Photo by Phil King

*This beach is closed to the general public at this time due to damage and continuous danger from landslides, however locals still access this site for hiking, horseback riding, and beach activities. There are some multi-purpose trails, some covered with vegetation or sandy dunes, that wind down closer to the ocean, but these trails have not been maintained and may be badly eroded.

Thornton State Beach is a 58 acre park located on the Pacific coast of Daly City in the San Francisco Bay Area. It was established in 1955. It is a nice spot to have lunch, enjoy the hiking trails and take in the ocean views. There's only a few parking spots and the locals like it that way so it doesn't get overcrowded. Climate tends to be windy and cold throughout much of the park, so dressing in layers is recommended. During the summer months, fog is common along the coastline. The path can be beaten so hiking boots or comfortable shoes are also appropriate. To access the beach, turn west at the intersection of Skyline Boulevard and John Daly Boulevard and proceed to the dunes on Thornton Beach Road. The Bay Area Ridge Trail begins where the road meets the dunes. The area is dog-friendly but you must keep him leashed to protect the indigenous wildlife around.

The description above was copied from or heavily based on Swim Guide, with permission.

More Information

• Swim Guide - Weather and water quality for Thornton State Beach and 8,000 other beaches.