Looking out from Lands End (nps.gov/goga) at the wild, endless Pacific, you'll realize that ancient mapmakers had a point – if ever there were a place for mermaids, monsters and magic, this is it. Trails through this rugged landscape reward you with glimpses of shipwrecks, sea lions and the Golden Gate Bridge. At low tide, follow the steep path past the ruins of Sutro Baths and through the sea-cave tunnel to sublime Pacific panoramas.
Above the baths, you'll find the Lands End Lookout visitor center and Sutro Heights Park public gardens, built in 1885 and splendidly restored with native plants. From the Lookout, the Coastal Trail winds along Lands End bluffs, offering end-of-the-world views and low-tide sightings of coastal shipwrecks along the way to Lincoln Park (sfrecpark.org). America's legendary coast-to-coast Lincoln Hwy officially ends at this 100-acre park, which served as San Francisco's cemetery until 1909. At Lincoln Park, you can duck into the Legion of Honor or descend the gloriously tiled Lincoln Park Steps (near 32nd Ave). If you've got energy to burn, push onward through the Presidio to reach the Golden Gate Bridge – or book in advance for a round at scenic Lincoln Park Golf Course (lincolnparkgolfcourse.com; weekday/weekend $62/69).
Note that vehicle break-ins in the parking area are commonplace.
