thornton beach state park

Read about this on yelp so I gave it a try. To be honest, it’s not worth the effort to climb up/down from the parking area at the end of John Daly Blvd. I’d use Fort Funston next time.It took me a couple attempts to figure out how to get down to the beach from the parking area. I originally tried going south – mistake unless you literally want to climb down the rocks. So I backtracked a bit and headed north from where I was which eventually took me to the bluff overlooking the ocean. I walked this for maybe ½ mile before finding a fairly easy way down to the beach. Saw a nude sunbather while I was trekking down … she was shy and covered up by the time I passed by. I really don’t understand that since she was nude; why bother covering up? Heck, I don’t care if you’re clothed or necked. I digress… Once on the beach I walked north up to the beach below Fort Funston. Beautiful walk and stretch of beach. I then returned back south along the beach but found an easier way back up to the parking area via a trail that leads to the horse stables. Still, more difficult than it needs to be. Skip the trail from the stables/parking area; instead park at Fort Funston and head down the stairs there. Much easier and you get the same beach access.I’m glad I found this beach. I’ve watched the hang gliders at Fort Funston so many times and wondered how the beach below is/was. Now I know. It’s not crowded except right around the hang glider “runway”. Definitely a nice stretch of beach!

The park is Daly City. I enjoyed walking the short path to look over the bluff area to Thorton Beach State Park. There are informational signs along the path that describes the coming of the railroad, the great earthquake of 1906, and a fun sign that says "If it's summer, bring a sweater".

From the bluffs we saw hawks, turkey vulchers, pelican and lot so dolphins. We saw dolphins stunning fish with their tails and body

Loved the views!!! Enjoyed the path down to the beach, well worth the walk. Make sure you wear hiking shoes, not flip flops!!

Caught 2 25 lb+ stripped bass off the beach.....but it was a death march to carry 50+ pounds of fish out of a miniture Grand Canyon.