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Daly City sits just south of San Francisco on the hills between the Pacific Ocean and San Bruno Mountain. It takes its name from John Daly, a dairy rancher whose land became a refuge for people fleeing San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake, and the town was incorporated in 1911. Fog often rolls in from the ocean, giving the city its cool, misty climate.
After World War II, builder Henry Doelger created the Westlake District, where rows of similar homes covered the hills. These pastel houses are often said to have inspired the 1962 song Little Boxes by Malvina Reynolds. Daly City is also one of the most diverse cities in the Bay Area, with a large Filipino American community and excellent food.
The coast is never far away. Mussel Rock Park and the ocean bluffs are popular with hang gliders, Fort Funston and Lake Merced lie just to the north, and San Bruno Mountain rises to the south with trails and wide views.
A rugged coastal park on the bluffs at the south end of Daly City, near where the San Andreas Fault meets the ocean. It is known for hang gliders and paragliders riding the winds, plus sweeping views of the coast. Trails to the beach are steep and unstable; stay on paths and away from cliff edges.
A wild stretch of sand below steep bluffs in Daly City, now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area as Thornton Beach Vista. A viewpoint and short trail look out over the ocean. Strong currents make swimming dangerous; come for walks, sunset views and watching the waves instead.
A former coastal defense site on high bluffs just north of Daly City, now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It is famous for hang gliding, dog walking and sandy trails down to the beach. It is very windy and often foggy, so bring layers, and watch the gliders launch from the viewing deck.
A large freshwater lake at the north edge of Daly City, ringed by a 4.5-mile paved path used by walkers, runners and cyclists. There is fishing, a boathouse and golf courses around the shore. The loop is mostly flat, and it is a good place to see waterbirds; bring a windbreaker.
A mountain park rising above Daly City and Brisbane, protecting rare butterflies and native plants. The Summit Loop and Ridge Trail give wide views of San Francisco, the bay and the ocean on clear days. Pay the entrance fee at the Guadalupe Canyon Parkway entrance, and bring layers for wind and fog.
A postwar neighborhood built by developer Henry Doelger from 1949, known for its rows of colorful mid-century houses with distinctive facades. It is studied as a classic American suburb. Drive or walk the streets around Westlake Park to see the house styles, and respect residents' privacy.
An open-air shopping center opened in the early 1950s as part of the Westlake development, with supermarkets, Asian restaurants, bakeries and everyday stores. It is a busy local hub for food, especially Filipino and Chinese dishes. Parking is free, but the lots fill up on weekend lunchtimes.
Daly City's main indoor mall, opened in 1968, with department stores, chain shops and a large dining area including many Asian and Filipino food options. It is easy to reach from Highway 280. Visit on weekday mornings for calm shopping, and look for seasonal events in the center courtyard.
A historic indoor arena opened in 1941 on the Daly City and San Francisco border. It has hosted rodeos, livestock shows, concerts including the Beatles and political conventions, and today holds gun, car, craft and holiday shows. Check the event calendar, and expect paid parking on site.
A small museum run by the Daly City History Guild, with photos, maps and objects on the area's farms, the 1906 earthquake refugees who settled here, and the growth of Westlake. Volunteers are happy to share stories. It keeps very limited hours, so check with the guild before planning a visit.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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