EC San Francisco is blessed with being in one of the most beautiful urban settings in the U.S. The only disappointment for ESL students attending our center is that Ocean Beach, the easiest beach to get to, and the largest, is also somewhat dull. However, both north and south of San Francisco, there are beaches that are well worth the slight extra effort needed to reach them.
One of these beaches is at the end of Tennessee Valley. Part of the Marin Headlands element of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, this valley is a short drive (or a long walk) from the town of Mill Valley. Truthfully, while you can get to the area by public transportation (check 511.org for details), driving is a lot more convenient.
From the trailhead at the parking lot, the beach is an easy 1 hour walk along a trail that very gradually descends to the ocean. The gentle slope means that the way back, although uphill, is not tiring. And the beach, unlike San Francisco’s Ocean Beach, has rugged cliffs at both ends, providing a visual frame to the scene, as well as the drama of surf crashing on the rocks. A bit out of the way, but well worth the effort.
