As time marches on, our view of history becomes sharper. And while the view from Sweeney Ridge and the San Francisco Bay “Discovery Site” is quite grand, its history isn’t. Situated at 1,200 feet on a ridgeline between Pacifica and San Bruno, the scenery from the site is awe-inspiring.

On clear days you can see out to the rolling waves of the Pacific in one direction, and the tranquil bay waters and pyramid-shaped Mount Diablo in the other. You can get to Sweeney Ridge a few different ways. We recommend starting from the end of Sneath Lane in Pacifica. It’s a simple paved, winding trail uphill for 2 miles (one-way).

Way back in November 1769, Spain sent Captain Juan Gaspar de Portolá on an expedition to this part of California. Along the journey they came across several friendly Native American tribes, including the Ohlone peoples, who lived on the San Francisco Peninsula. A few years later Spanish missionaries and the military showed up, along with the start of colonization and the eradication of the people that called this their home for millennia. The information boards at the Discovery Site give a description of this time.

TIP: This place gets foggy and windy. Check the weather beforehand to visit on a clear day, preferably in the morning before the wind picks up.

Parking is limited at the Sneath Lane trailhead (map). The hike is dog-friendly.