Comments (1) Best Long Hike (That Ends With a Beer) - 2006

Ocean Beach to Pompei's Grotto

Starting at the Beach Chalet, walk north along Ocean Beach. Bask in that Pacific Ocean blue before climbing halfway up Point Lobos Avenue, crossing an unpaved parking lot just above the ruins of Sutro Baths and hopping onto the Lands End trail. This rollercoaster path contains breathtaking views of our steep, jagged coastline, the Marin Headlands, and the Golden Gate Bridge. When it ends, follow El Camino Del Mar through ritzy Seacliff and into the Presidio, where, just past the last house on the left, you can turn left onto a rugged, unmarked trail that ends at Baker Beach. Traverse the entire length of the beach, then scramble up the sand ladder, and head north on the Coastal Trail adjacent to Lincoln Boulevard, eventually making your way to the bridge. Here, northeast of the concession stand, is a trail that descends into Crissy Field. You're at the home stretch now: Just make your way across that old airstrip, Yacht Harbor, Marina Green, and Fort Mason, where you'll finally arrive at Pompei's Grotto, 340 Jefferson (at Leavenworth), an odd little joint serving ice-cold beer and sporting heavily lacquered captain's chairs. Perfect. As a final treat, take a cab home.