Sand Ladder at Baker Beach San Francisco

Great walk!

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...
"The "Sand Ladder at Baker Beach" in San Francisco is difficult, but it'll take you to a spot where the vistas are phenomenal, with amazing sunsets..."

I had forgotten what a trek the Sand Ladder at Backer Beach is. The going down is not bad at all, but the return trip… well, let’s just say, I hope you’re in shape. First off, walking in the sand is arduous at best, but walking in sand as you’re ascending a long, steep hill is grueling. Don’t get me wrong, I love this hike. It’s just that carrying a bunch of camera gear while I’m doing it is less than appealing.

In both directions, you have to be hyper-aware of where you’re stepping because not only are there logs between steps (some covered with sand, some not), but there are also cables that hold the logs in place to form the steps so you need to be careful not to trip.

The vistas on the way down are phenomenal. You can actually see the curvature of the earth on the horizon. That in itself blew my mind. In all my years, I’ve never experienced that. The sunsets are some of the most gorgeous and pollution-free that I’ve ever witnessed.

Once you’re down to the beach, you are gifted with more stunning vistas, not to mention the Golden Gate Bridge at the far north of the beach. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see the fog rolling through the Golden Gate.

Dress warm because as Mark Twain said, “the coldest winter I ever spent, was a summer in San Francisco”. Especially at the beach!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

Buy one, Give one!

Share your 💚 this December

*on all products

San Francisco Spotter Kathleen

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 or not is another story. I picked up my first camera at the age of eight and became - much to the chagrin of my strict parents - the family voyeur. Often my dad would tell me that what I was doing was ...

About this spot

Gibson Road

US$

free

4155613000

Oct 5, 2025

Our San Francisco City Guide

Find your way with 158 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our San Francisco guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in San Francisco

Cantata Coffee

Coffee Break Heaven

The coffee drinks all have cool names like Audrey Hepburn, Frank Sinatra, Madonna, John Lennon, and James Joyce. Are you sensing a theme here?

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Kathleen

Messmer

Nov 28, 2025

The Palace of Fine Arts

Afternoon with the Gods

The "Palace of Fine Arts" in San Francisco comprises the only surviving structure from the Pan Pacific Exhibition in 1915. Such beauty, available for free!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Kathleen

Messmer

Nov 21, 2025

Home Coffee Roasters

Friendly vibes all around

"Home Coffee Roasters" in San Francisco isn't like other coffee shops. Where else are you sure to get an inviting "welcome in" when you go inside?

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

Nov 20, 2025

Stanyan Tree

Unexpected and wonderful

This beautiful strong tree between two apartment buildings in San Francisco just stopped me in my tracks when I saw it. It's beauty in the little things...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

Nov 20, 2025

Portrero Hill Community Garden

Green thumbs

The "Portrero Hill Community Garden" in San Francisco is an unexpected surprise when you walk around the neighborhood. It reminds me of my grandpa...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

Nov 20, 2025

Balloon Alley

Interactive murals

"Balloon Alley" (or Umbrella Alley) in San Francisco is easy to miss - come see the interactive Instagrammable murals from up close. Fun place to visit!

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Kathleen

Messmer

Nov 19, 2025

The Crepevine

Best Spot Ever

The Crepevine is a family-owned crêpery in the Inner Sunset that is just what the doctor ordered. Grab a great breakfast at a reasonable price & hang out.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Kathleen

Messmer

Nov 16, 2025

Foggy Notion

Find your vibe here

"Foggy Notion" in San Francisco is a small woman-owned shop that's a calming oasis. Find your favorite ceramics, eco-friendly home goods, candles & more!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

Nov 16, 2025

Damnfine Pizza

Best Pizza West of Divis

The name of the business, for once, is no lie, it is pretty dang fine. A personal favorite is the Pig in the Woods: pancetta, enoki, garlic, fresh mozzarella, and truffle.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Byron

Beach

Nov 15, 2025

Maison Nico

Pâté en croûte en SF

Right in the shadow of the TransAmerica Pyramid, Maison Nico is a must stop for me when I am downtown and need either a perfect pastry or want to bring something home that is special.

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Byron

Beach

Nov 15, 2025

Pier Market

Another great one!

"Pier Market" in San Francisco's Pier 39 specializes in mesquite-grilled seafood. You should try the Mixed Grill and the lobster with drawn butter...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Kathleen

Messmer

Nov 13, 2025

Blazing Saddles

Bike rental shop

"Blazing Saddles" is the most extensive bike rental establishment in San Francisco. Are YOU ready to bike the bridge? If so, you should come here...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Kathleen

Messmer

Nov 13, 2025

Heading to San Francisco?

158 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

San Francisco app Home
San Francisco app Home
San Francisco app Map
San Francisco app Home

Heading to San Francisco?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

158 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Relaxing

Our team loves San Francisco

Get to know our other Spotters from San Francisco

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
[paywall_activator]
false
0
false
64
Made with the 💚 of 497 Spotters.
Filters