed back home at Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Washington, where I spent my entire childhood. Little did I know that the military lifestyle was going to become what inspired me to become an artist. I have been a photographer for most of my life. Whether I knew it o...

Aug 10, 2025

Ocean Beach San Francisco

Parasailing in the city by the Bay

""Ocean Beach" in San Francisco is one of the windiest spots in the city, so I love coming here to watch the parasailors. They make it look so easy!"

The Cliff House is a very cool destination for everyone - tourists and travelers alike. But the favorite destination of many locals is Ocean Beach just south of the Cliff House and Lands End.

While it is arguably one of the windiest spots in the city, a favorite passtime is standing at the south end of the Cliff House and watching the parasailing happening right there on the beach for everyone to see and be inspired by.

Unless there’s a boat pulling the parasailor(s), then the operation is entirely manual and requires a level of athleticism and precision that’s unparalleled anywhere except for maybe in the military. A tremendous amount of work goes into this sport, but the reward is one that is worth the effort... not to mention the graceful rise into the sky, gliding on the wind, and finally coming back down to earth on the beach or in the water where it all began.

In addition to watching the folks parasailing, one can also see the beautiful windmill just across the highway at the end of this section of Golden Gate Park. Truly breathtaking.

Check it out. You won't be sorry.

Relaxing

About this spot

Ocean Beach

US$

free

Website

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